Secondary school choice requires more than grades, say principals

Singapore's secondary school principals have called on families to adopt a broader perspective when choosing their child's next institution, moving beyond reliance on PSLE scores and admission cut-offs alone.

The school leaders stressed that prospective students and parents should prioritise attending open house events to gain genuine insight into each institution's culture, teaching approach, and whether the environment aligns with their child's needs and aspirations.

Principals noted that while academic performance is a key consideration, other factors such as student wellbeing, extracurricular opportunities, and the school community play equally important roles in supporting student development and success.

By visiting schools in person and engaging with current students and staff, families can make more informed decisions that extend beyond numerical benchmarks, the principals suggested. Such direct engagement allows prospective students to assess whether a school's values, facilities, and learning environment genuinely suit their individual strengths and interests.

The guidance reflects growing recognition among educators that secondary school selection should prioritise holistic fit over cut-off points alone, helping students transition to an institution where they are positioned to thrive academically and personally.