SINGAPORE – The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) will come to an end with its final batch graduating in 2028. On March 3, Education Minister Desmond Lee announced that starting from 2027, high-ability learners

at one of 15 hubs.

This development comes after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in 2024 the

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In its place, the combination of existing school-based provisions and centre-based advanced modules, will be the new standard of support for students with academic strengths across all primary schools.

Centre-based advanced modules are expected to benefit at least 2 per cent of the cohort, up from the 1 per cent served by the former GEP.

To qualify for these advanced modules, Primary 3 pupils will have to go through a new one-stage identification exercise – there is currently a two-stage test required for the GEP.

The Straits Times spoke to centre-based and GEP teachers who participated in the trial of these modules to learn more about what this new programme looks like. Here is all you need to know about it.

Q: How is this new programme different from the GEP and from the current programmes by schools for high-ability learners?

A: Compared with the GEP, these new centre-based advanced modules – in English, mathematics, and interdisciplinary subjects – allow pupils to develop their strengths in specific academic domains. Previously, the GEP required students to be good across multiple subjects.