01
How to choose secondary schools for my child?
For a better chance of getting a desired school, follow the Ministry of Education’s advice when submitting school choices for your child:
- Use all six options with a range of cut-off points (COPs) so that you are more likely to get a school of your choice.
- Consider at least two to three schools where your child’s PSLE Score is better than the school’s COP.
Do have discussions with your child, and explain the school selection process to them.
An important thing to remember: If you focus too much on secondary schools that are out of reach, there is a high possibility that your child won’t qualify for those schools. Even if you have “Plan B” schools in the list, choice order does matter in the event of limited spaces.
What you want to avoid is a scenario where your child’s school posting is left to the mercy of computer algorithms.
02
In 2026, when are year-end secondary school open house events being held?
03
What to do during the secondary school open house visit?
The best thing you can do at a school open house is to listen carefully to everyone that you speak to.
When you’re talking to students, ask them questions to find out how they really feel about being in the school. Do they have a healthy network of friends? Are they coping with their studies well, and where do they get support?
Here are some questions that you can ask students:
What’s something you really like about your school?
Do you feel proud to be part of this school? Why or why not?
Are there any school events or traditions that people look forward to?
Who do you hang out with during breaks or lunch?
Is it easy to make new friends here?
If someone feels left out, what helps them feel included again?
How’s schoolwork been for you — too easy, too hard, or just right?
When school gets stressful, what helps you deal with it?
Where do you go, or who do you talk to, if you need help with your studies?
What’s a class or project you’ve enjoyed lately?
What makes a good school day for you?
How do you usually feel coming to school in the morning?
What’s something your school does that makes you feel cared for or valued?
You should also try to speak to some teachers in the school. Pay attention not just to what teachers say, but how they talk about their students: do they sound genuinely interested, encouraging, and respectful?
Notice whether these teachers seem approachable and collaborative, and whether they describe learning as something that goes beyond exams. Look out for how the school balances academic expectations with students’ wellbeing, and how teachers work together to help different kinds of learners thrive.
Here are some questions that you can ask teachers:
How would you describe the learning environment here?
What kind of student tends to do well in this school?
How do teachers support students who are finding things difficult?
How does the school stretch or challenge students who are ready for more?
What do you think makes this school’s approach to teaching unique?
How do you help students manage stress and workload?
How do you work with parents when a student needs extra support?
What do you personally enjoy most about teaching in this school?
At school open house events, there will typically be booths to showcase the school’s Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). These are a key part of secondary school life, shaping students’ friendships, leadership skills, and school spirit.
When you visit these booths, pay attention to how both students and teachers talk about their CCAs. Do they sound genuinely enthusiastic and proud of what they do? This can tell you a lot about the school’s culture, i.e. how it values participation, supports growth, and helps students discover what they’re passionate about.
04 · From firsthand experience
One parent’s experience with year-end secondary school open houses
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