The Integrated Programme (IP) lets students skip the O-Level exam and go straight from Secondary 1 to JC — a 6-year through-train to the A-Levels or IB Diploma. But is it right for your child? This guide covers every IP school, their COP, JC pathways, and what parents need to know.
What Is the Integrated Programme?
Introduced by MOE in 2004, the Integrated Programme allows academically strong students to complete 6 years of secondary and pre-university education without sitting for the GCE O-Level examination. Instead, students proceed directly to either the A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Key Facts About IP
- 16 secondary schools offer IP (plus NUS High with a separate admissions model)
- ~10% of each cohort enrols in IP, based on MOE data
- Students skip O-Levels — freed-up time is used for enrichment, research, and deeper learning
- Entry via PSLE COP (S1 posting) or DSA (Direct School Admission)
Source: MOE — Integrated Programme | Wikipedia
All 16 IP Schools — COP & JC Pathway (2026 Intake)
COP data below is based on the 2025 PSLE S1 posting results (2026 intake) for the IP track. Lower COP = more competitive. COP changes every year — use these as reference points only.
COP 6 — Most Competitive
Note: RI, RGS, HCI & NYGH students proceed to their own JC arms. MGS students transfer to ACS (Independent) at Year 5 for the IB Diploma.
COP 7
Note: ACS(I) and SJI offer the IB Diploma instead of A-Levels. Catholic High, SNGS & SCGS feed into Eunoia JC (opened 2017).
COP 8
COP 9 — Most Accessible IP
Special Admission — NUS High School of Math & Science
NUS High does not use PSLE COP for admission. Students apply through a separate selection test and interview process. Graduates receive the NUS High School Diploma (not A-Levels or IB). NUS High Admissions
Note on COP suffixes: Some schools have COP with M (Merit in Higher Mother Tongue) or D (Distinction) tiebreakers — e.g. HCI and NYGH are 6M, CHS and SNGS are 7M, DHS is 8M, RVHS is 9M. The base COP number is the AL score needed; the suffix indicates a tiebreaker used when applicants exceed available places.
Data Sources: COP data from the SGSchoolKaki Secondary School Rankings 2026 database (2026 intake). JC pathways verified via MOE SchoolFinder . COP changes annually — always check the latest figures.
IP vs O-Level Track: Honest Comparison
IP is not automatically "better" than the O-Level track. It suits a specific type of learner. Here's an honest look at both pathways:
IP Advantages
- No O-Level stress — focus on deeper, broader learning
- Enrichment opportunities — research, overseas trips, passion projects
- Guaranteed JC spot — no need to recompete at Sec 4
- 6-year friendships — same school community for longer
IP Considerations
- Less flexibility — harder to switch schools or go to Poly after Sec 4
- No O-Level cert — if you leave IP early, you have no national exam qualification
- Higher school fees — most IP schools are Independent ($300–$600+/month)
- Self-directed learning — requires maturity and motivation without exam pressure
The O-Level Track Is Not a "Lesser" Path
Many students in the O-Level track outperform IP students at A-Levels. The O-Level track offers more flexibility — you can choose JC, Polytechnic, or even the ITE pathway after Sec 4. Top O-Level scorers routinely enter the same competitive JCs and universities as IP graduates. Choose based on your child's learning style, not prestige.
IP School Fees (2026)
Most IP schools are Independent or Autonomous schools, which means they charge higher fees than Government schools. Here's a breakdown for Singapore Citizens:
| School Type | Monthly Fee (SC) | Annual Cost | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | $300–$600+ | $3,600–$7,200+ | RI, RGS, HCI, ACS(I), SJI, MGS, SCGS |
| Autonomous | $25–$33 | $300–$396 | VS, DHS |
| Government | $5–$25 | $60–$300 | NJC (Sec), TJC (Sec), CGSS |
Fees are approximate and for Singapore Citizens only. PRs and international students pay higher rates. Independent schools set their own fee schedules — check each school's website for exact figures. Financial assistance (FAS) is available for families who qualify. MOE Financial Assistance
How to Get Into IP
There are two main pathways into IP schools:
1. PSLE Score (S1 Posting)
After PSLE, students are posted to secondary schools based on their Achievement Level (AL) score. IP schools typically require AL 6 to AL 9.
Use our PSLE Calculator to see which IP schools match your child's score range.
2. DSA (Direct School Admission)
Apply before PSLE (May–Sep) based on talents in sports, arts, leadership, or academics. Successful DSA applicants get a confirmed spot regardless of PSLE score.
Browse all 1,376 DSA programmes across 147 schools on our DSA Browser.
Is IP Right for Your Child?
IP may suit your child if they:
- Are self-motivated learnersIP relies on intrinsic motivation — without O-Level pressure, students must drive their own learning
- Enjoy research & projectsIP schools emphasise independent research, presentations, and extended projects
- Are certain about the JC/university pathIf your child might prefer Polytechnic later, the O-Level track preserves that flexibility
- Thrive in enrichment-heavy environmentsOverseas immersion trips, CCA excellence, leadership camps are core to IP life
A Word of Caution
Some students struggle in IP because they lack the maturity for self-directed learning at age 12–13. If your child needs structured exam milestones to stay focused, the O-Level track — with its clear Sec 4 target — may actually be a better fit. There is no shame in choosing the path that suits your child best.
Find the Right School for Your Child
PSLE Calculator
Enter your child's AL score to find matching IP and non-IP schools.
DSA-Sec Browser
Browse 1,376 DSA programmes — the alternate route into IP schools.
All 147 Secondary Schools
View COP data for every secondary school — IP and non-IP.
Distance Calculator
Check commute time and transport cost from your home to any school.