An impressive 98.4 per cent of pupils who sat for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) this year can go on to have a secondary school education.

The record number exceeds slightly last year’s already excellent performance of 98.3 per cent and is Singapore’s best performance at the PSLE since its introduction.

A statement from the Ministry of Education said 66.4 per cent are eligible for the Express stream while 21.4 per cent will go on to the Normal (Academic) stream. About 10.6 per cent qualified for the Normal (Technical) stream.

A total of 38,808 Primary 6 pupils took the exam this year and received their results today (Nov 24). Last year, 39,286 pupils sat for PSLE.

The 628 pupils, or 1.6 per cent of the cohort, who did not qualify for a secondary school education or attempted the PSLE for the first time may re-sit the PSLE in the coming year or apply to Assumption Pathway School (APS) or NorthLight School (NLS).

“Those who have made more than one attempt at PSLE will be preferentially offered a place in APS or NLS,” said the statement.

The ministry also gave advice to those choosing their favourite secondary school, but stressed that all seek “maximise the potential of every student”.

There are many different secondary schools to choose from, including some with unique programmes and some offering different educational paths.

The statement said: “When choosing secondary schools, we would encourage students, in discussion with their parents, to consider schools with environments best suited to their learning needs and interests (e.g. Applied Learning Programmes, Learning for Life Programmes, CCAs), and the proximity of the school from their home, amongst other factors.”

chenj@sph.com.sg