The Ultimate Guide to 2025 DSA-Sec Application

Hi Parents!

In today’s educational landscape, your child’s success doesn’t have to be defined by his/her examination scores alone. His/her unique talents and passions can open doors to even bigger opportunities!

Singapore’s Direct School Admission (DSA) programme recognises this by offering a pathway where students can gain admission to secondary schools based on his/her interests and aptitudes instead of his/her PSLE results alone.

So, if your child has an interest in Science, Math, sports, debate, languages, or leadership, the DSA provides the perfect platform to help him/her pursue these areas of interest and talent!

Read on as we dive into the ins and outs of the DSA programme and the DSA application process.

How Does DSA Benefit Your Child?

🔎 So, what is the point of DSA?

Through the DSA scheme, schools can select students who excel in different talent areas, not just in academics.

For your child, this means a more personalised educational journey to develop in his/her areas of interest and talent!

Is My Child’s DSA Place Guaranteed After Accepting The Offer?

For students moving on to secondary school, their place will be guaranteed if these 2 criteria are met:

✅ They accept the offer.
✅ Their PSLE result qualifies them for the Posting Group offered by the school.

🤔 What does a school’s Posting Group mean?

MOE posts students to secondary schools through 3 posting groups:

1️⃣ Posting Group 1: Previously Normal (Technical)
2️⃣ Posting Group 2: Previously Normal (Academic)
3️⃣ Posting Group 3: Previously Express

Example 1️⃣

If the school only offers Posting Group 3, your child’s PSLE score must qualify for Posting Group 3. This includes those in Posting Group 3 and Posting Group 2 option band.

Example 2️⃣

If the school offers Posting Groups 1, 2, and 3, your child’s PSLE score must at least qualify for Posting Group 1. If your child is eligible for Posting Group 1, they will admit to Posting Group 1 of the school.

Must-Knows About Accepting A DSA-Sec Offer

💡 Before accepting a DSA-Sec offer, you and your child must understand what the commitment entails and its restrictions:

✅ If your child is admitted to a secondary school through DSA-Sec, he/she is not allowed to submit school choices during the Secondary 1 (S1) posting process.
✅ He/she is not allowed to transfer to another school after the PSLE results are released.
✅ He/she must commit to his/her chosen school for the duration of the programme.

DSA Eligibility and Domains

The DSA programme recognises a broad range of talent areas:

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Sports and Games
• Debate and Public Speaking
• Languages and Humanities
• Visual, Literary and Performing Arts
• Uniformed Groups
• Leadership

While the DSA offers a non-academic route into secondary school, it’s worth noting that excelling in Science and Math can boost your child’s chances, particularly in the DSA STEM domain.

Schools with a focus on STEM education are looking to admit students who have already demonstrated exceptional ability in these areas.

Top Secondary Schools Offering DSA Pathway for STEM

Here is the list of DSA schools in Singapore that your child can consider if he/she is interested in pursuing a STEM-related pathway under the DSA programme, according to MOE:

