For over four decades, Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme (GEP) shaped the primary school journeys of the country’s brightest young learners. Nine specially designated primary schools across the island hosted these classes, drawing students away from their home schools at Primary 4 to follow a richer, more demanding curriculum through to Primary 6. For thousands of families, earning a place in GEP — and choosing the right GEP school — was one of the most consequential decisions of their child’s primary years.

In 2026, that chapter officially began closing. MOE announced in March 2026 that the GEP will be discontinued from 2027, replaced by a new system of Advanced Modules at 15 centres spread across Singapore. But with current GEP cohorts continuing until 2028, and with so many parents still navigating the legacy of this programme, understanding all 9 GEP schools — their locations, their character, and what made each one distinctive — remains genuinely useful.

This guide covers everything you need to know: a clear comparison of all 9 GEP primary schools, how the identification process worked, what the GEP curriculum actually looked like inside the classroom, and exactly what the 2027 transition means for your family. Whether your child is currently in GEP, approaching Primary 3, or you are simply trying to make sense of Singapore’s evolving gifted education landscape, read on.

What Is the Gifted Education Programme (GEP)?

The Gifted Education Programme is a specialised academic track established by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) in 1984. It was designed to identify and nurture the top 1% of each primary school cohort — students with exceptional intellectual ability who needed more than the mainstream curriculum could offer. Rather than placing these students in separate schools or pushing them ahead of their peers through acceleration, MOE took a deliberate enrichment approach: GEP students studied the same core syllabus as their classmates, but with far greater depth, complexity, and breadth.

The programme was introduced as part of a broader educational reform that recognised the importance of matching instruction to a student’s actual learning pace and potential. From its early days at just two primary schools, GEP expanded steadily over the following two decades to reach nine designated primary schools — the configuration that has remained in place until the current phase-out. It also ran at the secondary level for a time, before secondary GEP was discontinued in 2004 when the Integrated Programme (IP) pathway emerged as an alternative route for high-ability students at secondary school.

Important Update: GEP Discontinued from 2027

This is the most significant piece of news for any parent researching GEP schools in 2026. MOE confirmed in March 2026 that the Gifted Education Programme in its current centralised form will be discontinued, with no new Primary 4 students admitted from 2027 onwards. Existing GEP classes will continue to run through their remaining years — the last cohort of current GEP students will complete Primary 6 in 2028, at which point the programme officially concludes.

The announcement was made by Education Minister Desmond Lee during the Ministry of Education’s Committee of Supply debates in Parliament on 3 March 2026. He described the move as a refreshed approach to supporting students with academic strengths, noting that the original GEP model — effective as it was — served a relatively narrow group and concentrated resources in a small number of centrally located schools. The goal of the new system is both greater inclusivity and better geographic reach, ensuring that high-ability learners across Singapore, not just those near the nine legacy GEP centres, can access stretch programmes without having to uproot from their home school.

How Students Were Identified for GEP

Admission to GEP followed a two-stage identification exercise conducted in Primary 3. Every student enrolled in a mainstream MOE primary school was automatically eligible — there was no application form for parents to submit, and no prior academic threshold needed to participate in the first stage. The process unfolded like this:

• Stage 1 — GEP Screening Exercise: All eligible Primary 3 students sat a standardised test covering English Language and Mathematics. The exercise assessed aptitude rather than mastery of the curriculum, and approximately the top 10% of the cohort were shortlisted to proceed.
• Stage 2 — GEP Selection Exercise: Shortlisted students sat a more intensive round of testing, which included papers on General Ability in addition to further English and Mathematics assessments. These tests were calibrated to differentiate among already high-performing students, requiring independent thinking and creative problem-solving rather than rehearsed methods.
• Final Selection: Based on the Selection Exercise results, approximately 1% of the entire Primary 3 cohort — typically around 300 to 400 students nationally — received an offer to join the GEP. School posting results were released by end-November, and successful students transferred to one of the nine designated GEP primary schools to begin the programme in Primary 4.

