Data on Student Transfers between Mainstream and SPED Schools in Past 10 Years

Prof Kenneth Poon asked the Minister for Education in each of the past 10 years, (a) what is the number and proportion of students, with breakdown by primary and secondary levels, respectively, transferring from (i) mainstream schools to Special Education (SPED) schools, (ii) SPED schools to mainstream schools; and (b) what are the broad primary needs profiles of these students at the point of transfer.

In 2023, the Ministry of Education introduced a central application process for transfers between mainstream and SPED schools to facilitate students' access to more suitable educational settings.

From 2023, an average of 200 students moved from mainstream to SPED schools annually. About 90% moved at the primary level and 70% of those who moved were diagnosed with Intellectual Disability.

A total of 159 students moved from SPED schools to mainstream schools. About 90% moved at the secondary level and 70% of those who moved were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and can access the national curriculum.

We do not have data prior to 2023 as such transfers were decentralised to schools.