Primary and Secondary Education in Singapore
Currently a 12-year system of general education is in effect, with children starting school at age 6.
- Primary School is 6 years (ages 6-12) Grades 1-6. Culminates in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
- Secondary School is 4 years in the Special/Express stream or (ages 13-16) or 5 years in the Normal stream. The Special/Express stream culminates in the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level) examinations, while the Normal stream culminates in the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Normal Level (GCE N-Level) examinations after the fourth year, with the possibility of a 5th year for the O-Levels.
- Junior College is 2 years (ages 17-18)/Millennia Institute is 3 years (ages 17-19). Culminates with a School Graduation Certificate in addition to Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Levels)
Academic year begins in January and ends in November with a three-month vacation period between May and August each year. Education is conducted in English.
The Ministry of Education, is responsible for implementing education policy and regulations.
Grade conversion scale for Singapore:
Grade Scale |
Grade Description |
U.S. Grade Equivalence |
A1/A2 |
Distinction |
A |
B3/B4 |
Merit |
B |
C5/C6 |
Credit/Pass |
C |
D7 |
Sub-Pass/Fail |
D |
E8 |
Sub-Pass/Fail |
D |
F9 |
Fail |
F |
Credentials:
- Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Normal Level (GCE N-Level)
- Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level)
- Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level)
