Blog
Our insights on
Primary School, PSLE and Education
Learn More ↓
How to Use the December Holidays to Set Your Child Up for a Strong 2026 Academic Year
The December holidays are the perfect time to help your child step confidently into the 2026 academic year. Use this window to prepare them mentally for the increased rigour ahead, strengthen weak foundations revealed in their end-of-year results, and rebuild confidence before school starts again. And if work or family commitments make it challenging to guide your child consistently, getting expert support from specialists like Essential Education can make all the difference. With the right preparation now, your child can begin 2026 ahead — not catching up.
How to Choose the Right Secondary School After Your PSLE Results
Cut-off points shift every year, especially with changes in cohort size. The 2024 PSLE cohort is larger due to the Dragon Year, which means tighter competition. The 2025 cohort will be smaller, so cut-offs may loosen slightly. To help you take advantage of this while staying protected, use our recommended approach:
Our Recommended Strategy:
1st choice = PSLE AL – 1 (Take a chance on a school with a stronger cut-off.)
2nd & 3rd choice = PSLE AL (Realistic and desirable options.)
4th choice = PSLE AL + 1
5th choice = PSLE AL + 2
6th choice = PSLE AL + 3
This structure lets you aim higher where it matters, while safeguarding yourself against missing all six choices — a situation that can happen when students cluster their choices too closely at the same cut-off level.
From PSLE to Secondary School Progression: What Parents Need to Know About Supporting Their Child’s Next Step
While waiting to enter secondary school, parents often wonder how best to support their child’s next step. With Full SBB, the new SEC (replacing O-Levels), Integrated Programme, A-Levels, IB, and polytechnic pathways, Singapore’s education system has never been more flexible. Here’s what parents need to know to choose wisely and prepare their child for independence.
Mastering the Final Stretch: How to Help Your Child Prepare for Year-End Exams Without Stress
Year-end exams are around the corner, and many parents wonder how best to help their child revise without adding unnecessary stress. The good news is that effective preparation doesn’t have to mean endless hours of cramming. By using the following five tips:
Smart shortcuts
Focusing on weak areas
Getting sufficient sleep
Simulating exam conditions
Get professional help if required
you can help them study more efficiently and perform at their best.
5 Ways Parents Can Support Academic Learning at Home Without Overstepping
Parents play an essential role in a child’s academic journey—but too much involvement can lead to dependency or tension. Supporting learning at home should empower children, not overwhelm them. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Improve Your Child’s Academic Grades with a Tidy Study Environment
Maintaining a neat and tidy study environment can significantly boost a student's academic performance, particularly in Singapore's competitive educational landscape. Psychological and neuroscience research indicates that a clutter-free study area reduces cognitive load, enhances focus and productivity, and improves memory retention. A clean environment also lowers stress levels, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Managing Your Child’s Handphone Usage (and improve their school results)
Effective management of children handphone usage in Singapore can lead to improved academic results by minimizing distractions and promoting focus on studies. Parents can achieve this by setting clear boundaries, using parental controls, and encouraging a balanced mix of activities. Open communication about digital risks and collaboration with schools reinforce responsible phone habits, helping children to excel academically while maintaining their well-being. By fostering a healthy digital environment, parents can support their children’s success in both school and life.