Navigating Secondary School Choices: Why Yusof Ishak Secondary School Stands Out in 2025

As a parent, the post-PSLE period can feel overwhelming—like standing at a crossroads with your child’s future in sight. You’ve invested countless hours in preparation, and now it’s time to choose a secondary school that nurtures not just academic growth but also character and passions. Among the top secondary schools in Singapore 2025, Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS) emerges as a beacon of balanced education. This Yusof Ishak Secondary School review highlights its commitment to holistic development, making it a thoughtful pick for families seeking quality without the intensity of elite streams. Whether you’re eyeing best secondary schools Singapore options or a secondary school admission guide, let’s explore what makes YISS a nurturing home for Sec 1 students.

School Overview

Yusof Ishak Secondary School traces its roots to 1965, when it opened as Jubilee Integrated Secondary School—an innovative institution offering secondary education in both English and Malay streams. Renamed in 1966 after Singapore’s first President, Encik Yusof Ishak, it was officially launched by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on July 29 at its original Jubilee Road site. The school relocated to a modern campus in Punggol in 2018, symbolizing its evolution alongside Singapore’s progress. As a government, co-educational, single-session school, YISS embodies inclusivity, serving a diverse student body without gender-specific barriers.

Guided by the motto “Pioneering as One,” YISS’s educational philosophy centers on fostering a vibrant community of learners and leaders rooted in core values: integrity, responsibility, respect, resilience, and care. The school believes every child deserves a holistic education, emphasizing that “every child can learn.” What sets YISS apart are its niche programs: the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in STEM for Sustainability (S4TEM@YI), which equips students for smart city challenges, and the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) in Community Youth Leadership (YI LEAD+), building honorable leaders through real-world service. Unlike more traditional setups, these initiatives blend academics with practical skills, distinguishing YISS from other secondary schools in Singapore.

Admission Process

Securing a spot at YISS starts with understanding the Yusof Ishak Secondary School PSLE cut-off 2025. For the 2025 intake, non-affiliated Posting Group 3 (Express stream) ranges from 6 to 14, Group 2 (Normal Academic) from 21 to 22, and Group 1 (Normal Technical) from 25 to 26—reflecting stable accessibility compared to 2024’s 7-15 for Group 3. As a non-affiliated school, priority goes to higher PSLE achievers, but Direct School Admission (DSA) opens doors for talents in non-academic areas.

YISS offers DSA in seven categories: Basketball (Boys), Community Youth Leadership (Girls and Boys), Modern Dance (Girls and Boys), Robotics (Girls and Boys), STEM (Girls and Boys), Table Tennis (Girls and Boys), and Wushu (Girls and Boys). Applications for DSA 2025 target January 2026 entry, with selections emphasizing passion over perfection.

To prepare, consider these tips in your secondary school admission guide:

Tip	Details
Attend Open Houses	Join the DSA Open House on May 17, 2025 (Saturday, 8:30-11:30 AM) for tours and faculty chats—book early via the school website.
Gather Insights	Connect with current parents via school Facebook groups or forums for unfiltered feedback on the Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) system, which allows flexible subject levels based on strengths.
DSA Prep	Highlight extracurriculars in applications; practice interviews to showcase leadership or skills in DSA categories.
Understand Tracks	YISS follows O-Level pathways with SBB flexibility—no Integrated Programme (IP), but strong support for seamless transitions.

These steps can ease the process, turning anxiety into excitement.

Curriculum and Academic Excellence

YISS’s curriculum aligns with MOE standards, delivering core subjects like English Language, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History) alongside electives such as Art, Chinese/Malay/Tamil Languages (with options for Syllabus B or Higher levels), Design & Technology, and Food & Consumer Education. The SBB framework lets students mix banding levels, promoting personalized learning without rigid streams.

Academically, YISS shines with a legacy of excellence—becoming Singapore’s first school to top the value-added rankings in 1992. Recent highlights include strong O-Level pass rates, with a Yusoffian student featured on CNA for top results, and accolades in the Australian Mathematics Competition. The school holds national rankings around the mid-tier (e.g., 50th in 2025 PSLE-based lists) and awards like the Academic Value-Added (Bronze) from 2000-2009, plus Community in Nature School Awards in 2024. Notable alumni include leaders in public service, underscoring YISS’s role in nation-building. Specialized programs like S4TEM@YI integrate STEM with sustainability, while bilingual initiatives enhance global readiness—ideal for O-Level preparation tips.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

YISS boasts contemporary facilities tailored for 21st-century learning: smart classrooms with digital tools, a resource-rich library, advanced science and computer labs, a multipurpose sports complex, and dedicated arts studios—recently upgraded for Punggol’s vibrant ecosystem. These spaces support hands-on exploration, from robotics tinkering to sustainable design projects.

