Navigating Secondary School Choices: Why Yishun Secondary School Stands Out in 2025

Hey there, parents. If you’re knee-deep in PSLE results and staring at that list of secondary school options, I get it—it’s a mix of excitement and that nagging worry about finding the right fit for your child. You’ve poured so much into their primary years, and now it’s about a place that nurtures not just grades, but growth. That’s where Yishun Secondary School comes in. As one of the top secondary schools in Singapore 2025, this neighbourhood gem delivers solid academics alongside real-world skills and a supportive vibe. In this Yishun Secondary School review, we’ll break it down to help you decide if it’s the spot for your teen.

School Overview

Yishun Secondary School kicked off in January 1986, right in the heart of a growing Yishun neighbourhood, as a government co-educational school running single sessions. Its motto—”We Seek, We Strive, We Soar”—captures a philosophy rooted in curiosity, effort, and ambition, with core values like respect, integrity, and resilience woven into everything from lessons to daily interactions. The school focuses on holistic development, blending academic rigour with character building to prepare students for a fast-changing world.

What sets Yishun apart? It’s got no formal affiliations, making it accessible for a wide range of families, but it shines with niche programs like the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Sonic Arts, which merges music, media, and tech for creative tech-savvy kids. Then there’s the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) on community youth leadership, emphasizing empathy and compassion through the arts—think projects that build real leadership without the stuffiness. These aren’t just add-ons; they’re what make Yishun a standout among best secondary schools Singapore has to offer.

Admission Process

Getting into Yishun Secondary School is straightforward but competitive, especially with its reputation for balanced education. As a non-affiliated school, entry hinges on PSLE scores via the Posting Groups. For the 2024 intake (a solid indicator for 2025), cut-off points were 14–19 for Posting Group 3, 21–24 for Group 2, and 25–27 for Group 1—meaning it’s welcoming to a broad spectrum of achievers. Keep an eye on the official MOE release in late December 2025 for exact Yishun Secondary School PSLE cut-off 2025 figures, as they can shift slightly year to year.

Direct School Admission (DSA) is a game-changer here, letting talented kids secure a spot based on strengths in sports, arts, or leadership before PSLE even hits. Yishun’s DSA categories typically align with its strong CCAs—think badminton, drama, or robotics for 2025 applications, which run from May 7 to June 3. The school follows the O-Level track with Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), so no Integrated Programme, but plenty of flexibility in subject choices.

A few practical tips for your secondary school admission guide:

Hit the open house: Usually in May or June—chat with teachers and tour the campus to feel the energy.
Talk to insiders: Reach out to current parents via school Facebook groups for unfiltered feedback on class dynamics.
Prep for DSA early: If your child excels in a CCA area, document achievements like competition wins; it’s free to apply via the MOE portal.
Understand SBB: This banding system lets students mix subjects by ability, easing the jump from primary.

These steps can make the process less daunting and boost your child’s confidence.

Curriculum and Academic Excellence

Yishun’s curriculum sticks to the national framework but amps it up with options that spark interest. Core subjects include English, Mathematics (both Elementary and Additional), Sciences (like Phy-Chem or Chem-Bio combos), and Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History). Electives range from Principles of Accounts and Literature in English to Higher Mother Tongue languages and even Exercise & Sports Science—perfect for diverse learners.

Academically, Yishun punches above its weight. In 2023 O-Levels and 2024 N-Levels, students posted strong pass rates, with many qualifying for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) and others heading to JCs or polytechnics. The school doesn’t top national rankings flashy-style, but it’s consistently in the upper neighbourhood tier, thanks to targeted support like bilingual programs and STEM initiatives through the Sonic Arts ALP. Notable alumni have gone on to success in media and tech, crediting the school’s hands-on approach. For O-Level preparation tips, focus on consistent revision—mock exams here mimic the real deal, building that exam stamina early.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

Yishun’s campus feels modern and inviting, with upgrades keeping it fresh for 2025. Think smart classrooms for interactive lessons, a bustling library stocked for research dives, dedicated science and computer labs for experiments, and arts studios buzzing with creativity. Sports facilities include fields and courts, plus recent tweaks like enhanced Design & Technology workshops and a music room geared for the ALP.

CCAs are where the magic happens—over 20 options to round out that holistic development. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Category	Examples
Sports & Games	Badminton (Boys/Girls), Basketball (Boys/Girls), Football (Boys), Netball (Girls), Volleyball (Girls), Cross Country
Performing Arts	Choir, Guzheng Ensemble, Modern Dance, Indian Dance, Malay Dance, English Drama, Concert Band
Uniformed Groups	Boys’ Brigade (Boys), Girl Guides (Girls), NPCC (Boys/Girls), NCC (Land, Boys), NCDCC (Boys/Girls)
Clubs & Societies	Robotics, Infocomm Technology (Media Production), Music

These aren’t just hobbies; they tie into character building—leadership in uniformed groups or teamwork in sports—and open DSA doors. Parents rave about how CCAs help kids discover passions, turning “I can’t” into “I did.”

