Profile of Singaporean Students Studying in Private Schools

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the number of Singapore citizens aged 7 to 17 years old who are studying in private schools (excluding those in special schools); (b) what is the breakdown of these numbers in terms of the students at primary and secondary levels; and (c) what is the number of Singapore citizens who are exempted from the Compulsory Education Act and what are the reasons for these exemptions.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: As at February 2012, the number of Singaporeans who are exempted from Compulsory Education is 5,229. This is around 2% of all primary-level Singaporean children. About half of these children have special educational needs. Others are exempted because they are either enrolled in private schools or home-schooled.

Based on survey data, approximately 2% (or about 3,500) of secondary-level Singaporeans are enrolled in private schools.

Page: 2392