Navigating the New GEP SG: Your Essential Guide to Advanced Modules & Testing Changes

Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme (GEP), a hallmark of specialised education since 1984, is undergoing its most significant transformation yet. The traditional GEP SG model is being phased out, with the final cohort set to graduate in 2028. In its place, the Ministry of Education is introducing a more flexible and accessible system: the Advanced Centre-Based Modules, which are set to begin in 2027. This change signals a fundamental shift in how we identify and nurture high-ability learners, moving away from a one-off selection process to a more continuous development model to help students achieve their goals

From 9 GEP schools to 15 island-wide hubs

One of the most immediate changes parents will notice is the decentralisation of gifted education. The previous structure was centred around nine designated GEP schools, which were heavily concentrated in central and southern Singapore. We understand that this often meant long commutes for families living in other parts of the island.

While all schools provide additional enrichment classes to stretch the selected students, the new model also replaces the old system with 15 Advanced Module centres strategically spread across Singapore. These hubs will be located in areas like Yishun, Punggol, Jurong West and Tengah, making advanced learning opportunities far more accessible. Unlike the old system where students transferred to one of the GEP schools, children will now remain in their own primary schools for their core curriculum.

They will attend these advanced modules after school or during holidays. This supplementary approach allows students to benefit from specialised instruction without leaving their familiar school environment and friends. It redefines the old concept of a full-time Singapore GEP program into something more integrated.

A new approach to GEP exams and identification

We observe that the high-stakes GEP exams have long been a source of anxiety for P3 students and their parents. The MOE GEP team has redesigned the identification process to be more holistic and less dependent on a single high-stakes assessment to help students stay on track. The first revamped test is scheduled for August 2026.

Instead of the previous two-stage screening and selection test, students will now sit for a single-stage test. This new GEP test is designed to assess raw aptitude in English and Maths, focusing more on problem-solving abilities rather than performance on curriculum-based content. It is a move designed to inspire students and identify their true potential, not just prior knowledge.

Key changes to the identification process

• Single-stage test: The two-part testing system is now a more direct single assessment.

• Holistic selection: The test is not the only factor. Schools can now include teacher observations and a student's daily schoolwork to identify capable candidates.

• Multiple entry points: The most crucial change is the introduction of multiple entry points. Students who develop later or were not identified at P3 can now be nominated to join the modules at later stages of their primary education.

What will my child actually learn in these advanced modules?

Beyond the structural changes, the curriculum itself is evolving. The Advanced Modules aim to provide deep, subject-specific enrichment that goes beyond the standard syllabus. The goal is to foster critical thinking and spark our students' passion for learning.

These modules will be complemented by interdisciplinary holiday programmes that focus on real-world skills like creative problem-solving and advanced research. To ensure consistent quality across all 15 hubs, a team of specially trained teachers with expertise in gifted education pedagogy will rotate between the centres. This ensures that no matter which hub your child attends, they are capable of receiving the same high standard of instruction to help them improve.

Is this a better system for Singapore?

This overhaul of the GEP SG system responds to real changes in how children learn. By increasing the number of centres from nine to 15 and spreading them geographically, the Ministry of Education makes a clear statement about equity and accessibility. The shift to a holistic identification process with multiple entry points reduces the immense pressure of a single test at Primary 3. We understand that high-stakes exams cause anxiety. This change helps students stay on track without the stress of an all-or-nothing assessment.

We observe that some parents worry a supplementary programme lacks the prestige of a dedicated GEP class. That concern makes sense given the history of the programme. The new system finds its strength in flexibility. It focuses less on the gifted label and more on the continuous act of nurturing a child’s specific strengths and interests to help them improve.

The focus is shifting from a single gateway to multiple pathways. Your role is now less about preparing for one specific test and more about fostering your child's innate curiosity. You can take charge by nurturing their passions and supporting their academic journey. Opportunities for advanced learning are becoming more flexible and accessible. We believe every student is capable of reaching their full potential.