MOE Gifted Education Programme (GEP) Changes
Starting with the 2024 Primary 1 cohort, the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in its current form will be phased out, and replaced by school-based high-ability programmes.
2025 Gifted Education Programme (GEP) Selection Process
The Gifted Education Programme is undergoing changes, with the 2025 P3 students being the last cohort to go through the traditional two-stage GEP selection process. Students will first undergo the Screening Test in August 2025, followed by the Selection Test in October 2025.
Our GEP Prep Lab programme continues to ensure students are well prepared to excel in the GEP exercises through exposure to simulated GEP-style questions in English, Mathematics and General Ability, which are not covered in the mainstream curriculum. To prepare students for the GEP Screening Test, our bootcamp in June will also cover key concepts for commonly tested questions.
After 2025, the selection process will shift significantly – here’s what to expect.
Changes in the GEP from 2026 onwards
What do these changes mean for your child currently in P1 or P2? Here are the key updates:
Stage 1 (Screening) of the standardised GEP selection test at Primary 3 will be retained, but the second stage will be removed.
Instead of a centralised GEP test, individual schools will be equipped to identify their own high-ability learners, including using supplementary information based on their day-to-day observations, teachers’ recommendations and students’ work.
Students will have multiple opportunities to be selected between Primary 4 and Primary 6, rather than joining GEP at a single point in Primary 4.
Students will remain in their current school and will not need to transfer to another. This means they won’t have to build new friendships or adapt to a new environment all over again, which can be quite stressful for some!
They will participate in school-based high-ability programmes and after-school modules tailored to their strengths, which may cover English, Mathematics, or both subjects.
For P1 and P2 students, our GEP Prep Labs will be relaunched as “High-Ability Growth Programmes (HAG),” in line with MOE changes. While the traditional GEP pathway is being phased out, the foundational literacy, numeracy, and cognitive skills that have always been at the core of GEP remain essential for high-ability learners. Our HAG programmes will equip students with these skills to thrive under high-ability learning environments.
Helping High-Ability Learners Thrive
Giftedness vs. High Ability: While rare prodigies like Einstein or Mozart have natural-born talents, most high-ability learners develop their strengths through the right learning experiences.
Parents can help their children excel in high-ability programmes: With the right support, children can build strong foundations in critical thinking, problem-solving and subject mastery, increasing their chances of excelling in gifted education or high-ability programmes.
It’s about academic skills, not innate genius: Singapore’s GEP and high-ability programmes aren’t designed to identify raw talent like musical prodigies or chess masters. Instead, they focus on academic strengths. These are skills that can be developed with the right mindset and preparation.
Common questions about GEP/High-Ability Programme
What specific academic skills and competencies will be the focus of the new High-Ability Programme?
The programme will continue to focus on developing academic skills such as critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving. These skills are designed to benefit students beyond primary school, preparing them for success in secondary education, tertiary studies, and future careers.
Will my child still benefit from preparation for the school-based assessment?
Yes, absolutely. Vocabulary building, developing strong reading habits, and honing problem-solving skills remain essential. In our P3 GEP Prep Lab and P1 & P2 High-Ability Growth Programme (HAG), we deepen students’ heuristic skills, broaden their vocabulary bank and expose them to general ability questions that involve pattern recognition, analytical thinking and more.
As pioneers in Gifted Education Programme/High-Ability Programme preparation, with over two decades of teaching experience, we stand unrivalled as leaders in the field. Our exceptional track record is a testament to the quality of our curriculum materials and the profound knowledge we have built over the years.
