About 6% of DSA students come from lower-income families

MOE to review scheme, ensure focus on students' development: Chan

- Gabrielle Chan

About 6 per cent of students admitted to secondary schools by direct school admission (DSA) in the last five years received financial assistance, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, adding that the ministry is reviewing the scheme.

These students are recipients of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) financial assistance scheme or the independent school bursary, said Mr Chan in Parliament on Oct 15. They have a monthly gross household income of $3,000 or less, or monthly per capita income of $750 or less.

In addition, some DSA students receive school-based financial support, he said.

Mr Chan said that MOE will also be reviewing the DSA scheme with three aspects in mind: ensuring that schools focus on students' development, the selection process remains objective and transparent, and the scheme continues to be accessible.

He was responding to questions by Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) about the number of lower-income pupils who have secured places in secondary schools via DSA, and whether the scheme has shifted from its intent of identifying students with talents to those who can afford enrichment and preparatory programmes.