KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- MOE’s long-awaited bullying review and exam reforms land in 2026
- Teacher workload, DSA rules and school canteens all getting reworked
- Big shifts ahead for students, parents and educators in Singapore
2025 already felt intense for parents and students.
Bullying cases went viral. Teachers spoke up about burnout. Screens and AI sparked fresh worries.
Now, 2026 is shaping up to be a reset year for Singapore’s education system.
Here’s what’s changing — and why it matters to families on the ground.
| Area | What’s Changing | Why It Matters for Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Bullying | MOE review results out by H1 2026 | Clearer discipline, more transparency |
| Exams | Lower stakes for single exams | Less stress, less “tuition arms race” |
| Teachers | Over 1,000 hires yearly | Better support, less burnout |
| DSA | Tighter rules, less bias | Fairer access beyond elite schools |
| Canteens | More central kitchens | Stable food options, fewer closures |
Bullying review: What parents are waiting for
The Ministry of Education has been reviewing how schools handle bullying since early 2025.
Recommendations are expected in the first half of 2026.
This comes after several high-profile cases shocked parents, including one where Primary 3 pupils sent death threats, leading to suspensions and caning.
What MOE is considering
- A centralised anti-bullying unit
- Stronger restorative practices
- More resources for schools to investigate cases
- Easier, clearer reporting channels for students
- Greater involvement from parents and peers
The review focuses on four areas:
- School culture and processes
- Values education
- Support for educators
- Partnerships with parents
Honestly speaking, many parents just want clarity and consistency — not silence.
Exams: Less pressure, more than grades
Singapore’s exam culture isn’t disappearing overnight.
But it is slowly changing.
During the President’s Address debate, Lawrence Wong said Singapore must move beyond a narrow, grades-only meritocracy.
Education Minister Desmond Lee confirmed MOE is studying:
- Lower stakes for single exams
- Stronger character and social-emotional learning
- Ways to reduce “hothousing” by well-resourced families
The aim?
Spot potential, not just perfect scores.
For most Singaporean kids, this could mean less pressure — and more room to grow.
Teacher workload: Finally being tackled
Teachers here work an average of 47.3 hours a week, up from 2018.
A lot of that time?
Admin, pastoral care, non-teaching duties.
What’s changing in 2026
- Over 1,000 new teachers hired each year
- More school admin staff
- Wider use of the Parents Gateway app
- AI tools for lesson prep and feedback
- Simpler procurement for camps and school activities
No need to overthink this — happier teachers usually mean better classrooms.
DSA rules: Less “green harvesting”
The Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme is also under review.
DSA was meant to spot talent beyond academics.
But concerns grew over early recruitment and bias.
Former Education Minister Chan Chun Sing called out “green harvesting” — picking winners too early.
What MOE is tightening
- Coaches must declare conflicts of interest
- Clearer, more objective selection criteria
- More focus on potential, not polish
Primary school teachers will also play a bigger role in talent spotting from Primary 4 or 5.
School canteens: Why central kitchens are spreading
Running a school stall isn’t easy anymore.
High costs, fewer students, and foodcourt competition have made it tough to find vendors.
That’s why central kitchen models are expanding.
By January 2026, three major vendors will serve 13 schools with:
- Pre-ordered meals
- Manned stalls
- More predictable operations
Some schools, like Hwa Chong Institution, are even testing hybrid models with large caterers to cut long recess queues.
For students, it’s simple: food stays affordable and reliable.
Looking back: What shaped 2025
Screens in schools
- No screens for infants up to 18 months
- Limited screen use for pre-schoolers
- Stricter smartphone rules in primary and secondary schools
- From January 2026, secondary students can’t use phones during recess or CCAs
Schools already report better focus and well-being.
Gen AI misuse
A case at Nanyang Technological University put AI misuse under the spotlight.
Universities now allow gen AI — but only with clear declaration.
Expect more:
- Oral exams
- In-class assessments
- Singapore-context assignments
Adult learning clampdown
SkillsFuture Singapore banned third-party course marketers from Dec 1.
From April 2026, adult educators must:
- Clock practice hours
- Undergo regular training
Less spam. Higher standards.
New JC entry rules
From JC intake 2028:
- L1R4 replaces L1R5
- Only 5 subjects counted, not 6
- Cut-off: 16 points or fewer
- Subject grade requirements remain
Less exam load, more breathing space.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will MOE release the bullying review?
MOE plans to publish its recommendations in the first half of 2026.
Will exams really matter less?
Grades still matter, but MOE is actively reducing reliance on single high-stakes exams and boosting non-academic development.
Are central kitchen canteens compulsory?
No. Schools can choose. Central kitchens are an option where stallholders are hard to sustain.
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