Frequently Asked Questions about DSA (2025 & Beyond)
DSA-Sec (Direct School Admission – Secondary) is an early admission route by MOE that lets Primary 6 students apply to up to 3 secondary schools before PSLE results are released. Schools evaluate talent in areas such as coding, robotics, sports, music, or leadership.
Benefits for parents:
– Reduces PSLE stress since a place can be secured in advance
– Recognises your child’s unique strengths beyond academics
– Provides a guaranteed spot in his/her preferred school if your child receives
and accepts a Confirmed Offer
DSA is suitable for students who:
– Show strong interest or achievements in a talent area (e.g., coding, robotics,
STEM, STEAM, and InfoComm)
– Can commit to one secondary school from Sec 1-4
– Are prepared to balance academics with the school’s talent programme
Risks to consider:
– Once a Confirmed Offer is accepted, your child is not eligible for the Secondary
1 Posting Exercise
– Transfers to other schools after PSLE are not allowed
Typically, DSA applications follow the same cycle each year: applications open in May, interviews and assessments run July-September, and offers are released in early September.
💡 If your child is in P4 or P5, this is the perfect time to start preparing their portfolio and projects so they’re ready for the 2026 DSA round. Some families even start as early as P1 or P2 to pace out projects and competition participation gradually and reduce stress closer to PSLE.
Tips for choosing:
– Follow your child’s passion: e.g., coding, robotics, sports, arts
– Match school strengths: Check if the school’s DSA category aligns with your
child’s talent
– Consider logistics: Distance, culture, school environment
– Review cut-off ranges: Use MOE’s school finder tool
Popular DSA schools in Singapore via the tech-related tracks include SST (School of Science and Technology), SJI, ACS(I), ACS Barker, SCGS, MGS, and NJC(Sec).
A successful DSA portfolio demonstrates passion, initiative, and technical ability.
It may include:
– Achievements: FIRST LEGO League, Values-in-Action projects, coding awards
– Projects: Python apps, Scratch animations, LEGO SPIKE builds, AI/Micro:bit
projects
– Presentation Materials: Slide decks, write-ups, screenshots of code
– External Exposure: Competitions or hackathons beyond school
Tip: Up to 10 entries can be uploaded. You do not require to provide supporting documents during the initial DSA applications.
Preparation tips:
●
Be authentic: Encourage your child to share genuine interests, not memorised
answers.
●
Practise common questions:
“Why did you choose this school?”
“What project are you most proud of?”
“What challenges have you overcome?”
●
Mock interviews: Practise with family or mentors; record and review.
●
Project walkthrough: Let your child explain their coding/robotics project
step by step.
At Empire Code, we integrate mock interviews, presentation practice, and school trial preparation throughout the DSA journey so your child gains confidence in showcasing their skills. For Silver and Gold DSA package holders, we also provide specialised coaching with an experienced public speaking trainer to help students present with clarity, confidence, and impact.
DSA schools value students who can demonstrate:
●
Structured programming: Python apps, Scratch logic, loops, debugging
●
Robotics & hardware projects: LEGO Spike Prime, Arduino, Raspberry Pi with
sensors
●
Communication & presentation: Clear documentation, demo videos, and the ability
to explain projects confidently
Schools like SST especially look for students who can apply technical concepts to real-world projects and present their ideas effectively.
At Empire Code, we help students build these exact skills through coding projects, robotics competitions, and structured DSA portfolio training.
Key points:
– Accepting a Confirmed Offer guarantees your child’s place in that school (if
MOE minimum standards are met)
– Your child is not eligible for the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise
– Transfers after PSLE are not allowed
It’s a binding choice, so discuss thoroughly as a family before committing.
Yes! Watch how Primary 6 students prepared and secured entry into schools with Empire Code’s support:
Watch our DSA Student & Parent Stories here
Ready to Begin?
At Empire Code, we’ve helped students gain entry into your preferred schools
through coding, robotics, STEM, InfoComm, and innovation tracks.
Visit us at our Novena campus (Velocity@Novena MRT) or River Valley campus (UE Square). WhatsApp us at +65 8145 5004 to book a free consultation.