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are the heartbeat of student life, categorized for broad appeal and aligned with DSA opportunities:

Uniformed Groups: Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, NPCC—instilling discipline and service.
Visual & Performing Arts: Concert Band, Chinese Orchestra, Modern Dance, Art Club—nurturing creativity and stage presence.
Sports: Badminton, Basketball (Boys), Fencing, Floorball (Boys), Netball, Sepak Takraw (Boys), Softball (Girls), Table Tennis, Wushu—promoting teamwork and fitness.
Clubs & Societies: ELDDS (English Language, Drama, Debating), Robotics, STEM—fostering innovation and leadership.
Community Service: Integrated into LLP for real impact.

CCAs build character, with many feeding into DSA successes, helping students thrive beyond exams.

Student Life and School Culture

At YISS, school culture revolves around “Pioneering as One,” creating a supportive, inclusive vibe where resilience and care flourish. Daily routines blend structured lessons with flexible breaks, typical class sizes of 30-40, and a low teacher-student ratio for personalized guidance. Pastoral care includes anti-bullying programs, counseling, and well-being workshops, drawing from MOE guidelines to ensure every voice matters.

Reviews praise the empathetic environment, where diversity strengthens bonds. For transitioning students, tips include: establish routines with planners, join study groups for workload management, and embrace CCAs for stress relief—easing the jump from primary school.

Location and Contact

Nestled at 8 Sumang Walk, Singapore 828676, YISS enjoys Punggol’s green, family-friendly vibe—perfect for active commutes. Reach it via Punggol MRT (NE17, a 10-minute walk) or buses 43, 117, 382W from nearby stops like Sumang Station Exit A. Nearby amenities like Punggol Waterway Park add recreational perks, though families from central areas may factor in 30-45 minute drives.

Contact: Phone +65 6500 9800; Email [email protected]; Website www.yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:30 PM.

The Importance of Mathematics in Secondary Education

In the tapestry of secondary education, mathematics weaves the strongest threads—foundational for O-Level success, sharpening problem-solving, and unlocking STEM careers from engineering to data science. At YISS, E-Math and A-Math classes emphasize real-world applications, boosting cognitive agility and confidence. For parents, supplementing with secondary school math tuition, A-Math tuition, O-Level math tuition, or a skilled math tutor can transform challenges into triumphs, aligning with the school’s value-added ethos.

Choosing YISS means investing in a future-ready child. As you ponder best secondary schools Singapore, let this guide inspire your next step—your family’s story of growth awaits.

FAQ’s about Yusof Ishak Secondary School

Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School a good school?
Yusof Ishak Secondary School offers a range of academic streams, applied learning programmes in STEM for sustainability, and leadership development through its learning for life programme, fostering curiosity, resilience, and honourable leadership. As a government school, it has been recognised for value-added performance in past evaluations and provides diverse CCAs for character development. However, “good” is subjective; parents are encouraged to visit the school or attend open houses for personal assessment.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School a co-ed school?
Yes, Yusof Ishak Secondary School is a co-educational government secondary school catering to both boys and girls in a single session.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What is the ranking of Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Singapore secondary schools do not have official rankings from the Ministry of Education, as emphasis is placed on holistic development rather than competitive league tables. Yusof Ishak Secondary School is evaluated based on value-added performance and student outcomes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What is the cut-off point for Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The cut-off points for non-affiliated students based on PSLE posting groups are Posting Group 3: 6-14, Posting Group 2: 21-22, and Posting Group 1: 25-26. These reflect the score of the last student admitted and may vary annually. Check the MOE SchoolFinder for the latest updates after each posting exercise.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What are the O-Level subjects offered at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The school offers subjects including Additional Mathematics, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese Language, Design & Technology, English Language, Geography, Higher Chinese Language, History, Literature in English, Malay Language, Mathematics, Physics, Science (Phy, Chem), and Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History). Subject offerings may vary for subsequent cohorts; refer to the curriculum page for updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