Student Life and School Culture

Life at Yishun is about balance: a supportive culture where respect and resilience rule. Daily routines kick off with assemblies fostering values, and class sizes hover around 30–40 for that personal touch, with teacher-student ratios enabling quick help. Pastoral care shines through anti-bullying programs, counselling sessions, and inclusivity for special needs via dedicated officers. Reviews from parents highlight helpful teachers offering after-school consults, creating a “family-like” vibe without the pressure cooker feel.

For transitioning teens, build routines like daily math practice to handle the workload jump—join study groups early. The school promotes well-being with events like Heart & Soul 2025, a post-exam reflection program blending fun and growth. It’s reassuring: kids emerge more confident, ready for whatever comes next.

Location and Contact

Tucked at 4 Yishun Street 71, Singapore 768911, Yishun Secondary is commuter-friendly—hop off at Yishun MRT (North South Line) and it’s a 10-minute walk, or grab buses 169, 858, or 900. Nearby amenities like Yishun Community Centre and parks make after-school hangs easy, though north-side traffic can add 15–20 minutes from central areas.

Reach out at 6876 7129, [email protected], or www.yishunsec.moe.edu.sg for tours or queries.

The Importance of Mathematics in Secondary Education

As you weigh options like Yishun, remember math’s quiet power—it’s the backbone of O-Levels, sharpening problem-solving for everything from coding to finance. At schools like this, Elementary Math builds foundations, while Additional Math unlocks STEM doors, boosting cognitive flexibility and career edges in engineering or data science. Don’t sleep on support: secondary school math tuition or A-Math tuition can turn struggles into strengths, with O-Level math tuition pros offering targeted drills. Pair it with Yishun’s labs, and your child won’t just pass—they’ll thrive. Ready to soar? Yishun might just be home.

FAQ’s about Yishun Secondary School

Is Yishun Secondary School a good school?
Information not available on the official websites. Parents may visit the school during open house events or contact them directly to learn more about student outcomes and experiences. Check the school’s achievements on their website for updates.
Source: Information not available on the official websites

Is Yishun Secondary School a co-ed school?
Yes, Yishun Secondary School is a co-educational government secondary school catering to both boys and girls.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

What is the ranking of Yishun Secondary School Sec School?
The Ministry of Education does not provide official rankings for secondary schools in Singapore, as emphasis is placed on holistic education rather than comparative rankings.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/faq

What is the cut-off point for Yishun Secondary School Sec School?
The cut-off points based on PSLE Achievement Levels for admission are Posting Group 3: 14-19, Posting Group 2: 21-24, and Posting Group 1: 25-27. These reflect the range of scores of students admitted in the previous year.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

What subjects are offered at Yishun Secondary School for O-Levels?
Yishun Secondary School offers a range of O-Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History), Principles of Accounts, Art, Design & Technology, and languages like Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Subject-based banding allows students to take subjects at different levels based on their strengths.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

What CCAs are available at Yishun Secondary School for character development?
CCAs include sports like Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Netball, and Volleyball; uniformed groups such as Boys’ Brigade, Girl Guides, NPCC, NCC (Land), and NCDCC; performing arts like Choir, Guzheng Ensemble, Concert Band, English Drama, Indian Dance, Malay Dance, and Modern Dance; and clubs like Robotics and Infocomm Technology. These activities foster discipline, leadership, and teamwork.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

How to apply via DSA to Yishun Secondary School?
The Direct School Admission-Secondary (DSA-Sec) scheme allows admission based on talents before PSLE results. Applications are submitted via the MOE DSA portal, typically from May to June; check the school website for specific talent areas like sports or arts.
Source: https://yishunsec.moe.edu.sg/students/dsa/

What are the school fees for Yishun Secondary School?
For Singapore Citizens, monthly school fees are $5 with $10 miscellaneous fees. Permanent Residents pay $440 school fees and $20 miscellaneous fees, while International Students pay $2,080 school fees and $120 miscellaneous fees (inclusive of GST). Financial assistance is available via MOE schemes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

What is the address and contact info for Yishun Secondary School?
The school is located at 4 Yishun Street 71, Singapore 768516. Contact them at phone: +65 6876 7129 or email: [email protected].
Source: https://www.yishunsec.moe.edu.sg/contact-us