Coding
Bukit View Secondary School
Commonwealth Secondary School
Ngee Ann Secondary School
St. Joseph’s Institution (Secondary)
Computational Thinking
Kent Ridge Secondary School
St. Patrick’s School
Engineering Innovation and Solutions
National Junior College (Secondary)
Yuan Ching Secondary School
Social Innovation
Cedar Girls’ Secondary School
Innovation
Bedok South Secondary School
Edgefield Secondary School
Infocomm
HwaChong Institution (Secondary)
Programming and 3D Modelling
Serangoon Secondary School
St. Joseph’s Institution (Secondary)
Robotics
Admiralty Secondary School
Anglican High School
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)(Secondary)
Bukit Batok Secondary School
Canberra Secondary School
Compassvale Secondary School
Deyi Secondary School
Fuhua Secondary School
Hai Sing Catholic School
Kranji Secondary School
Maris Stella High School (Secondary)
Pei Hwa Secondary School
River Valley High School (Secondary)
Serangoon Garden Secondary School
St. Joseph’s Institution (Secondary)
Woodlands Ring Secondary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School Admiralty
STEAM
Dunman High School (Secondary)
School of Science and Technology, Singapore
Woodlands Ring Secondary School
STEM
Admiralty Secondary School
Beatty Secondary School
Broadrick Secondary School
Bukit Batok Secondary School
Bukit Merah Secondary School
Clementi Town Secondary School
Chua Chu Kang Secondary School
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School (Secondary)
Dunman Secondary School
Gan Eng Seng School
Hillgrove Secondary School
Hougang Secondary School
Jurong Secondary School
Jurong West Secondary School
Loyang View Secondary School
Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary)
Peirce Secondary School
Presbyterian High School
Riverside Secondary School
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School
Springfield Secondary School
Tampines Secondary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Hear from Parents & Students Who Succeeded with DSA
Watch how Empire Code students and parents prepared their DSA portfolios, interviews, and coding projects.
Register your interest for a FREE consultation about the DSA Program
Testimonials
Javion, Student of 2024
Javion was successfully admitted to School of Science & Technology (SST)
We initially enrolled Javion in holiday camps with Empire Code and noticed that he thoroughly enjoyed every camp. Encouraged by his interest, we decided to enroll Javion in the DSA (DirectSchool Admission) Coding program with Empire Code. During our first consultation, Empire Code curated a tailored pathway for Javion to build his portfolio for the DSA submission. Throughout the process, they provided timely updates and support, keeping me informed as a parent about available open houses and, most importantly, the DSA submissions. We are thrilled that Javion has been selected by the School of Science and Technology through DSA. Thank you, Empire Code, for your guidance and support!
– Jovin, Javion’s Mom
Eoin, Student of 2024
Eoin was successfully admitted to School ofScience & Technology (SST)
Our experience with Empire Code has been extremely positive. From the start, Sherine worked closely with us to identify suitable schools for Eoin and designed a personalized DSA roadmap tailored to his strengths and interests. This included classes and competitions that equipped him with the skills and confidence he needed. As someone without a background in robotics, I appreciated their clear guidance and support.
During his time with Empire Code, Eoin had the opportunity to train for and participate in competitions like the First Lego League and the National Robotics Competition, which added valuable credentials to his profile and broadened his exposure in the field.
To prepare for the DSA submissions, Empire Code went the extra mile by helping us compile his portfolio and qualifications, making the application process on the portal smooth and hassle-free.
In the lead-up to the DSA trials, they customized classes to match the trial requirements, with timely follow-ups on feedback after each session. For his SST trial presentation, we were able to use a project he developed at Empire Code, and his trainer provided support by helping him create his slides and prepare for potential questions.
We are grateful to Empire Code for their guidance and support throughout Eoin’s DSA journey.
– Dorothy, Eoin’s Mom
Kai Rui, Student of 2024
Kai Rui was successfully admitted to Riverside Secondary School
We are incredibly grateful to Empire Code for their exceptional guidance and support throughout my son’s DSA journey. The dedicated instructors and well-structured curriculum played a pivotal role in helping my son secure a school offer through the DSA in robotics. The hands-on experience, coupled with expert mentorship, not only enhanced his technical skills but also boosted his confidence. He could not have achieved this milestone without your invaluable assistance.
