The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) is being discontinued in its current form.
In its place, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is introducing a refreshed approach to support more primary school pupils with academic strengths and talents, starting from 2027.
Singapore is revamping its system for identifying and developing higher ability students.
Beginning in 2027, support for higher ability students will combine school-based provisions in every primary school with centre-based advanced modules held at 15 centres.
In August 2026, Primary 3 pupils will go through a standardised one-stage identification exercise, replacing the previous two-stage process.
With the changes, more students can gain access to "stretch" programmes.
Thinking about the schools that host the advanced learning modules?
We have a separate guide to the 15 designated centres, with each school's subjects and co-curricular activities, for parents who may be weighing them at Primary 1 registration.
What is replacing the GEP?
In place of the GEP, the refreshed approach has two parts:
With these changes, more pupils will benefit than before.
School-based provisions will reach about 10 per cent of the cohort from 2027, up from seven per cent today. The centre-based advanced modules will reach at least two per cent of the cohort, double the one per cent previously served by the GEP.
There are two types of centre-based advanced modules, both taught by specially trained teachers:
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How does the new support compare with the GEP?
Here is how the centre-based advanced modules, the school-based provisions, and the outgoing GEP compare.
New
New
Being phased out
- Final selection exercise was in 2025
- Final batch of GEP pupils will graduate in 2028, and programme ceases
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How will pupils be identified?
From August 2026, Primary 3 pupils will sit a standardised one-stage identification exercise, replacing the two-stage process previously used for the GEP.
Beyond this exercise, schools can also identify pupils using supplementary sources such as teacher observations and schoolwork.
Pupils who are not identified in Primary 3 can also be identified at the end of each semester in Primary 4 and 5.
MOE has said schools will share more details about the identification process with parents later in 2026.
📰 The answers below draw on reporting by The Straits Times. ↓
Is it compulsory for selected pupils to attend these classes?
The new system is designed to be flexible, so pupils are not required to attend every class. They can decide whether to attend based on their interests and schedules.
Once more information is available, you can check directly with your child's school.
Can a pupil take more than one "stretch" subject, or switch subjects later?
A pupil will qualify for additional learning opportunities if they are assessed to be proficient in those subjects.
At the end of each semester, pupils may also try a different subject if they have been assessed to be strong in it.
It's best to check with your child's school about this.
Will a pupil have to change schools?
No. Pupils will stay in their primary school for school-based provisions. Some will travel to one of the 15 centres for the advanced modules.
This is the biggest change from the GEP, where pupils were required to transfer to one of nine GEP schools.
Who teaches the centre-based modules?
The modules will be taught by teachers from MOE headquarters, and this may include former GEP teachers.
These teachers will not be part of the school that hosts the learning centre.
There will be 20 such teachers in 2027. MOE will increase the number progressively as more pupils take part.
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How were the 15 centres chosen, and could the list change?
The centres were chosen for their geographical spread and accessibility by public transport.
There is no fixed duration for how long a learning centre stays at a designated school. MOE has said the list of schools will be changed upon periodic review.
For now, the 15 designated centres are:
Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School
Clementi Primary School
Geylang Methodist School (Primary)
Innova Primary School
Jurong West Primary School
Kheng Cheng School
Palm View Primary School
Pioneer Primary School
Punggol View Primary School
Queenstown Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School
Tampines Primary School
Teck Ghee Primary School
Yew Tee Primary School
Yu Neng Primary School
What does the identification exercise test?
The identification exercise focuses on a pupil's aptitude for English and mathematics.
Sources: Ministry of Education, Committee of Supply 2026; The Straits Times.
Thinking about the schools that host the advanced learning modules?
We have a separate guide to the 15 designated centres, with each school's subjects and co-curricular activities, for parents who may be weighing them at Primary 1 registration.
Want to chat with other parents about the changes? Join the conversation on the KiasuParents forum.
