Debated in Parliament on 3 Feb 2026.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education (a) what proportion of Special Education (SPED) school graduates in 2022, 2023 and 2024 were placed into employment within one year of graduation; (b) of these graduates, what proportion remained in employment as of end 2025; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish annual SPED graduate employment data comparable to the Graduate Employment Survey for universities.
Students in Special Education (SPED) schools have moderate-to-severe Special Educational Needs and require specialised support and curriculum customisation to cater to their diverse needs. As the range of needs is broad and diverse in SPED, students in SPED learn essential knowledge, skills and attributes that can help them live independently to the best of their ability.
Of the approximately 500 SPED graduates each year from 2022 to 2024, about half were placed into employment in open or supported settings, enrolled in internship programmes or progressed to institutes of higher learning within six months of graduation. Those employed found jobs in sectors, such as retail, horticulture and hospitality. SPED graduates with higher needs may proceed to services, such as sheltered workshops and day activity centres, to develop skills for community living.
The Ministry of Education works with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and SG Enable to study the outcomes and experiences of persons with disabilities, which are reported through publications, such as the Disability Trends Report 2024, which reports holistically on a range of outcomes, including employment.
The recently launched inter-agency Taskforce on Assurance for Families with persons with disabilities will study how to better support persons with disabilities, including SPED graduates, to achieve positive and sustained employment outcomes. More information on the Taskforce's findings and recommendations will be shared in due course.
PAPERCUTS