Starting June 2025, Singapore’s education system will take a significant leap forward with the full rollout of Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) across all secondary schools. This groundbreaking initiative by the Ministry of Education (MOE) replaces the longstanding model of academic streaming, marking a strategic move towards a more adaptable, student-focused approach to learning.
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Understanding the Shift Behind FSBB
Full Subject-Based Banding introduces a system where students take individual subjects at varying levels of complexity G1, G2, or G3 based on their aptitude and interest, instead of being sorted into fixed academic streams such as Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical). The model recognises that learning is not one-size-fits-all, and encourages schools to offer a more tailored academic journey that nurtures students’ unique strengths.
Mixed Classes, Flexible Subjects
Under the FSBB model, students are placed into diverse, mixed-form classes where they interact with peers from different learning profiles. However, each student still takes subjects at levels most appropriate for them. For example, a student may take G3 English, G3 Science, and G2 Mathematics, based on their academic progress and teacher evaluations. This structure fosters inclusivity while ensuring that each learner is academically challenged in a balanced way.
From Pilot to Nationwide Policy
The full-scale implementation in June 2025 is the culmination of years of careful planning and progressive rollout. The FSBB concept was first piloted in 2020, tested across selected schools. By 2023, over 90 percent of secondary schools had adopted the model. With its nationwide launch now complete, all secondary schools in Singapore will operate under this system, accompanied by updated subject selection protocols and unified examination structures.
Timeline of FSBB Development and Expansion
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Initial FSBB pilots began in selected schools |
| 2023 | Expanded implementation across 90% of schools |
| June 2025 | Full national rollout and curriculum changes |
Personal Growth at the Heart of the Curriculum
One of the key advantages of FSBB lies in how it enables a more personalised learning experience. By offering subject combinations that match students’ strengths and interests, the system builds intrinsic motivation and academic confidence. Learners are no longer confined to predetermined pathways; instead, they are encouraged to explore disciplines they enjoy or excel in. This change also brings a broader educational focus. Schools are revising timetables to incorporate modules in digital skills, emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking key competencies needed in an ever-changing world.
National Exams, Redefined for a Unified System
With the introduction of FSBB, major shifts are also being made to national examinations. Students will now sit for common national exams, with papers differentiated only by subject level, not academic stream. This ensures fairness while still honouring the individual pace of each learner. Teachers will continue to receive extensive training to assess students accurately and recommend the right subject levels. This approach not only maintains academic standards but also supports a dynamic system that evolves with student progress.
Supporting Families Through the Transition
Recognising that FSBB represents a significant change in how education success is understood, schools are actively working to support both students and parents. Through regular engagement sessions, consultation meetings, and orientation events, families are being guided through the new structure and its benefits. Students are also being equipped with tools for self-directed learning, including mentoring programmes and platforms that promote goal-setting and reflection. These additions aim to prepare young learners not just for examinations but for life in a rapidly transforming global landscape.
A Future-Oriented Education System
Singapore’s nationwide launch of Full Subject-Based Banding marks a transformational moment in education. By replacing rigid academic tracks with flexible, student-focused learning, the country is embracing a model that reflects the diversity of its learners. This evolution redefines what success looks like in school not simply in terms of grades, but in confidence, curiosity, and the ability to thrive beyond the classroom.
