What Is the Gifted Education Programme?
The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) is a specialist programme run by Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) for academically exceptional students. It is offered at nine selected primary schools, catering to approximately the top 1% of each Primary 3 cohort. Students who pass the GEP selection tests are offered places in one of the nine GEP centre schools, where they receive an enriched curriculum in English, Mathematics, and General Studies.
GEP students are taught in separate classes within mainstream schools, allowing them to interact with the general student population while receiving a more challenging academic programme. The programme runs from Primary 4 through Primary 6.
The Nine GEP Primary Schools
The following nine primary schools host the GEP in Singapore:
- Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) — Central, boys' school
- Catholic High School (Primary) — Central, boys' school
- Henry Park Primary School — West, co-ed
- Nan Hua Primary School — West, co-ed
- Nanyang Primary School — Central, co-ed (also SAP)
- Raffles Girls' Primary School — Central, girls' school
- Rosyth School — North-East, co-ed
- St. Hilda's Primary School — East, co-ed
- Tao Nan School — East, co-ed (also SAP)
How GEP Selection Works
Stage 1 — Screening Test (Primary 3, Term 3)
All eligible Primary 3 students are automatically considered for the GEP screening. The test assesses English language, Mathematics, and General Ability. Students scoring in approximately the top 10% are invited to Stage 2.
Stage 2 — Selection Test (Primary 3, Term 4)
The Stage 2 test is more rigorous and assesses higher-order thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Approximately 500–600 students from this round are offered GEP places, with their parents able to select one of the nine GEP schools.
Choosing a GEP School
If your child qualifies for the GEP, you will be asked to rank the nine GEP schools in order of preference. School selection is based on your child's preference and available places. Practical factors to consider include:
- Location and travel time — GEP students must travel to their assigned school, which may be far from home
- School culture — Each GEP school has a distinct character; visit open houses where possible
- Single-sex vs co-ed — ACS(P), Catholic High, and RGPS are single-sex schools
- SAP schools — Nanyang and Tao Nan also have a strong Higher Chinese emphasis
Does My Child Need to Be in a GEP School for P1?
No. GEP selection happens in Primary 3, so your child does not need to attend a GEP school from Primary 1. However, many parents target GEP schools early because of their strong academic culture and reputation — even for non-GEP students.
For P1 registration, GEP schools are subject to the same balloting rules as all other primary schools. Several GEP schools — especially Nanyang, Henry Park, and Rosyth — are highly oversubscribed. Check the balloting history for your target GEP school before deciding on your registration strategy.
GEP vs Mainstream: What Parents Should Know
The GEP enriched curriculum is significantly more challenging than mainstream Primary 4–6. It emphasises independent research, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. GEP students typically score highly in PSLE and have access to DSA pathways to top secondary schools.
That said, the programme is not for every child. The high academic demands and competitive peer environment suit some children well, but others thrive better in mainstream classes. If your child qualifies, speak to school counsellors and other GEP parents before making a decision.
Resources for Parents
Use SGSchool to compare GEP schools on registration competitiveness, CCAs, and school profiles. Browse all primary schools or filter by GEP status on the schools list.