Gifted Education Shift in Singapore: Schools Expand Enrichment for High-Ability Pupils

Debate, science, and math programs help students develop critical thinking skills

Singapore is reshaping how it supports academically strong students, moving away from centralized gifted classes toward enrichment programs embedded within individual primary schools.

From Shy Student to Confident Debater

Primary 6 pupil Carys Ang once struggled with confidence when speaking in front of others. After two years in Blangah Rise Primary School’s debate enrichment program, she now represents her school in competitions.

The weekly sessions, run by English teachers, focus on voice projection, speech clarity, and argument building using real-world examples.

School-Based Enrichment Programmes

Carys is one of 40 pupils selected for English enrichment classes at her school. Around 15 percent of Blangah Rise Primary’s Primary 3 to Primary 6 students currently participate in various enrichment programs.

These initiatives, introduced in 2019, cover subjects such as English, mathematics, and science and aim to nurture pupils with strong academic interests.

Nationwide Expansion of Programmes

From 2027, enrichment programmes will expand to include 10 percent of all primary school pupils nationwide, up from the current 7 percent. The move follows an earlier announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong that the current Gifted Education Programme will be discontinued.

Instead of centralized classes at selected schools, high-ability pupils will receive advanced learning opportunities within their own schools.

New Advanced Learning Centres

Education Minister Desmond Lee also announced that advanced classes will be offered at 15 designated centres across Singapore. These centres, including Teck Ghee Primary School and Clementi Primary School, will provide additional learning support for high-ability pupils.

The locations will not be fixed permanently, allowing flexibility to adapt to future needs.

Enrichment Through Science and Mathematics

Other schools have developed specialised enrichment programmes to deepen learning. At Palm View Primary School, the Excellence 2000 science programme allows pupils to conduct experiments and explore advanced concepts through hands-on sessions.

At Pei Chun Public School, the E2K Mathematics programme encourages discovery-based learning through games and problem-solving activities.

Singapore’s shift toward school-based enrichment reflects a broader effort to nurture diverse talents while keeping students within their local school communities. By offering more flexible opportunities for advanced learning, the education system aims to ensure that high-ability pupils continue to be challenged while making enrichment accessible to a wider group of students.

Sources: Straits Times (2026)

Keywords: Lawrence Wong Education Reform, Desmond Lee Announcement, High Ability Pupils Singapore, Primary School Enrichment, Debate Programme Singapore