What are the vision, mission, and values of Yishun Secondary School?
The mission is to provide a well-balanced education that develops students’ potential intellectually, physically, morally, socially, and aesthetically. The school emphasizes values like empathy, compassion, and leadership.
Source: https://yishunsec.moe.edu.sg/yss/mission/

What distinctive programmes does Yishun Secondary School offer?
The school features an Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Sonic Arts (Music, Media & Technology) and a Learning for Life Programme (LLP) in Community Youth Leadership, focusing on leading with empathy and serving with compassion through the arts.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

Is Yishun Secondary School affiliated with any primary school?
No, Yishun Secondary School is not affiliated with any primary school, so there are no affiliation bonuses for admissions. Students are admitted based on PSLE scores or DSA.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school

What facilities are available at Yishun Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. Contact the school for details on labs, sports fields, and other infrastructure.
Source: Information not available on the official websites

What are the school hours at Yishun Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. In general, Singapore secondary schools operate from around 7:30am to 2:30pm, but confirm with the school for exact timings.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/faq

What is the uniform and discipline policy at Yishun Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. Parents can contact the school for guidelines on uniforms, grooming, and discipline expectations.
Source: Information not available on the official websites

How does Yishun Secondary School support transitions from primary to secondary education?
The school supports transitions through orientation programmes and its LLP in Community Youth Leadership, helping new students adapt socially and academically. Check the admissions page for more on Sec 1 orientation.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school – Programmes Section

Does Yishun Secondary School offer overseas trips?
Yes, the school organizes overseas trips for cultural exchange and learning, such as to Taiwan and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi), where students engage in activities to build independence and global awareness.
Source: https://yishunsec.moe.edu.sg/taiwan2/

What is the alumni network at Yishun Secondary School?
The Yishun Secondary School Alumni Club (YSSAC) connects graduates, offering opportunities for networking and contributions to the school community. Alumni can visit the dedicated page to join.
Source: https://yishunsec.moe.edu.sg/yss/alumni/

How does Yishun Secondary School prepare students for O-Levels?
The school prepares students through a curriculum with O-Level subjects, subject-based banding for tailored learning, and exam-focused announcements on formats and topics. Support includes ALP and LLP for holistic development.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school – Subjects Section

What character development programmes are at Yishun Secondary School?
Character development is supported through the LLP in Community Youth Leadership, CCAs like Wushu (focusing on discipline and respect), and uniformed groups. These emphasize empathy, compassion, and service.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yishun-secondary-school – Programmes Section

You may want to check out other secondary schools in Singapore below:

As a parent in Singapore with a kid in secondary school soon, you know how crucial it is to prep for the O-Level and N-Level exams—they’re like big doors that lead to your child’s favorite junior college or polytechnic, shaping their future jobs and dreams. Math is a superstar in these exams, carrying a lot of weight in the total scores, sharpening smart thinking and problem-solving skills that help in other subjects like physics and economics, and directly affecting chances for top streams or courses after secondary school. That’s why getting good at math early and sticking with it is key—to dodge low grades, grow tough for tests, and grab those high marks for the best spots.

Odyssey Math Tuition, a helpful spot for secondary school math tuition made to support students through secondary years. It’s run by Principal Math Tutor Mr. Justin Tan, who started it in 2013 using his know-how from fixing common math problems for kids. Odyssey Math Tuition offers focused secondary 1 math tuition, secondary 2 math tuition, secondary 3 math tuition, and secondary 4 math tuition in easy-going face-to-face math tuition classes or 247 online math tuition. Mr. Tan built Odyssey Math Tuition’s custom math curriculum that complements Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) math lessons, adding clever test tips, fun tools, and practice on main topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to get students ready and winning at O-Levels and N-Levels with Odyssey Math Tuition’s unique approach to math tuition.

The Importance of Mathematics and Odyssey Math Tuition

Mathematics is a cornerstone of education, equipping students with essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. These skills are vital not only for academic success but also for navigating real-world challenges in various fields, from science and technology to finance and engineering. At Yishun Secondary School, the mathematics curriculum is designed to challenge students while providing a supportive environment to help them excel.

For students seeking additional support or aiming to push their mathematical abilities further, Odyssey Math Tuition (OMT) offers specialized tutoring services tailored to different educational levels:

Primary School Math Tuition: Builds a strong foundation for young learners, fostering confidence in basic mathematical concepts.
Secondary School Math Tuition: Supports students preparing for O-level examinations, helping them master complex topics and excel in national assessments.
Junior College Math Tuition: Prepares students for the rigors of A-level mathematics, ensuring they are well-equipped for higher education.

OMT’s experienced math tutors provide personalized guidance, helping students overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals. By complementing the strong mathematics education at Yishun Secondary School, OMT ensures students can reach their full potential. Parents can learn more about OMT’s offerings at odysseymathtuition.com.

Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly.