As a parent, you want the best for your child. But here's the truth: the "best" school is the one that fits your child. This guide helps you find the right secondary school based on location, programmes, and your child's unique strengths.
"Every School is a Good School"
"We should not have 'neighbourhood schools' almost as an apology. Instead, we must strive to ensure that all schools – in every neighbourhood – are good schools."
— Heng Swee Keat, then Education Minister, MOE Work Plan Seminar, 22 September 2011
Source: Mothership | PMO Official
This phrase, often misunderstood, was never about claiming all schools produce identical academic results. Instead, it's about bringing out the best in every child — through holistic development, dedicated teachers, and supportive communities.
At SGSchoolKaki, we believe every school has unique strengths. Rather than chasing rankings, we help parents find schools that match their child's interests, learning style, and family circumstances.
Why Singapore Schools Are World-Class
Before comparing individual schools, let's understand why ALL Singapore schools benefit from a world-class education system.
Among the Highest-Paid Teachers in Asia
According to the World Economic Forum, countries that pay teachers well — including Singapore, South Korea, and Finland — consistently rank in the top 10 globally for education quality.
Singapore attracts and retains talented educators by offering competitive compensation and clear career progression paths. This means every school benefits from quality teachers, not just a select few.
Principal Rotation: Spreading Excellence
MOE regularly rotates principals across schools. In 2024 alone, 52 schools received new principals — with 37 being experienced principals rotated from other schools.
"Appointing and rotating principals allows schools to benefit from new perspectives. It also enables experienced principals to share best practices across schools."
— Ministry of Education, Press Release 2024
| Year | Schools | New | Rotated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 52 | 15 | 37 |
| 2025 | 46 | 22 | 24 |
| 2026 | 41 | 25 | 16 |
From 2027: MOE will extend the rotation policy to Heads of Department (HODs) who have served in the same school for over 8 years. This ensures best practices spread across all schools. Source
Beyond Rankings: What Really Matters
In a significant shift, MOE has removed secondary school banding by academic results and reduced the number of school awards. The message is clear: stop ranking schools by grades alone.
Why MOE Made This Change
- Shift focus from competition to personal mastery
- Encourage holistic development — character, values, life skills
- Recognise that every child has different strengths
- Reduce unhealthy stress from parents and students chasing "top" schools
Our Approach at SGSchoolKaki
While MOE no longer publishes school rankings, parents still need reference points when choosing schools. We've compiled PSLE Cut-Off Points (COP) as one data source — not to rank schools, but to help you find schools that match your child's academic profile.
View Secondary School DatabaseCOP data compiled from MOE S1 posting results. Use as reference only — COP changes yearly.
Schools by Region (Based on 2025 PSLE COP)
Below are schools grouped by region, sorted by their lowest COP (lower COP = more competitive intake).
Central Region
Bishan, Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, Queenstown, NovenaSource: URA Central Region (Bishan, Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, Queenstown, Novena, Kallang, Marine Parade)
North Region
Woodlands, Yishun, SembawangSource: URA North Region (Woodlands, Yishun, Sembawang, Mandai, Sungei Kadut)
North-East Region
Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Sengkang, Punggol, SerangoonSource: URA North-East Region (Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Punggol, Sengkang, Serangoon)
East Region
Bedok, Tampines, Pasir RisSource: URA East Region (Bedok, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Changi)
West Region
Jurong, Clementi, Bukit Batok, Bukit PanjangSource: URA West Region (Jurong East/West, Clementi, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang)
View All 147 Schools: The list above shows selected schools per region. For the complete database with all schools, COP ranges, IP/SAP status, and affiliated primary schools, visit our Secondary School Rankings 2026 page.
Remember: Grades Are Not Everything
A school with a "higher" COP is NOT automatically "better" for your child. What matters more is whether the school can nurture your child's character, explore their unique potential, and support their well-being. The best students we've seen aren't just academically strong — they're resilient, curious, kind, and confident. These qualities are built through supportive environments, not cut-off points.
The Case for Neighbourhood Schools
Many parents overlook neighbourhood schools while chasing "famous" names. But consider these advantages:
Less Travel Time
A child travelling 1.5 hours daily loses 7.5 hours weekly — time that could be spent on rest, family, hobbies, or studying. A nearby school means a healthier, less stressed child.
Community & Friends
Schoolmates living nearby means easier playdates, study groups, and lifelong friendships. Your child becomes part of a local community.
Same Quality Teachers
Thanks to MOE's rotation policies, experienced principals and HODs serve across all schools. Your neighbourhood school has access to the same talent pool.
More CCA Time
Less commute means more energy for CCAs, competitions, and after-school activities. Your child can fully participate without exhaustion.
How to Find the Right School
Instead of asking "Which school is best?", ask "Which school is best for MY child?"
Consider These Factors:
- Distance from Home:How long is the commute? Will your child be exhausted before school even starts?
- Special Programmes:Does your child have a passion? Look for schools with relevant ALP, LLP, or niche programmes.
- CCA Offerings:If your child loves a specific sport or activity, check if the school offers it at a competitive level.
- Learning Environment:Visit open houses. Does the school culture feel right? Talk to current students and parents.
- Realistic COP Match:Use our calculator to find schools where your child's PSLE score is a comfortable fit.
Special Programmes Worth Exploring
Many schools offer distinctive programmes that can make them the perfect fit for your child:
Integrated Programme (IP)
6-year programme that bypasses O-Levels. Ideal for academically strong students who thrive with more independent learning. Not necessarily "better" — just different.
Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
Hands-on programmes in STEM, Environment, Media, and more. Great for students who learn by doing. Each school has a unique ALP focus.
Learning for Life Programme (LLP)
Focuses on character development through arts, sports, or community service. Develops well-rounded individuals beyond academics.
School of Science & Technology (SST), NUS High, etc.
Specialised independent schools for students with strong aptitude in specific areas. Apply via DSA if your child excels in these domains.
Find Schools by CCA: 200+ Activities Compared
Does your child have a passion for a specific sport or activity? Our Secondary School CCA Browser lets you search 200+ unique CCAs across all 147 secondary schools — and see exactly which schools offer each activity.
Unique CCAs Only Offered by Select Schools
Some CCAs are rare — offered by only a handful of schools. If your child excels in these areas, knowing which schools offer them can be a game-changer:
How Our CCA Browser Helps
- Search by Activity: Find all schools offering Football, Choir, Robotics, or any CCA
- Filter by Area: See schools in your neighbourhood with specific CCAs
- Compare Schools: View all CCAs offered by each school side-by-side
- Plan for DSA: Identify schools where your child can apply via Direct School Admission
Calculate Commute Time & Monthly Transport Cost
Before choosing a school, know exactly how long the commute will take and how much it will cost. Our School Distance Calculator uses real-time Singapore transport data to give you accurate estimates.
What Our Distance Calculator Shows
Example: Monthly Transport Budget
• Student fare: ~$0.52 per trip (with concession card)
• Daily return: ~$1.04 (to school and back)
• Monthly cost: ~$20.80 (20 school days)
* Actual cost varies by distance. Our calculator shows exact fares based on your postcode.
Why Commute Matters
- Time is precious: A 45-min commute each way = 1.5 hours daily = 7.5 hours weekly lost to travel
- Energy for CCAs: Shorter commute means more energy for after-school activities
- Family time: Less travel = more time for homework, hobbies, and rest
- Budget planning: Know exactly how much to set aside for school transport each month
Explore Schools Near You
Use our tools to find and compare secondary schools in your area:
PSLE Calculator
Enter your child's AL score and postal code to find matching schools nearby.
Secondary School CCA Browser
Search by CCA — find schools strong in your child's favourite activities.
DSA-Sec Browser
Browse 1,376 DSA programmes across 147 schools by talent area.
Secondary School Database
View all 147 secondary schools with COP, programmes, and details.
Our Philosophy
At SGSchoolKaki, we don't believe in labelling schools. Every school has dedicated teachers, passionate students, and unique strengths. The "best" school is simply the one where your child will thrive — where they can grow academically, pursue their passions, and build lasting friendships.
Trust the system. Trust your child. And choose a school that fits your family.