SCHOOL ACCOMODATION (Primary Classes and Form II): APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION, DEMANDS AND CAPACITY

Wednesday, 9th November, 1955

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Minister for Education (a) how many students are there at present in Singapore between the ages of 6 and 12; how many children, who have reached the school age, are unable to gain admission through lack of school accommodation next year; and (b) how many students have applied for entry into Form II; the number which can actually be accepted with the present school accommodation; and whether the Government have any plans for those not admitted into Form II.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: (a) (i) It is estimated that the number of children in this six-year age group now in school is 138,900.

(ii) This depends on the number of over-aged children still to be admitted and the number of under-aged children who will be admitted in some schools. There are, however, more than enough places for the children in any one year age group. There will be approximately 50,000 places available in first year primary classes, whereas the number of children aged 6 on 1st January, 1956, is about 40,000 and aged 7 on 1st January, 1956, is about 38,000.

(b) (i) 3,998.

(ii) Approximately 2,000.

(iii) Yes. There is the Trade School at Balestier Road and there will be evening classes in the new technical secondary schools as far as possible to meet the demand.