SINGAPORE - Starting from 2019, children with moderate to severe special needs will need to attend publicly-funded schools, just like all other children in Singapore.. Read more at straitstimes.com. CE has two objectives: To give our children a common core of knowledge which will provide a strong foundation for further education and training to prepare them for a knowledge-based economy. What is compulsory education (CE)? In Singapore, compulsory education includes six years of primary school, four years of secondary school, and one to three years of post-secondary school. Compulsory education All Singapore Citizens born after 1 January 1996 and living in Singapore must attend a national primary school unless an exemption is granted. If your child is unable to attend any national primary school due to their medical condition or disability, you must apply for an exemption with supporting documents. Any exemption from schooling, during special cases, has to be certified by the MOE. Therefore, have that in your monthly budget to help support your child’s primary education. Learn more about compulsory education, exemptions and deferment to enter Primary 1. Preschool, called kindergarten, is voluntary and offered both by the Ministry of Education and by private providers. All children with special needs who are above six years old and below fifteen years of age will have to attend school Parents will be able to fulfil their CE obligations by enrolling their child in a government-funded special education (SPED) school and ensuring that they complete their primary education there. In July 2000, the Committee on Compulsory Education, chaired by Senior Minister of State for Education, Dr Aline Wong, presented its recommendations to the Government. This came several decades after the attainment of universal primary education and after numerous assertions on the part of the government that such legislation was unnecessary. Of compulsory school age (above 6 years old and under 15 years old). Compulsory Education (CE), defined as education in national schools for Singapore citizens residing in Singapore, should be introduced. Education in Singapore is free and compulsory for primary school. Also interesting is that the period of compulsory education was limited to six years. 18/5/2015 1 Ministry of Education, Singapore APEC EDNET Meeting Education Policies in Singapore If convicted, a parent shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to both. If you want to homeschool your child, or have them attend a religious institution which isn't managed by the ministry of education, you have to apply for permission to do so from the authorities. The Compulsory Education Act (Cap 51) provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Compulsory Education Board to carry out the following duties: To investigate whether there is any contravention of the provisions of the CE Act. Your child must attend a national primary school regularly if they are: For the purpose of CE, national primary schools refer to: CE also applies to children with moderate to severe special educational needs born after 1 January 2012. Education Policies in Singapore Purpose: Information Submitted by: Singapore Human Resources Development Working Group Education Network Meeting Boracay, Philippines 15-16 May 2015. © 2020 Government of Singapore. CE is defined as education in national primary schools for Singapore Citizens residing in Singapore under the Compulsory Education Act 2000 (CE Act 2000). Last updated: 16 Jul 2020, Compulsory Education Act 2000 (CE Act 2000). Compulsory education was legislated in Singapore in 2000. CE is defined as education in national primary schools for Singapore Citizens residing in Singapore under the Compulsory Education Act 2000 (CE Act 2000). [1st January 2003] Short title and commencement 1. In a revolutionary move, Singapore government has decided that children with special needs will be given compulsory education in the direction that society can become more inclusive. Singapore education uses English, as the main language of instruction. The duration of compulsory education varies from 3 to 12 years, with most industrialized nations providing for 9 or more years. Government-funded special education schools offering primary level education. Government or government-aided primary schools. This stage of schooling is provided free of charge, and there are penalties for parents who don't comply. Common school experiences that will help build national identity and encourage social cohesion. An Act to provide for compulsory primary education in Singapore and for matters connected therewith. Parents may be guilty of an offence if their child fails to attend a national primary school regularly unless the child is exempted from CE, or they are able to present a prescribed reason for their child’s absence to the satisfaction of the Director-General of Education within a reasonable time. These recommendations have been accepted by the government and compulsory education will be introduced in 2003. Keywords: compulsory education; Singapore Introduction The overwhelming majority of countries and territories covered by UNESCO’s World Education Report 1998 reported provision of compulsory education in the year 1995. Compulsory Education in Singapore. The MOE targets to impart, a minimum of primary education to every child born, according to the Compulsory Education Act, made in 2000. Common knowledge that will provide a firm foundation for further education. All Singapore Citizens born after 1 January 1996 and living in Singapore must attend a national primary school unless an exemption is granted. Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Curriculum, How do I know if my child has Special Educational Needs, How do I select the right school for my child, How do I apply for a place in the School for my Child, What Financial Support is Available for SPED School Students, Publicly-Funded Private Arts Institutions, Other Government-Affiliated Educational Institutions, Through-train Pathways for Normal (Academic) Students, Post-Secondary Admissions Exercises Brochure, Frequently Asked Questions on Post Secondary Education, Framework for the 2006 GCE A Level curriculum, From Pre-University to University Education, Edusave Scholarships for Independent Schools (ESIS), Financial Assistance Information for IHLs, Important Dates For Students Taking The National Examinations, Lost Certificates (PSLE, GCE N/O/A-Levels), Collection of Certificate (GCE N/O/A-Levels), Phase 3 Registration for non-Singapore Citizen / non-Permanent Resident Children, Required Documents for Primary One Registration Exercise, Alternative Child-care Arrangement Declaration, Internet Registration for Phase 2C and 2C Supplementary, Considerations When Choosing Schools and Making S1 Options, Support Schemes for Returning Singaporeans, General Information on Studying in Singapore, International Students with at least one parent who is a Singapore Citizen (SC), Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS), Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS), MOE Secondary and Pre-University Scholarships, Allied Educator (Learning and Behavioural Support), Adjunct Learning & Behavioural Support [FAJ(LBS)] and Adjunct School Counsellor [FAJ(SC)], 8 things you never knew an MOE Kindergarten Teacher does every day. From the age of six it’s compulsory to attend primary school in Singapore. Parents will be required to pay up to SGD 13 per month to help cater for miscellaneous costs. Your child must attend a national primary school regularly if they are: Of compulsory school age (above 6 years old and under 15 years old). Learn more about compulsory education, exemptions and deferment to enter Primary 1.