One distinctive feature of the old process was its single entry point: students had only one chance, at Primary 3, to be identified. This is precisely one of the aspects MOE is changing under the new Advanced Modules framework, which allows multiple entry points at Primary 4 and Primary 5 to account for late bloomers and students whose strengths emerge over time.

What Made the GEP Curriculum Different?

A common misconception about GEP is that it was an accelerated programme — that students raced through the Primary 5 syllabus in Primary 4, for instance. In fact, the GEP’s core philosophy was enrichment, not acceleration. GEP students sat the same PSLE as every other Primary 6 student in Singapore. What differed was how they got there: the depth of inquiry, the complexity of tasks, and the skills being built along the way.

According to MOE’s official enrichment model, the GEP curriculum was differentiated from the mainstream in four main areas. It extended beyond the standard syllabus in breadth and depth, made interdisciplinary connections across subjects, encouraged students to investigate real-life problems, and explicitly taught values such as resilience, curiosity, and empathy alongside academic content. Teachers in GEP schools received specialist training in gifted education pedagogy, and class sizes were kept smaller to enable more discussion-based and student-centred learning.

Key features of the GEP learning experience included:

• Higher-order thinking across English, Mathematics, and Science
• Independent research projects where students chose and pursued their own inquiry questions
• Affective education programmes addressing the social and emotional dimensions of giftedness
• Out-of-school learning experiences, including museum and university partnerships
• Collaborative learning through group projects, seminars, and debates
• Open-ended problem-solving tasks that rewarded creative and analytical reasoning

Despite the academic intensity, GEP students were fully integrated with their schoolmates for Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), Values-in-Action (VIA) programmes, and school-wide events. The intention was always to develop well-rounded individuals — students who were intellectually stretched but also grounded socially and emotionally within their school community.

All 9 GEP Primary Schools Compared

Below is a complete overview of all nine schools that hosted the GEP at the primary level, with key details to help parents understand each school’s character, location, and any secondary school affiliations that may be relevant for long-term planning.

1. Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) — Novena

ACS (Primary) is part of Singapore’s longstanding ACS family of schools, which carries a strong Methodist heritage and an extensive network of affiliated institutions. Located in the Novena area, it is one of the more centrally positioned GEP schools and has been offering GEP since 1985. The school is a boys’ school at the primary level, and families considering ACS (Primary) for GEP often also think ahead to the pathway through ACS (Independent) at the secondary level.

2. Catholic High School (Primary Section) — Bishan

Catholic High School (Primary) is a boys’ SAP school, meaning it delivers education in both English and Chinese as a medium of instruction with a bicultural emphasis. Located in Bishan, it is one of the GEP schools in the central region. Its SAP status makes it a particularly attractive option for families who want their son to develop strong bilingual capabilities alongside the enriched GEP curriculum. The school joined the GEP network in 1998 and has a secondary school on the same campus for boys who progress through the affiliated route.

3. Henry Park Primary School — Bukit Timah

Henry Park Primary School in the Bukit Timah neighbourhood is highly regarded and frequently sought after by families in that district. Established in 1977, the school has offered GEP since 1997. A notable feature for parents thinking about secondary school options is its affiliation with Hwa Chong Institution, one of Singapore’s most prestigious secondary schools. This makes Henry Park an especially strategic choice for families who are interested in both the GEP experience and the affiliated secondary pathway.

4. Nan Hua Primary School — Clementi

Nan Hua Primary School, located in Clementi, joined the GEP network in 1999 as one of the later additions to the programme. It is a co-educational school with a strong Chinese cultural character, though parents should note that despite any shared heritage with Nan Hua High School, there is no formal affiliation advantage between the two institutions for secondary school placement. The school is well-regarded for its caring school culture and its balance of academic rigour with holistic student development.

5. Nanyang Primary School — Bukit Timah

Nanyang Primary School is a co-educational school in the Bukit Timah area that joined the GEP network in 1990. The school has a strong reputation and has been notable for attracting families with very high academic aspirations. Nanyang Primary is affiliated with Nanyang Girls’ High School — though it is worth noting that this affiliation advantage applies only to female students. The school’s bicultural environment and its position in the prestigious Bukit Timah education corridor make it one of the most discussed GEP schools among Singapore parents.

