The 2025 GCE O-Level results will tentatively be released between Wednesday, 14 January and Friday, 16 January 2026.

Are your teen’s choices between the A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, and a polytechnic diploma? Cut-off score data is commonly used by students and parents as a reference when considering admission chances to junior colleges or polytechnics. To get this information, you can check official sources such as the Ministry of Education’s SchoolFinder, or refer to community-compiled data.

Students who do not meet the entry requirements for the above pathways may consider courses offered by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Below, we'll highlight some of the considerations involved in deciding between the A-Levels, IB, and polytechnic routes. Attending open house events is one useful way to get to know a school — we’ve got a compilation of event dates as well!

Which JC to choose?

For junior colleges or JCs, it helps if your teen has some clarity on whether they are leaning towards the Arts or Science stream, and the reasons behind their preference.

In terms of A-Level subject combinations, many local students opt for one of the following:

• Science stream: BCME (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Economics)
• Science stream: PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics)
• Arts stream: HELM (History, Economics, Literature, Maths)
• Arts stream: GELM (Geography, Economics, Literature, Maths)

At this point, you shouldn't have to worry too much about your teen’s subject choices. Upon admission, junior colleges will usually provide a walk-through for students, to help them choose a suitable combination. You can also read our guide for more information.

What if your teen performs very well at the O-Levels — typically a ‘net’ score of 6 points or better, after deducting all bonus points — but prefers not to commit to an Arts or Science track? The IB diploma programme may offer more flexibility. Within the local school system, there are two IB schools for both sexes: Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and St Joseph’s Institution.

In total, there are 19 JCs that teens can apply to via the Joint Admissions Exercise, and qualifying scores might range from three or four points to 19 or 20 points. This score is obtained by adding up the scores for six O-Level subjects, and subtracting bonus points.

The exception is the Millennia Institute, which offers a three-year pathway to the A-Levels instead of the usual two years. To qualify for a course at the Millennia Institute, students only need to add up their points for five O-Level subjects.

Teens who have attained a single-digit score for their O-Levels would typically look at these JCs:

• Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), IB
• Dunman High School
• Eunoia Junior College
• Hwa Chong Institution
• Nanyang Junior College
• National Junior College
• Raffles Institution
• River Valley High School
• St. Joseph’s Institution, IB
• Temasek Junior College
• Victoria Junior College

Those with double-digit scores can consider applying for the following JCs.

• Anderson Serangoon Junior College
• Jurong Pioneer Junior College
• Millennia Institute
• Tampines Meridian Junior College
• Yishun Innova Junior College

The above list is not exhaustive — it does not include JCs with affiliations, which are harder to get into as a non-affiliate. 

For the full picture, do look at the complete list of JCs to see what they can offer your teen.

Which poly to choose?

Is your teen more interested in a polytechnic education? There are five polytechnics in Singapore, and these are:

• Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)
• Republic Polytechnic (RP)
• Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
• Temasek Polytechnic (TP)

Your teen should also be aware that polytechnic courses are generally grouped into the following clusters:

• Applied Sciences
• Built Environment
• Business Management
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Information & Digital Technology
• Maritime Studies
• Media & Design

Before heading down to visit polytechnics, it helps if your teen can do their homework first. Have them look into the different course clusters — what students typically learn, the kinds of projects and internships involved, and the career pathways that each cluster can lead to. This makes it easier to ask better questions during open house visits.

School open house: What to do and what to ask?

While open house events only offer a snapshot of school life, they can still be very helpful. Encourage your teen to do two things:

• Attend subject talks where possible
• Speak with current students to get a better sense of the school’s learning environment and culture

It won’t be feasible to visit every school, so your teen might want to shortlist three or four JCs, as well as one to two polytechnics, to check out.

When you’re at a school, speaking directly with students can give you personal insights that you wouldn't get from a talk. Open house events can feel crowded and even chaotic, but there are still chances to ask a few thoughtful questions, such as:

A school visit can become much more meaningful and memorable when your teen takes the time to speak with the people there.

What are the JC and Poly Open House dates in 2026?

Not all schools have released their open house dates, but here’s what we have spotted so far:

For the most accurate and updated information, please contact your schools of interest directly.

Want to talk to other parents about post-secondary pathways? Start a conversation on the KiasuParents forum!