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What is SPERS-Sec?

What is SPERS-Sec?

The School Placement Exercise for Returning Singaporeans – Secondary (SPERS-Sec) is a centralized, merit-based admission test run by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE). It allows Returning Singaporeans (Singapore Citizens or PRs who have studied overseas for a minimum period, usually ≥2 years) to join a local government/government-aided secondary school at Sec 1, Sec 2, or Sec 3 level for the following academic year (January intake).

It is the alternative pathway for students who missed the PSLE (for Sec 1) or normal streaming while abroad. The test checks if the child can cope with the Singapore syllabus. Placement is based on test scores, available vacancies, and your 6 school choices.

Over 90% of successful applicants get one of their chosen schools.

Key Features

  • Not compulsory — Many families prefer the simpler Assured School Placement (ASP) scheme which guarantees a school near your home address without a centralized test (though the school may assess the child themselves).
  • Test subjects — Only English and Mathematics (no Science or Mother Tongue tested centrally).
  • Syllabus level:
  • Sec 1 entry → PSLE-level English & Math
  • Sec 2 entry → Sec 1 syllabus
  • Sec 3 entry → Sec 2 syllabus (includes Elementary Mathematics; Additional Math may be required depending on stream)
  • Typical annual timeline (2025–2026 cycle as example; dates shift slightly each year):
  • Application: July
  • Test: Early–mid September (one full day, held in Singapore)
  • Eligible school list released: Mid-November
  • Submit 6 school choices: Mid–late November
  • Posting results: December
  • Report to school: Late December / early January

There is also a later Supplementary Placement Exercise (SPE) in December/January for families who miss the main SPERS-Sec test.

For the latest dates and full details, always check the official MOE SPERS-Sec page.

Who Can Help with SPERS-Sec Preparation?

Most returning students need targeted preparation because the papers follow the Singapore MOE syllabus very closely (very different from IB, IGCSE, US, Australian, or other international curricula). Preparation usually takes 3–12 months depending on the child’s gaps.

Recommended Specialist Options (all have proven SPERS-Sec track records)

  1. Specialized SPERS/AEIS Centres (they focus heavily on the exact test format):
  • Nanyang Learning – One of the most popular and established for SPERS-Sec; offers small-group classes, intensive courses, and 1-to-1.
  • Ann Tutor – Highly experienced private tutor specializing in SPERS-Sec home tuition (English & Math).
  • Future Academy (FA Education) – Excellent education consultancy that handles applications + intensive SPERS prep (ex-MOE teachers).
  • Think Teach Academy – Rigorous SPERS/AEIS programme with strong results.
  • OneAcademy – Specialist SPERS classes taught by dedicated coaches.
  1. Private 1-to-1 Home Tutors (often the fastest and most effective route):
  1. Larger tuition chains (some branches offer SPERS prep on request):
  1. Self-Preparation Resources (only if the child is already very strong in SG syllabus):
  • Singapore textbooks/assessment books: My Pals Are Here, Discovering Mathematics, Marshall Cavendish English series, etc. (available at Popular bookstore or online).
  • Past PSLE papers (for Sec 1 entry) or lower-sec school prelim papers.
  • Some sample questions on the official MOE site.

Most families use intensive 1-to-1 tuition in the final 3–6 months combined with daily practice of Singapore-style questions. With proper prep, success rates are extremely high.

Always double-check the latest information directly on the MOE SPERS-Sec page as policies and dates are updated annually.

Official MOE & SEAB Pages (Most Important – Start Here)

Recommended Specialist Tuition & Preparation Centres

Parent Experiences, Forums & Real Stories

These are the most reliable and up-to-date links (as of November 2025). Parents usually start with the official MOE pages, then look for tuition 6–12 months in advance, and read the forums for real-life tips and school posting outcomes.

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