6. Raffles Girls’ Primary School (RGPS) — Bukit Timah

Raffles Girls’ Primary School holds a particularly distinguished place in the GEP’s history: it was one of the two original schools to run the programme when it launched in 1984, giving it one of the longest-running and most refined GEP curricula of any school in Singapore. An all-girls school, RGPS has grown its GEP cohort significantly since its early years. Parents sometimes assume that attending RGPS gives their daughters a head-start in admissions to Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) — but this is not the case, as there is no formal affiliation between the two institutions. The school’s legacy and track record in GEP delivery remain its strongest draw.

7. Rosyth School — Serangoon

Rosyth School in Serangoon is the GEP school that best serves families in the north-eastern part of Singapore. It is co-educational and joined the original GEP cohort in 1984, making it one of the programme’s founding institutions alongside RGPS. Rosyth is affiliated with Anderson Secondary School and Anderson Serangoon Junior College, which may be of interest to families already living in that corridor. Its position in Serangoon makes it the most geographically accessible GEP option for residents of Hougang, Punggol, and Sengkang.

8. St. Hilda’s Primary School — Tampines

St. Hilda’s Primary School in Tampines is the only GEP school serving the eastern part of Singapore, making it the default option for GEP families living in Tampines, Pasir Ris, and Bedok. It is a co-educational mission school that joined the GEP network in 1998. For families in the East who have a child selected for GEP, St. Hilda’s has historically offered the most accessible option without requiring a long daily commute to one of the Bukit Timah or central schools.

9. Tao Nan School — Marine Parade

Tao Nan School, located in the Marine Parade area, is a SAP school that joined the GEP network in 1996. Like Catholic High (Primary), its SAP status means it combines English-medium and Chinese-medium instruction with a bicultural focus. The school has a strong tradition in Chinese culture and language, and its Marine Parade location makes it accessible for families in the central-eastern part of the island. Tao Nan is affiliated with CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), though parents should check current affiliation rules as part of their secondary school planning.

Quick Comparison Table

GEP Schools by Location: A Geographic Overview

One of the most significant criticisms of the GEP’s legacy model was the geographic concentration of its nine schools. A look at the map tells the story clearly: most GEP schools were clustered in central and southern Singapore, specifically in the Bukit Timah, Novena, Marine Parade, and Bishan areas. This meant that families living in the north (Woodlands, Sembawang), the northeast (Sengkang, Punggol), or the west (Jurong, Choa Chu Kang) faced long daily commutes if their child was selected. Rosyth School in Serangoon was the only GEP option for families east of the city centre, and St. Hilda’s in Tampines served the east.

This geographic imbalance — with three schools in Bukit Timah alone — was a key driver behind MOE’s decision to redesign the entire gifted education model. The new Advanced Modules system’s 15 centres were chosen specifically to ensure a good geographic spread across Singapore, with sites deliberately placed in areas like Woodlands, Yishun, Jurong West, Punggol, and Bedok that the old GEP network never reached.

GEP vs Advanced Modules: What Changes from 2027?

The transition from GEP to Advanced Modules represents the most substantial restructuring of gifted education in Singapore since the programme was introduced 42 years ago. Understanding the key differences helps parents of current and future Primary 3 students plan ahead with confidence.

• No more school transfers: Under GEP, selected students left their home primary school and enrolled at one of the nine designated centres for P4–P6. Under the new model, children remain at their home school and attend after-school Advanced Module sessions at a nearby designated centre only.
• Wider reach: GEP served roughly 1% of each cohort. The new Advanced Modules system, combined with expanded school-based Higher-Ability Learner (HAL) provisions in every primary school, is designed to support approximately 10% of each cohort.
• One-stage identification: The old two-stage GEP screening and selection process is being replaced by a single standardised identification exercise in Primary 3. Teacher observations and classroom performance will also be factored into identification, not just test results.
• Multiple entry points: Students can join Advanced Modules at the end of P4 or P5, not only at the P3/P4 transition. This makes the new system more responsive to late bloomers.
• 15 centres instead of 9: The Advanced Module centres cover a much wider geographic footprint, reaching underserved regions of Singapore where the old GEP had no presence.
• De-linked from national exams: MOE has been explicit that Advanced Modules are not designed to give students an advantage in the PSLE. The focus is on curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking for its own sake.

