Why Singapore Parents Want the ‘Best’ Schools for Their Kids

To outsiders, the lengths to which Singaporean parents go to secure a spot for their children in the most prestigious schools may seem excessive. But for many parents, this isn’t about being overly anxious or competitive for its own sake. It’s about strategic positioning to give their children the best possible start in a system where success early on opens doors to advanced opportunities, networks, and experiences that are simply not available in other schools.

Unfortunately, these efforts are often misunderstood and dismissed as “kiasu” or “kiasi,” especially by those who don’t see the full picture. The reality is that in Singapore’s highly competitive education landscape, being strategic about your child’s schooling can make all the difference, not just for academic success but for personal growth and future prospects.

Social Capital, Networking, and the Pressure to Succeed

Top schools are about more than academics. They are about building social capital. Students from elite schools form lifelong friendships with peers who will become leaders in various industry fields. This network is invaluable whether it’s landing internships, getting referrals, or simply having a trusted and knowledgeable group to turn to for advice.

The Role of Grades and the Private Tuition Boom

But how do students get to these top schools in the first place? The answer is simple: grades. Admissions to the best secondary schools and junior colleges are still primarily determined by performance in high-stakes national exams like the PSLE and O-Levels. The pressure to score well is immense, and the competition is fierce.

This pressure has fueled a booming private tuition industry. According to a recent Bloomberg article, Singapore’s private tutoring sector is now worth over US$1.4 billion, with many students cramming multiple tutoring sessions a day just to keep up.

Nearly 70% of students in Singapore receive some form of private tutoring, and the number of tuition centers has exploded over the past two decades. For many families, tuition is no longer optional. It’s seen as a necessity in a system where every point matters.

Unique Opportunities for Top Students: H3 Research and Advanced Modules

A key differentiator for students in elite schools is access to advanced academic opportunities like H3 research projects and university-taught modules. In these programmes, students can work directly with university professors, post-doctoral researchers and graduate students in real research labs, or take classes alongside first-year undergraduates at universities like SMU, NUS, and NTU.

For example, the SMU H3 Game Theory module introduces students to advanced concepts in economics and strategic decision-making, taught at a university level and pitched to challenge even the brightest minds. Similarly, the NTU-H3 Science Research programme allows students to conduct original research under the guidance of university faculty and researchers, giving them a taste of the university experience and the scientific community.

These opportunities are not just about learning more. They are about learning to think independently, conduct research, and present ideas confidently. Students who take these advanced courses can spend up to a year working with university professors, conducting experiments, and presenting at academic conventions. The experience is intense. Students report late nights working on their independent research, and it is a steep learning curve different from their A-level or IB curricula. But it also gives them a head start in university and a sense of what it takes to excel at the highest level.

Neighbourhood JCs: Limited Access to Advanced Opportunities?

In contrast, students at neighbourhood JCs are much less likely to have access to such advanced programmes. Even if these options are theoretically available, the reality is that the resources, guidance, and critical mass of ambitious students needed to make these programmes viable are often missing. Many students in neighbourhood JCs do not have the ambition or ability to take on H3 research or university-taught modules, and the schools themselves may not have the connections or infrastructure to provide such experiences.

What If the Child Still Can’t Qualify for IP Schools or Elite JCs?

If despite all the effort and tuition, the child still cannot qualify for IP schools or elite institutions, parents will have questions about the alternatives.

Even among neighbourhood schools, there are significant differences. Some neighbourhood schools are known for their positive culture. Students may be academically weak, but they have good moral character and a willingness to learn. These schools offer a supportive environment where students can develop resilience, humility, and practical life skills. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences in these schools can be enriching, teaching children how to interact with people from all walks of life.

However, not all neighbourhood schools are created equal. Some schools struggle with discipline issues, absenteeism, and students who have a poor or even adversarial relationship with learning. In these environments, students may be more likely to play truant, engage in risky or illegal activities like vaping, smoking, or fighting and other forms of bad influence. Teachers and administrators often have to deal with defiant behaviour and lack of parental support, which can make it difficult to maintain a positive learning environment.

The Consequences of School Environment

Parents are right to be concerned about the kind of environment their children are exposed to. In a good neighbourhood school, even academically weak students can thrive socially and morally, learning important life lessons and building character. But in a school where students are not only weak academically but also indifferent or hostile to learning, the risk of negative peer influence is real.

The challenge for parents thus is to minimally find a neighbourhood school with a positive culture where students are willing to learn, teachers are supportive, and discipline is maintained. This is not always easy, but it is crucial for children who do not make it into elite institutions.

Only students who have already proven themselves in high school or IP programmes are given the chance to take advanced courses, build strong portfolios, and prepare for highly selective admissions tests and interviews. Success begets success. If you’re already a top student, you get more opportunities to stretch yourself and stand out even further.

But this also means that students from less privileged backgrounds, whose families can’t afford extra tuition, are at a disadvantage. The financial burden of tuition is significant, and not all students have equal access to the support they need to compete.

The Important Role of Education Strategic Advisors

Given the complexity of Singapore’s education system and the high stakes involved, many families are turning to education strategic advisors for guidance. These professionals (including us at Ryse Education) offer far more than just academic tutoring. We provide personalized mentorship, strategic planning for school pathways, and support in developing a strong personal brand and communication skills. Whether the student is aiming for IP schools or navigating the challenges of a neighbourhood school, a good advisor can help him/her choose and prepare the education roadmap carefully, ensuring the child’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured.

For families navigating Singapore’s competitive education landscape, the message is clear: choose and prepare the academic roadmap carefully.

At the end of the day, it’s not about being “kiasu” or “kiasi”. It’s about making the most of the opportunities available in a system that rewards early success and strategic positioning. Unfortunately, these efforts are often misunderstood, but for parents who want the best for their children, the stakes are simply too high to leave anything to chance. With the right support and guidance, every child can rise to meet their potential regardless of the path they take.

Updated 13 June 2025:

Singapore's Straits Times published an article detailing an increase in the number of parents caught providing false residential addresses in order to secure for their children spots in popular (read: 'good') primary schools.

This bit stood out on how schools influenced property prices: "Ms Grace Cheong, a property agent, has witnessed how the annual P1 registration exercises have long influenced Singapore’s real estate market.

“This is the kind of motivation that moves the market,” said Ms Cheong, who has been in the industry since 2009. The demand for homes within 1km of sought-after schools, she added, “transcends uncertainty”, whether it is economic downturns or pandemics."