• Admiralty Secondary School (Robotics & STEM)
• Anglican High School (Robotics)
• Bartley Secondary School (Chemical and Applied Sciences – Fragrance)
• Beatty Secondary School (STEM)
• Boon Lay Secondary School (Digital Media)
• Broadrick Secondary School (STEM)
• Bukit Batok Secondary School (Robotics & STEM)
• Bukit Merah Secondary School (STEM)
• Bukit View Secondary School (Coding, Environmental Science & STEM – Aerospace and Aviation)
• Changkat Changi Secondary School (STEM – Aerospace and Aviation)
• Chua Chu Kang Secondary School (Science for Sustainable Development)
• Clementi Town Secondary School (Science and Technology)
• Commonwealth Secondary School (Coding & Environmental Science)
• Compassvale Secondary School (STEM – Aeronautics)
• Dunearn Secondary School (Food Science and Technology)
• Dunman High School (Secondary) (STEAM)
• Dunman Secondary School (STEM)
• Fuhua Secondary School (Applied Sciences – Forensic Science)
• Gan Eng Seng School (STEM)
• Greendale Secondary School (Design, Technology and Engineering)
• Hai Sing Catholic School (Robotics)
• Hillgrove Secondary School (STEM)
• Jurong Secondary School (STEM)
• Jurongville Secondary School (Electronics)
• Kent Ridge Secondary School (Computational Thinking Skills)
• Kranji Secondary School (Science)
• Loyang View Secondary School (STEM)
• Marsiling Secondary School (Environmental Science)
• National Junior College (Secondary) (Engineering Innovation and Solutions)
• Ngee Ann Secondary School (Coding)
• Northbrooks Secondary School (Aerospace)
• NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Mathematics & Science)
• Pasir Ris Secondary School (Digital Media)
• Pei Hwa Secondary School (Robotics)
• Presbyterian High School (STEM)
• Punggol Secondary School (Environmental Science)
• Queenstown Secondary School (Science for Sustainable Development)
• River Valley High School (Secondary) (Robotics & Scientific Investigation)
• Riverside Secondary School (STEM)
• School of Science and Technology, Singapore (STEAM)
• Serangoon Secondary School (Programming and 3D Modelling)
• Springfield Secondary School (STEM)
• Swiss Cottage Secondary School (Science for Sustainable Development)
• Tampines Secondary School (STEM – Creative Engineering and Modelling)
• Temasek Junior College (Secondary) (Mathematics & Science)
• Woodgrove Secondary School (Science for Sustainable Development)
• Woodlands Ring Secondary School (Robotics & STEAM)
• Yio Chu Kang Secondary School (Mechatronics, Aeronautics and Robotics)
• Yusof Ishak Secondary School (Robotics)

Each school above has a unique STEM focus area as indicated in the brackets!

For the other talent areas, here are some schools you can consider for your child:

Sports and Games

• Anglican High School (Basketball & Badminton)
• Bedok South Secondary School (Badminton & Swimming)
• Chung Cheng High School (Main) (Basketball & Badminton)
• Dunman High School (Secondary) (Basketball & Badminton)
• Edgefield Secondary School (Basketball & Badminton)

Debate and Public Speaking

• Assumption English School
• CHIJ Katong Convent
• Greenridge Secondary School
• School of the Arts, Singapore

Languages and Humanities

• Anglican High School (Chinese Language)
• Chung Cheng High School (Main) (Chinese Language)
• Dunman High School (Secondary) (Bilingualism)
• Evergreen Secondary School (Chinese Language)
• Greenridge Secondary School (Bilingualism)

Leadership & Uniformed Groups

• Anglican High School (Boys’ Brigade)
• Hua Yi Secondary School (Red Cross Youth)
• Jurong West Secondary School (Red Cross Youth & Boys’ Brigade)
• Regent Secondary School (Red Cross Youth & Boys’ Brigade)
• Riverside Secondary School (Leadership and Character)

For the full list of schools and their complete focus areas, visit the MOE website.

Schools That Admit Students Only Through DSA-Sec

These schools do not participate in the Secondary 1 (S1) Posting process and only admit students through the DSA-Sec process:

• NUS High School of Mathematics and Science
• School of Science and Technology
• School of the Arts

They may conduct a Supplementary Intake Exercise after the release of PSLE results to admit additional students, depending on vacancies. Visit their official websites to learn more.

2025 DSA-Sec Application Timeline

If you are looking for what is needed for the DSA application, here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved in the application, along with Direct School Admission requirements:

The 2025 DSA-Sec application period is from 11AM on 7 May 2025 (Wednesday) to 3PM on 3 June 2025 (Tuesday). Applications must be submitted via the DSA-Sec Portal during this window. Late applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Submit DSA Application (7 May to 3 June)

Applications are submitted through the DSA-Sec portal, where you can indicate your child’s talent areas and preferred schools. Highlight your child’s relevant achievements, awards, or experiences that demonstrate his/her abilities.

For example:

• If your child is applying under STEM, you can include information on his/her participation in Math Olympiads like the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad or Science competitions like the Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad.
• If your child is applying under sports, you can showcase his/her competition awards.
• If your child is applying under the performing arts, you may showcase his/her performances in his/her performing arts CCA (e.g. school band, school choir, drama productions).