The first single-stage identification exercise under the new system takes place in August 2026, for the Primary 3 cohort that year. Students identified through this process will be the first to enter Advanced Modules in 2027.

What This Means for Parents Today

If your child is currently in GEP at one of the nine schools, there is no disruption to their programme. MOE has confirmed that existing GEP classes will continue until 2028, when the final cohort completes Primary 6. Your child’s curriculum, teachers, and school placement remain unchanged.

If your child is in Primary 2 or will be in Primary 3 in 2026, the new Advanced Modules system is what applies to them. They will sit the single-stage identification exercise in August 2026. If identified, they will begin Advanced Modules sessions at a designated centre in 2027 while continuing as a regular student at their home school — no transfer required, no change of school uniform, no new school community to navigate from scratch.

For parents currently in the process of choosing a primary school with an eye on GEP, the nine schools listed in this guide no longer function as GEP gateways from 2027. If proximity to an Advanced Module centre is a priority, the 15 new centres are the relevant schools to consider. Looking for a preschool or enrichment centre that can help build the foundational skills your child needs? Skoolopedia’s searchable directories let you find enrichment centres near your MRT station and explore preschools by neighbourhood to build the right foundation early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GEP completely cancelled?

GEP is being phased out, not cancelled overnight. From 2027, no new Primary 4 students will be admitted to the GEP. However, students who are currently in the programme will complete it as planned — the last GEP cohort will finish Primary 6 in 2028. After that, the programme ceases to exist in its current form.

Will the nine GEP schools close?

No. All nine schools — ACS (Primary), Catholic High (Primary), Henry Park, Nan Hua, Nanyang, RGPS, Rosyth, St. Hilda’s, and Tao Nan — remain fully functioning primary schools. They simply no longer host GEP classes from 2027. Some of them may or may not be selected as Advanced Module centres under the new system.

Do GEP students still sit the PSLE?

Yes. GEP students have always sat the same PSLE as all other Primary 6 students in Singapore. Being in GEP did not exempt anyone from national examinations, and the PSLE score remains the primary basis for secondary school posting through the standard S1 Posting process.

Should I still consider a GEP school for my child’s P1 registration?

If you are registering your child for Primary 1 in 2026 or later, the GEP tag is no longer a relevant factor in school selection — the programme will have been phased out before your child reaches Primary 4. Instead, consider factors like school culture, proximity, CCAs, and whether the school is one of the 15 designated Advanced Module centres if that is relevant to your planning. You can also use Skoolopedia’s student care centre directory to plan wraparound support near your preferred school.

How is the new identification process different?

The new system replaces the old two-stage GEP screening and selection process with a single standardised assessment in Primary 3. Teacher observations and school-based information will also count, not just one-day test performance. Identification windows are also available at the end of Primary 4 and Primary 5, giving students who develop more slowly multiple chances to be recognised.

Final Thoughts

For 42 years, Singapore’s nine GEP primary schools provided some of the country’s most intellectually curious students with a genuinely different kind of education — one grounded in depth, inquiry, and a belief that stretching young minds enriches rather than pressures them. The legacy of these nine schools, from the original founding pair of Raffles Girls’ Primary and Rosyth School to the later additions like Nan Hua and Catholic High, is a meaningful part of Singapore’s educational story.

The transition to Advanced Modules from 2027 does not diminish that legacy. It reflects a growing recognition that giftedness is not a single track accessed through one high-stakes test at age nine, and that high-ability learners exist in every neighbourhood and every school — not just in the nine corridors along Bukit Timah Road and Marine Parade. For Singapore parents navigating this shift, the most important thing is to stay informed, plan around the new system rather than the old one, and focus on what has always mattered most: finding the right environment for your individual child.

Whether you are exploring primary school options, searching for enrichment support, or simply trying to understand how Singapore’s education landscape is evolving, Skoolopedia is here to help you find the right fit — one neighbourhood, one school, one child at a time.