School programmes, and the new GEP, explained
CCAs, ALP, LLP, GEP, the acronyms pile up fast. Here's what they actually mean, and a calm answer to the question on every kiasu parent's mind: do I need to worry about the Gifted Education Programme yet?
Last reviewed against official sources: 29 June 2026
The GEP is being replaced, not just tweaked
MOE is discontinuing the old centralised Gifted Education Programme from 2027. The last Primary 4 intake under the old system was in 2026. Here's what replaces it:
- No more changing schools. Previously the top sliver of pupils moved to one of nine designated GEP schools. Under the new model, high-ability learners stay in their own primary school.
- Much wider access. Around 10% of each cohort, roughly 3,000 students a year across all primary schools, will get school-based high-ability provisions, up from the old 1%.
- Identification around Primary 3, but via a single standardised exercise testing English and Maths aptitude and reasoning, with further entry points in Primary 4 and 5 for late developers.
The programmes every school runs
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
Sports, performing arts, clubs and uniformed groups that build character and interests. Offerings vary by school and become more structured in the upper primary years.
Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
A non-examinable programme about applying what you learn to the real world, frequently STEM-themed but sometimes focused on the environment or reasoning. Every school has one; the theme differs by school.
Learning for Life Programme (LLP)
A character-and-values programme delivered through real experiences across the six primary years, think student leadership, outdoor education or sports and character. Every school has one; again, the theme differs by school.
Common questions
The GEP is changing. Does it affect my child starting P1 in 2027? +
Not at registration, and not for years. The old centralised Gifted Education Programme is being discontinued from 2027 and replaced with school-based high-ability provisions. A child entering P1 in 2027 would only meet the new Primary 3 identification exercise around 2029, and would stay in their own school throughout. There is no 'gifted' selection at P1.
Do I need to start enrichment classes early to prepare for the GEP? +
No. The new model identifies a wider group (around 10% of the cohort) through a standardised P3 exercise focused on reasoning and aptitude, drawing on teacher observations, not on how much tuition a child has had. The most useful preparation at P1 age is curiosity, reading for pleasure and confidence, not drilling.
What's the difference between ALP and LLP? +
Both are programmes every primary school runs, but the theme differs by school. The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) is non-examinable and focuses on applying knowledge to real-world settings (often STEM). The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) is about character and values through experiential learning (e.g. leadership, outdoor education, sports). They're worth comparing when choosing a school, but they're not admission criteria.
Are CCAs important in Primary 1? +
CCAs build character and interests, but participation usually becomes more structured in the upper primary years rather than at P1. A school's CCA offerings can be a nice reason to prefer it, but they aren't a registration factor.
Find your child's group
Every cohort has its own WhatsApp group of parents going through the exact same year, real-time registration updates, school reviews, balloting news and honest answers from people one step ahead of you. Pick the year your child starts Primary 1.
Registration runs around July-November 2026. This is the live cohort, phase dates, balloting and school choice are happening right now.
Your child is in Primary 1 now. Compare notes on settling in, student care, homework and the first-year rhythm.
Registration in mid-2027. Get the lay of the land early, school shortlists, the 30-month address rule, and what to prepare.
Plenty of runway. Useful if you're weighing a home move for distance priority or choosing a kindergarten with an eye on P1.
Free to join. A friendly, parent-run space, no spam, no selling.