The Ministry of Education has just announced that it will be phasing out the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), and introduce a new arrangement for high-ability learners to attend advanced modules in 15 MOE schools around Singapore from 2027
Big changes are coming for high-ability learners! From 2027, primary school pupils with strong academic potential can attend advanced classes at 15 dedicated centres across Singapore, following the discontinuation of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in its current form. The last batch of students to undergo the GEP will be the Primary 6 cohort in 2028.
What is the GEP?
The GEP is an enrichment programme designed to nurture intellectually gifted students to their fullest potential. It was introduced in 1984 by the MOE as part of reforms to create an education system that caters to diverse talents and learning aptitudes. The GEP was exclusively offered in nine primary schools: Raffles Girls’ Primary School, Rosyth School, Anglo-Chinese School, Nanyang Primary School, Tao Nan School, Henry Park Primary School, Catholic High School (Primary), St Hilda’s Primary School and Nan Hua Primary School. It was also offered in seven secondary schools, before being discontinued in 2004.
New advanced modules offered in 15 MOE schools from 2027
Changes to the GEP were first announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in 2024, citing a more inclusive, school-based approach to stretch higher-ability pupils across all schools.
Come 2027, a new system and selection process will replace the GEP model. The selected primary schools (see below!) in the new programme were chosen for their “good geographic spread” and easy access via public transport (with a potential for review in future).
In the new programme, students will attend weekly after-school advanced modules in English, Mathematics and Science. During the school holidays, they’ll try their hand at interdisciplinary modules (which could be in areas like financial literacy, literature and journalism) designed to stretch their thinking across subjects. Classes will be taught by 20 specially deployed teachers from MOE headquarters — including former GEP teachers.
New selection process for high-ability learners
Here’s how selection will work: pupils will go through a new one-stage identification exercise, with Primary 3 students in 2026 forming the first cohort to sit for it in August. The identification test will focus on English and Maths aptitude (not mastery of the school syllabus) and won’t be the only factor considered. MOE says they’re also looking out for qualities like creativity, interest and talent in these academic areas.
Unlike the old GEP system, which had a single entry point at Primary 4, this new setup is more flexible. Students can also join at the end of each semester in Primary 4 and 5, making it easier for late bloomers to come on board.
Depending on their strengths, selected pupils can opt for enrichment classes in their own schools, the centre-based advanced modules, or both.
The new programme is not intended to give students the chance to get ahead in exams, but rather “nurture curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.”
In short: the aim is to spot potential early, offer more flexibility, and make advanced learning opportunities accessible — without uprooting children from their home schools.
List of centres offering after-school advanced modules from 2027
Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School
Clementi Primary School
Geylang Methodist School (Primary)
Innova Primary School
Jurong West Primary School
Kheng Cheng Primary School
Palm View Primary School
Pioneer Primary School
Punggol View Primary School
Queenstown Primary School
St. Gabriel’s Primary School
Tampines Primary School
Teck Ghee Primary School
Yew Tee Primary School
Yu Neng Primary School
Want more school news? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!
