Direct school admission

Introduction

The DSA-Secondary Exercise was introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2004. It seeks to promote holistic education and provide students an opportunity to demonstrate a more diverse range of achievement and talents in seeking admission to a secondary school.

Hillgrove Secondary School will be participating in the 2026 DSA-Secondary Exercise and has identified the following Talent Areas:

• Choir

• Concert Band

• English Drama

• Malay Dance

• Modern Dance

• Visual Arts

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

• Badminton (Boys)

• Floorball (Boys)

• Netball (Girls)

• Volleyball (Girls)

At Hillgrove, we believe in the potential of students, seek to build their character and desire to help them succeed.

Please refer below for more information on the Selection Criteria and Selection Process for the different Talent Areas.

Application procedure

Application for DSA-Sec can be submitted through the online DSA-Sec Portal.

The application is free-of-charge and will be open from 6 May 2026, 11am to 2 June 2026, 4.30pm. For more details, please refer to the MOE website – www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

IMPORTANT NOTES TO ALL DSA APPLICANTS AND PARENTS

• Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the programmes available to develop the area of talent.

• Students who are successfully admitted to the school via DSA are expected to honour their commitment to the school and participate in the activities related to the talent they are selected for from Year 1 to 4.

• Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants

• Applicants will receive notification by end-July 2026[1], if they are shortlisted for the DSA selection process.

•  All applicants will receive their application outcomes between 17 and 28 Aug 2026. The school’s decision on the offer is final.

For further enquires pertaining to DSA at Hillgrove Secondary School, please contact Mr Eddie Tan (HOD/ PE & CCA) at 6560 3726, or through email tan_chong_kiat_eddie@schools.gov.sg.