Data on Household Income Distribution of Students Admitted through DSA Scheme and who Participated in Private DSA Preparatory Programmes over Past Five Years
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the household income distribution and participation in private preparatory programmes for students admitted via the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme, as raised by Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan. Minister Desmond Lee clarified that the Ministry of Education does not track these metrics, as schools identify and develop talents through existing curricula and programs like the Junior Sports Academy. He explained that secondary schools adopt a holistic selection process focused on a student’s potential and personal qualities rather than just past achievements. Minister Desmond Lee noted that this approach ensures the scheme identifies early talent rather than reflecting socioeconomic advantage. The Ministry will continue refining the DSA scheme to ensure it remains accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Transcript
53 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education in respect of students admitted to secondary schools through the Direct School Admissions (DSA) scheme over the past five years (a) what is the household income quartile distribution of all admitted students; (b) what percentage participated in private DSA preparatory programmes; and (c) what metrics the Ministry uses to assess whether DSA benefits correlate with early talent identification rather than socioeconomic advantage.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) does not track the household income distribution of students admitted via the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme.
MOE does not track students' participation in private preparatory programmes for DSA. There is no need for students to receive private preparatory programmes to be considered for DSA.
Our primary schools help students discover and develop their talents and interests through multiple avenues, including through Co-Curricular Activities, the Art, Music and PE curriculum as well as the various Applied Learning and Learning for Life Programmes. MOE also runs the Junior Sports Academy, for primary school students who show sporting potential, with no prior training needed. Our secondary schools adopt a holistic approach to DSA selection and consider factors, such as the student's commitment, strengths, potential and personal qualities, beyond their past achievements and performance.
We will continue to refine the DSA scheme so that it remains accessible for students from all backgrounds.