2026 Outlook

What's next for education and the top stories of 2025

- Elisha Tushara Correspondent Gabrielle Chan Shermaine Ang

From an extensive review of how schools handle bullying to more schools replacing traditional stallholders with a central kitchen model, the education landscape is set for key shifts in 2026.

In 2025, issues like teachers’ heavy workloads and screen use in schools came to the fore, along with the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) in higher education.

The Straits Times looks at what to expect in education in 2026, and rounds up the biggest stories in 2025.

REVIEW OF BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

A comprehensive review of bullying has been under way since early 2025, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) aims to release its recommendations in the first half of 2026.

MOE will consider suggestions from groups like parents, educators and community partners, as well as MPs. Some ideas being studied include a centralised anti-bullying unit, expert guidance on restorative practices and greater involvement from parent support groups.

Other suggestions include providing schools with more resources to investigate cases and involving peers to educate others to stand up for those being bullied.

Several bullying incidents had surfaced online previously. In 2025, three Primary 3 pupils were suspended after death threats were sent to a girl’s mother, and one of them was caned.

Parents and the public have called for more transparency in the way schools handle bullying, including in the disciplinary actions taken.

MOE is looking at four key areas - strengthening school culture and processes, focusing more on values education for students, supporting educators, and improving schools' partnerships with parents.

It will look at schools' policies for discipline, rehabilitation and restorative practice.

Current reporting channels for students who experience bullying will also be made more accessible.

REDUCING HIGH STAKES OF EXAMS