EXPELLED STUDENTS

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Education, when a student is expelled from school, whether his or her offence is made known to all other schools and whether it will prejudice his/her application for admission to another school.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: When a pupil is expelled from school, the parents usually appeal to Principals in other schools, often nearby, to accept their child. If a school is prepared to consider accepting the pupil, the Principal will ask the sending school to give some background on him before making a final decision. This is to understand the nature of the pupil's problem and to decide on the best way of helping him. At this point the pupil's offence is revealed to the Principal of the receiving school only. The Ministry does not publicise the offence of the offender.

If parents fail to find a school on their own, they will turn to MOE for assistance. The pupil, together with his parents, would be interviewed by the School Inspector or another appropriate officer, to determine whether the pupil is remorseful and sincere in wishing to continue studying. We also have to determine if re-admitting him to a school will pose a risk to the safety and well-being of other pupils in the school he is seeking admission to. Once we are satisfied that the pupil should be helped, we will assist him in finding a place in another school with a vacancy. When MOE approaches other Principals to accept the pupil, the offence is revealed to them for the same reasons as indicated earlier.