SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY (For children who return with parents from overseas job assignments)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Minister for Education what is his Ministry's school admission policy for children who return with their parents from overseas job assignments.

The Minister for Education (Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Education is aware of the problems which parents face when they try to admit their children into schools in Singapore on their return from overseas job assignments. Currently, parents have to approach the schools directly to see if the schools have vacancies. Alternatively, parents have sought assistance from the Ministry's Pupil Placement Section to place their children in suitable schools.

The Ministry is doing a comprehensive study of the problems which parents face concerning their children's education when the parents have to live or work overseas, sometimes for extended periods. The establishment of Singapore schools overseas, such as the primary school to be set up in Hong Kong next year and the provision of boarding facilities in secondary schools in Singapore, will help to alleviate these problems. However, more can be done.

The Ministry will finalise its study and announce its proposed measures in the first quarter of next year.