Attend Trials, Auditions & Interviews (By 4 September)

After reviewing applications, schools may invite shortlisted candidates to participate in trials, auditions, or interviews.

A sports trial could involve physical tests, while a performing arts audition may require a live performance. Meanwhile, those applying under STEM may undergo written tests or problem-solving challenges.

Select Preferred Schools (27 October to 31 October)

Submit up to three school choices through the DSA-Sec Portal.

Receive School Allocation Results (Late November)

Your child’s DSA-Sec allocation results will be released together with the PSLE results in late November, which can be collected at your child’s primary school. The outcome will be either a successful or unsuccessful DSA-Sec allocation.

Choosing the Right School

Selecting the right school for your child is an exciting but challenging part of the DSA-Sec journey. Here are some tips to help you and your child make the decision:

Explore School Programmes

Look for schools that offer specialised programmes or have a strong track record in your child’s talent area. Whether it’s a comprehensive STEM curriculum, a top-tier sports programme, or an arts-focused school, make sure the school aligns with your child’s passions.

Understand The School Type

When choosing a school, it’s important to consider both the school type and location to find the best fit for your child.

Different school types (government, government-aided, independent and specialised independent) offer different learning experiences and fee structures.

Consider Your Child’s Daily Commute

Take some time to research the transport options and daily commute timings to your child’s school! A manageable journey to and fro from school will make a big difference in how well your child adjusts and copes with his/her secondary school life.

Long or complicated commutes can leave your child feeling physically drained and mentally fatigued, especially when he/she has longer school hours, CCAs, and heavier academic demands.

A shorter, more convenient commute not only gives your child more time to rest, revise, or enjoy downtime, but also reduces stress! This daily rhythm can go a long way in supporting his/her well-being, motivation, and ability to stay engaged in both academic and CCA commitments.

Understand The School’s Selection Process

Once you have shortlisted schools that align with your child’s passion and academic performance, visit their website to learn more about their selection process. Take note that the selection processes, criteria and assessment schedules may vary from school to school.

• Review School Achievements
  
  Take a closer look at how the school has supported students in your child’s area of interest. Have past students in this field gone on to achieve notable success or taken part in meaningful opportunities? A strong track record in nurturing talent may suggest that the school has the right environment, resources, and guidance to help your child grow with confidence.  
• Consider Opportunities for Growth
  
  Beyond achievements, consider how the school supports student development. Do they offer mentorship programmes, regular competitions, or collaborations with external organisations? These experiences not only build your child’s confidence and skills but also open doors for future opportunities.

How The Pique Lab Can Help Your Child

At The Pique Lab, our goal is to help our students excel in Science and Math by helping them build a strong academic foundation. Here’s how The Pique Lab can help your child stand out during the DSA application process and secure his/her DSA offer:

• Fostering Curiosity & Critical Thinking
  
  Our lessons are crafted to nurture a true passion for learning Science and Math, beyond just helping students achieve results. By encouraging our students to ask questions, explore new ideas and develop critical thinking skills, we help your child go beyond the textbook and truly engage with his/her subjects.
• Building Strong Foundations In Science & Math
  
  We focus on helping our students grasp fundamental concepts in Science and Math, ensuring they’re not just memorising key phrases and answering techniques, but understanding the “why” behind them. This approach can help boost his/her confidence and performance in the DSA assessments (if applicable), and also in his/her school’s weighted assessments, Prelims and PSLE!
• Boosting Academic Performance In Science & Math
  
  Our Science and Math programmes, such as our weekly Grade Accelerator Programme (GAP) and regular school holiday workshops, are designed to provide targeted support and accelerate your child’s progress in Science and Math.

Conclusion

The DSA pathway offers exciting opportunities for your child to pursue his/her passions, whether they’re inclined towards Science, Math, sports, or the arts. With the right preparation and guidance, your child can unlock doors to a school where he/she can thrive and achieve his/her full potential.

If you are looking for an education partner that helps nurture your child’s interest in Science and Math, explore The Pique Lab’s programmes to help him/her build a strong foundation in Science and Math.

May the DSA be the stepping stone to a future full of opportunities for your child!