In a significant shift from decades-old policy, Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that students applying to junior colleges (JCs) from 2028 onwards will be assessed based on five O-Level subjects instead of six.
The new admission criteria, known as L1R4, will replace the current L1R5 system introduced in 1989. Under L1R4, students will need to score 16 points or less across five subjects to qualify for JC admission, compared to the current requirement of 20 points or less across six subjects.
Details of the L1R4 System
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing revealed this change during the Ministry’s Committee of Supply debate on 6 March 2025. He explained that the revised criteria would allow students to take fewer subjects or some subjects at a less demanding level.
The L1R4 aggregate will include one language subject, one humanities subject, one science or mathematics subject, and two other best-performing subjects. The requirement to pass a mother tongue language subject (D7 or better) remains unchanged.
Changes for Millennia Institute and Bonus Points
For students seeking admission to the Millennia Institute (MI), the threshold will remain at 20 points under L1R4, but must include at least one humanities subject and one science or mathematics subject.
The cap on bonus points, which recognize co-curricular activities and other aspects of students’ holistic development, will be reduced from four to three for both JC and MI admissions.
Impact and Rationale
MOE simulations suggest that a similar proportion of students will continue to qualify for JCs under the new system. The ministry will monitor students’ academic outcomes to ensure they benefit from JC education.
This change aligns with MOE’s efforts to broaden definitions of success beyond academic achievements and encourage holistic development in students.
It aims to create more time and space for students to pursue their interests, develop communication and collaboration skills, and uncover new strengths through school programs.
Improved A-Level Passing Rates
The revised criteria come as A-Level passing rates have significantly improved, rising from about 65 percent in 1990 to about 95 percent in 2023.
This improvement indicates that JC students today are better prepared for the rigors of the curriculum.
Current Enrollment Trends
Over the past five years, about 27 percent of students enrolling in post-secondary institutions have entered JCs or MI, while 43 percent opted for polytechnics. These proportions have remained stable, with about 42 percent of JC-eligible students choosing to enroll in polytechnics instead.
As Singapore’s education landscape evolves, this change in JC admission criteria marks a step towards a more balanced approach to academic and holistic development for students pursuing pre-university education.
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