Statistics on Non-completion and Transfers Out of IP Course for Students Admitted under DSA Scheme

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education since the inception of the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme, how many students who have been admitted via the DSA Sports and Music tracks into Integrated Programme (IP) schools (i) did not complete the entire six-year IP course (ii) were subsequently transferred out of the IP (iii) did not pass their GCE A-Level or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or (iv) did not qualify for any of the local autonomous universities after the IP.

The Direct School Admission (DSA) Scheme and the Integrated Programme (IP) were introduced in 2004. As there have been refinements to both schemes over the years and the number of IP schools has expanded significantly since then, it is more meaningful to look at the outcomes of more recent cohorts.

For the past five IP cohorts that have graduated, around 300 to 450 students were admitted each year through the DSA talent areas of Sports and Games, and Performing Arts which includes Music. Around four in five of them completed the IP within six years. The remaining students proceeded to other pathways, including transferring to the GCE "O" level track, pursuing other post-secondary education options, or relocating overseas.

Almost all of the IP students who sat for the GCE "A" Level or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme examinations at the end of six years passed on their first attempt and were eligible for degree courses in our autonomous universities. This includes those who were admitted to the IP through DSA for Sports and Games, and Performing Arts.