How to apply via DSA to Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Direct School Admission (DSA) allows entry based on talents in areas like leadership, performing arts, sports, or STEM; applications are submitted through the MOE DSA-Sec portal from May to June annually. Successful applicants are offered a place before PSLE results, subject to meeting eligibility for Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) streams. Attend the school’s DSA open house for details on talent areas and trials.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/yi-experience/dsa/

What CCAs are available at Yusof Ishak Secondary School for character development?
CCAs include sports like Basketball (Boys), Badminton, Fencing, Softball (Girls), Table Tennis, and Wushu; uniformed groups such as Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, NPCC, and NCC (Land); performing arts like Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, and Concert Band; and clubs including Art and Crafts, Drama and Debating, Robotics, Environmental Science, Infocomm Technology, and Community Youth Leadership. These activities promote teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School affiliated with a primary school?
No, Yusof Ishak Secondary School is not affiliated with any primary school, so there are no affiliation priority bonuses for admissions. Entry is based on PSLE scores or DSA.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What is the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The ALP focuses on STEM – Sustainability, titled “STEM for the Strategic Development of a Sustainable and Smart City (S4TEM@YI)”, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math with real-world applications like urban farming and environmental projects to build problem-solving skills.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What is the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The LLP emphasises Community Youth Leadership, titled “Nurturing Honourable Leaders for Tomorrow (YI LEAD+)”, through activities that develop character, civic responsibility, and leadership via community service and youth initiatives.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What are the school fees for Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
As a government school, monthly fees for Singapore citizens are typically $5 (school fee) plus miscellaneous fees of around $20; for Permanent Residents, about $440 plus misc; and for international students, $840-$2,000 plus misc, depending on ASEAN/non-ASEAN status. Exact amounts vary; use the MOE fees checker for personalised details.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

What is the history of Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Established in 1965 as Jubilee Integrated Secondary School with English and Malay streams, it was renamed Yusof Ishak Secondary School in 1966 after Singapore’s first President. It relocated to Bukit Batok in 1998 and to Punggol in 2021, with milestones including recognition as a Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence in 2015.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/about-yi/our-heritage/

What facilities does Yusof Ishak Secondary School have?
The school features innovative learning spaces including labs for STEM, urban farming plots, interactive centres for video streaming and observation, covered outdoor areas, and sports facilities supporting CCAs like fencing and basketball. It is barrier-free accessible.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

How does Yusof Ishak Secondary School prepare students for post-secondary pathways?
Through career guidance, ECG counselling, O-Level preparation in various subjects, and programmes like ALP and LLP, the school equips students for polytechnics, junior colleges, or ITE. Book appointments with the ECG counsellor via the school website for personalised advice.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/book-appointment-with-ecg-counsellor/

What are the school hours and operating times at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
School operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm, though typical student hours align with standard secondary schedules (around 7:30am start); contact the school for exact timetables. Information on specific student dismissal times is not detailed online.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What is the uniform and discipline policy at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Students must wear the prescribed uniform neatly, with rules on attire, grooming, and conduct outlined in the school rules document. Serious offences are recorded and affect conduct grades; details include no mobile phones during lessons and emphasis on respect. Download the full rules PDF from the school site for specifics.
Source: https://www.yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/files/YISS_School_Rules_2024.pdf

Does Yusof Ishak Secondary School support students with special educational needs?
Yes, the school has Special Educational Needs Officers available to support students, along with barrier-free accessibility features. Contact the school for details on allied educators and inclusive programmes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

What is the contact information for Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The school is located at 8 Sumang Walk, Singapore 828676; phone: 6500 9800; email: [email protected]. Reach out for inquiries on admissions, CCAs, or parent engagement.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What subject-based banding is available at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Under Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB), students can take subjects at more demanding levels based on strengths, across Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams. This supports personalised learning pathways leading to O-Levels or N-Levels.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=yusof-ishak-secondary-school

How does Yusof Ishak Secondary School engage parents and support transitions from primary to secondary?
Parents can join the Parent Support Group (PSG), attend meet-the-parents sessions, and access resources via the school website. Transitions are supported through orientation programmes, Sec 1 registration webinars, and guidance on streaming and subject choices post-PSLE.
Source: https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/yi-connect/contact-us/

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

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The Importance of Mathematics and OMT

Mathematics is a critical component of a student’s education, fostering logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are essential for academic success and real-world applications. At YISS, the mathematics curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, supported by dedicated teachers and a robust academic framework.

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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.