Is your child gifted in sports? We all have our own strengths and talents. Leaning into our natural interests and honing our skills can take us further than following the masses. If your child has a strong passion and aptitude for a sport, you may want to consider enrolling them into Singapore Sports School (SSP).

Is your child gifted in sports? We all have our strengths and talents. Leaning into our natural interests and honing our skills can take us further than following the masses. If your child has a strong passion and aptitude for a sport, you may want to consider enrolling them into Singapore Sports School (SSP).

Learn more about Singapore Sports School, what it offers and how your child can apply if they are interested in joining their programme.

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What is Singapore Sports School (SSP)?

Singapore Sports School, or SSP, is the first and only school in Singapore that offers selected students an integrated academic and sports programme. Singapore Sports School allows students to receive competitive training while pursuing their academic journeys.

The intensity and rigour of sports and academic training at Singapore Sports School are unrivalled. This is a win-win for students because the student-athletes can achieve their academic certifications like everyone else and have something to fall back on apart from a sports career. At the same time, they are given access to world-class training facilities, coaches, and knowledge to help them achieve excellence in their preferred sport. This makes Singapore Sports School an ideal institution for aspiring sportsmen and women.

Sports Programmes at Singapore Sports School (SSP)

Academy Programmes at SSP

SSP offers a wide range of sports programmes. They have nine Academy Programmes:

Badminton Academy
Bowling Academy
Fencing Academy
Football Academy (Boys)
Netball Academy (Girls)
Shooting
Swimming
Table Tennis
Track and Field

Individual Programmes at SSP

Additionally, the Singapore Sports School works closely with the National Sports Associations (NSAs) to nurture student-athletes in other sports through Individual Programmes.

Student-athletes in both the Academy and Individual Programmes can access their academic programme, campus boarding, sports medicine and sports science services, and athlete life management support. However, only those in the Academy Programmes will receive sports training from the school. The NSAs will provide sports training for those in the Individual Programmes.

Programme Designed Upon Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles.

Singapore Sports School’s sports programmes are based on Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles. The Singapore Sports School has a team of expert coaches and sports scientists who work together to provide optimal competitive training for student-athletes.

The LTAD model consists of three key stages that cater to the needs of student-athletes aged 13 to 19 years old. These stages are:

Learn to Train – Learn and acquire overall sports skills

Train to Train – Build endurance, develop speed and strength, and develop and consolidate sport-specific skills

Train to Compete – Optimise fitness preparation and sport-specific skills, and learn to compete internationally

SSP also offer Pre-Sports School Programmes for Junior Players

Singapore Sports School also offers Pre-Sports School Programmes for seven of its nine academy sports. These include Badminton, Fencing, Football, Netball, Shooting, Swimming and Table Tennis.

The Pre-Sports School Programmes provide coaching for top junior players from primary 3 to 6, depending on the specific sport. Talents are nurtured from a young age and, in some cases, may be identified for enrollment in the Sports School’s secondary school programme.

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Academic Programmes at Singapore Sports School (SSP)

Singapore Sports School has a solid academic programme that follows educational objectives set out by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Student-athletes can take their GCE O Level or N Level examinations or enrol in through-train post-secondary programmes.

The school’s post-secondary programmes include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Diploma in Business with Sports Management at Republic Polytechnic, and Diploma in Business Studies with Entrepreneurship Management at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Singapore Sports School also has a unique pedagogy that caters towards student-athletes and aims to provide optimal support for their academic success. The school offers small group teachings, a flexible academic structure, dedicated mentors and consultation for student-athletes who miss classes due to competitions.

Admissions to Singapore Sports School (SSP)

The application process typically starts from February to May during your child’s primary 6 year. Your child may apply by filling up a registration form. Do note that this is different from the MOE DSA-Sec selection process.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for admission interviews and trials up to July. There is also a Supplementary Phase for primary 6s who decide to apply later in the year. However, there are fewer vacancies at this stage as most slots would have already been filled.

The Sports School’s Orientation Camp and secondary school online registration begin in October and November. This comes before the PSLE results are released.

All students are still mandated to participate in the traditional MOE Secondary 1 Posting Exercise so that they will be allocated to a “posted school”. This gives your child a place in that school if they need to leave the Sports School for any reason.

Admission for Returning Singaporeans and Non-Singaporeans

Returning Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans can also apply for the Singapore Sports School. However, there is a regulation that International Students should not be more than two years older than the appropriate age for the education level they are seeking admission to.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo sport selection trials, academic assessments testing subjects such as English and Mathematics, interviews and medical screening. The Sports School will also use placement tests to determine a suitable academic level for the candidates.

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To explore more classes, go through our list of various sports here. Why not start with a trial class to gauge your child’s interest?

Charmaine

Charmaine writes about education, lifestyle and personal finance tips. She tutors part-time and is well acquainted with the local education system. In her free time, Charmaine loves to explore food and date places in Singapore.