– Grace, Kai Rui’s Mom
Javier, Student of 2023
Javier was successfully admitted in Admiralty Secondary School.
We came across Empire Code while searching for a coding/robotics program for enrichment. Empire Code stood out from the rest with its varied programs spanning different types of genres. The trainers and conducive environment at the centers further reaffirm that our decision was a good one. Our son, Javier, really enjoys every lesson and looks forward to the next one. He has certainly improved his knowledge of coding and robotics. We progressed with Empire Code to their DSA program.
Empire Code’s knowledge and experience were very valuable and useful in the whole process. The trainers were genuinely concerned and followed up after the DSA interviews on the progress and also the outcome. With the great support from Empire Code, Javier was successfully offered a place in the school through DSA. A big kudos to everyone in Empire Code for the great help. We look forward to Javier continuing to learn more from the talented trainers in Empire Code.
– Gary, Javier’s Dad
Tommy, Student of 2023
Tommy was successfully admitted in St Joseph’s Institution (SJI).
My son was successfully admitted in St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) thru Innovation DSA. I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to Empire Code and its team for all the support that they have given us and walk alongside with us throughout this journey.
At the beginning of the planning stage, Ms Sherine was very resourceful and helpful in helping us to plan our courses to build our portfolio. All teachers, especially Teacher Michael, in the Empire Code made lessons fun and enjoyable. My son looks forward to going to the centre weekly.
I also like that the lessons are free and easy credit system kind without a fixed weekly schedule. That really helps us in juggling our time during the busy time leading up to PSLE.
The portfolio building, the DSA interview prep course, the fun and engaging teachers and team, all of the above helped us in a successful admission to SJI thru DSA. Thank you, Empire Code.
– Gloria, Tommy’s Mom
Rey, Student of 2020
Rey was successfully admitted in School of Science and Technology (SST).
My son Rey has always liked computer games, he loves Minecraft and Roblox the most as these games allow him to build, design, calculate his game space and challenge his creativity. He would often call me to his computer desk and enthusiastically show me his new creation and design and he marvels on the vastness of possibilities that he can create.
His primary school had this program for the students to learn basic programming like Scratch. Rey instantly developed this interest in programming, so he began to do some simple codes whenever he is free at home and was very ecstatic each time he made his code work. With the influence of his dad, who he himself is a hardware and software engineer, Rey’s passion in coding was fueled and ignited.
In September 2019, I came upon an ad about an activity offered for kids interested in completing an Escape Room by cracking codes. Empire code was running this activity during the school holidays. I signed Rey up for it and after he was done with the activity, he saw the campus in Tanglin Shopping Centre and learned that they were offering programming lessons. Rey couldn’t wait to go back.
Jasmine from Empire Code was very helpful and explained the various levels of learning and hence, Rey started his lessons, beginning with a 20-hour credits. The lessons really helped open Rey’s world in programming and broadened his horizons about coding world.
His teacher from school noticed Rey’s new interest coupled with Rey’s love for Science and Technology, she suggested for Rey to consider applying to School of Science and Technology for Secondary School.
Jasmine from Empire Code was very supportive and she even helped to call the school to collect details on how a student would go about applying for DSA.
With this goal for DSA in mind, Rey continued to learn various programming languages like JavaScript, Python and C among others from his caring teachers form Empire Code, Aaron, Eric and Felicia.
Applications for DSA in SST, one needed to list out the student’s achievements in activities and competitions that the student has participated in outside of school in addition to his CCA’s. As Rey did not go for any competitions before, he listed all his projects done and developed in Empire Code as his supporting activities and achievements.
Then, the most awaited day came. Rey was offered to join SST for Secondary education. Rey was overjoyed.
Rey is currently a Secondary 1 student at SST, always enjoying his time and is looking forward to go to school every day. The school offers a lot of avenue for the student to develop holistically in an environment that allows him to pursue his passion. The school’s parent support group is amazing as well!
Thank you once again, Empire Code. For being one of the instruments that helped Rey in his DSA to SST journey.