The Primary-Secondary Math Transition Gap: What 2023–2025 Research Reveals About Common Challenges and Recovery Paths

With more than 2 decades tutoring math in Bukit Timah, I’ve guided hundreds of kids through the jump from Primary 6 PSLE to Secondary 1—and honestly, every type of student you can imagine.

From top-tier schools like Raffles Girls’ School or Hwa Chong Institution, where they’re already pushing boundaries, to neighborhood schools where foundations might need more bolstering. 

Parents often approach me right after PSLE results, worried: “My child did okay in primary, but now Secondary Math looks so different. Will they fall behind?”

You’re not alone in that concern. Recent studies from 2023–2025 highlight this exact issue globally, including patterns that mirror what we see in Singapore’s system. Let me break down what the latest research says, woven with stories from my own small-group classes over the years.

Why the Transition Feels Like a Gap: Key Shifts in Singapore Math

In primary school, MOE’s syllabus focuses on concrete skills—heuristic problem-solving, fractions, geometry with bar models. It’s hands-on, visual.

Then Secondary 1 hits (especially under Full Subject-Based Banding), and suddenly algebra dominates: variables, equations, abstract reasoning. Add in more independent work, larger classes, and higher stakes. No wonder there’s a dip!

Research backs this up. A 2023 systematic review update and longitudinal studies show students often experience declines in confidence, interest, and even performance during this shift.

For instance, one major 2023 analysis published in the British Educational Research Journal found that around 22% of children report a negative transition overall, with math being particularly affected due to the move from procedural to conceptual thinking.

Attitudes toward math can drop, anxiety rises, and engagement wanes—especially if early gaps aren’t addressed.

More recent 2025 work, like developmental trajectory studies, points to steeper declines in interest post-transition, sometimes more pronounced in certain groups (e.g., girls or lower-achieving students).

Socioeconomic factors play in too—kids with fewer resources at home feel it harder. In Singapore context, this aligns with local observations: The sudden algebra plunge can overwhelm, leading to that “I hate math now” phase I’ve heard from so many Sec 1 students.

Insights from My 25+ Years: Real Stories Across All Student Types

I’ve seen this gap play out firsthand, but also how quickly it closes with the right approach.

Take a boy from a top IP school a few years back—scored AL1 in PSLE, confident as anything. Sec 1 algebra hit him like a brick: “Variables? Why letters in math?” His marks dipped initially, confidence tanked.

But in my small-group sessions (just 3 kids), we built rapport fast—he felt safe asking “dumb” questions. With consistent time together, revisiting basics while pushing forward, he rebuilt that trust in himself. By Sec 2, A1s were routine.

On the flip side, a girl from a neighborhood school struggled more in primary—barely passing some topics.

Transition amplified her anxiety; she shut down completely at first. But chemistry matters: Kids sense when you genuinely care and won’t judge. She opened up about feeling “stupid,” we worked patiently on foundations, and she surprised everyone (including herself) with steady improvements.

Ended up with strong O-Level results. Point is, I’ve taught every kind—from high-flyers who need challenge to those needing reassurance—and the pattern holds: Enough guided contact time bridges the gap beautifully.

Recent studies echo this recovery potential. Interventions focusing on early support, like bridging programs or mindset work, help mitigate dips.

One 2024-2025 longitudinal look at predictors of math achievement showed that targeted help during transition changes trajectories positively—closing gaps that might otherwise widen.

What Parents and Students Can Do: Practical Steps Backed by Research

If your child is heading into Secondary 1 or already there:

1. Spot early signs: Watch for frustration with homework, avoidance, or comments like “Math is too hard now.” Research shows addressing this in the first term prevents longer slumps.
2. Review primary foundations: Algebra builds on ratios, fractions—quick refreshers help. I’ve done this with diverse groups; it levels the field fast.
3. Build abstract thinking gradually: Use real-life examples (e.g., equations for shopping discounts) to make variables relatable.
4. Foster connection and confidence: Kids thrive when they trust their guide. Small groups are gold for this—space to share without embarrassment.
5. Consider structured support: Studies on transition interventions stress consistent, personalized help yields the best outcomes.

More:

• Strengthen foundational review early: Start Secondary 1 with a quick but thorough recap of key Primary topics like fractions, ratios, and bar modeling—these directly support algebra. In my experience, 4–6 targeted sessions can prevent small gaps from becoming big ones.
• Introduce algebra concretely: Use real-life examples (e.g., shopping discounts for equations, phone plans for inequalities) to make variables feel less abstract. Kids from all schools respond well when they see the “why” behind the letters.
• Build abstract thinking gradually: Begin with simple patterns and number sequences before jumping to full equations. This eases the shift from concrete PSLE heuristics to symbolic reasoning.
• Foster a trusting environment: Small-group settings (3–6 students) allow kids to ask questions without fear of judgment. Over 25 years, I’ve found chemistry and comfort speed up progress more than any worksheet.
• Increase contact time consistently: Regular weekly sessions (not just crash courses) give enough repetition and feedback for concepts to stick. Steady exposure turns initial confusion into confidence.
• Normalize struggle and mistakes: Teach students to view errors as “not yet” moments. Share stories of past students (from top schools to neighborhood ones) who improved through persistence—this reduces anxiety fast.
• Encourage reflection after assessments: After quizzes or tests, discuss “What worked? What can we adjust?” rather than just the score. This builds metacognition and resilience.
• Involve parents strategically: Guide parents to praise effort over talent (“You worked hard on that”) and to flag early frustration signs at home.
• Use bridging resources wisely: Short online modules, past PSLE papers revisited with algebraic lenses, or simple mindset exercises can supplement tuition effectively.
• Personalize the pace: Differentiate for each child—challenge high-achievers with extensions while giving extra scaffolding to those needing reassurance. One size rarely fits all in the transition year.
• Monitor progress closely in the first term: Early intervention (within the first 2–3 months of Sec 1) prevents the dip from deepening. Adjust strategies based on how the child responds.

With these methods applied patiently, I’ve consistently seen students—not just the gifted ones—close the transition gap and hit A1 grades by Secondary 3 or 4. It’s about steady, supportive bridging rather than rushing ahead.

In my experience across 25+ years, the “gap” is often just a temporary hurdle. With time invested and genuine rapport—where kids feel comfortable being themselves—I’ve watched struggling students turn into confident A1 achievers, and solid ones soar even higher.

Wrapping Up: The Gap Is Bridgeable

2023–2025 research confirms the primary-secondary math transition can be bumpy—declines in interest, confidence spikes in anxiety—but it also shows recovery is absolutely possible with timely support. In Singapore’s high-pressure system, early action makes all the difference.

If your child is navigating this shift, whether from a top school or anywhere else, small-group tuition can provide that crucial contact time and trusting environment. We focus on building chemistry while tackling the syllabus head-on. Reach out for a no-pressure chat or trial—let’s close that gap together and aim for those top grades.

References (key recent ones for deeper reading):

• British Educational Research Journal (2023) on transition experiences
• Various longitudinal studies on interest trajectories (2025 updates)
• International Journal of STEM Education reviews on math-specific dips