Education Minister Priya Manickchand announced yesterday that the Ministry of Education is exploring the possibility of abolishing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) as the primary mechanism for secondary‑school placement.

Speaking at the National STEAM Fair launch at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre,  Manickchand noted that with universal secondary education now in place, the NGSA’s role as a gatekeeper is up for debate.

“With universal secondary education, do we still need a placement exam? Because that’s what NGSA is,” she said, pointing out that the spread of community‑based secondary schools has greatly reduced geographic barriers to enrollment.

She challenged whether it remains fair or necessary to subject 11‑year‑olds to a single, high‑pressure test when every student can attend a local secondary school.

Manickchand emphasised that any move to remove the NGSA must be accompanied by measures to ensure consistent quality across all secondary schools. Some key initiatives underway includes infrastructure upgrades; the renovation and equipping of schools in every region. Teacher Development; expanded in-service training and professional support. Curriculum Diversification; integration of STEAM subjects and enhancement of digital literacy.

Meanwhile, the Minister clarified that phasing out universal NGSA placement would not eliminate competition entirely. For schools where demand exceeds capacity, she suggested targeted entrance exams. “This doesn’t mean we’re taking away from competition.

If you want to gain a particular (school), we can set an exam for those who are competing for those schools.”

Currently, the NGSA assesses students in mathematics, english, science and social studies through two papers multiple‑choice and open‑ended questions. Results have historically dictated secondary‑school placements and, by extension, students’ academic trajectories at age 11. This year, over 15,000 pupils nationwide sat the examination.