Navigating Secondary School Choices: Why Manjusri Secondary School Stands Out Among Top Secondary Schools in Singapore 2025

As a parent, the post-PSLE period can feel overwhelming—a whirlwind of score sheets, school lists, and dreams for your child’s future. You’re not alone in this; many families are piecing together the best path forward. If you’re exploring the best secondary schools in Singapore, Manjusri Secondary School deserves a close look. This respected institution, often highlighted in Manjusri Secondary School reviews, blends academic rigor with compassionate, values-driven education, making it a top choice for holistic development in 2025.

School Overview

Established in 1982 by the Singapore Buddhist Federation, Manjusri Secondary School is Singapore’s only Buddhist-affiliated government-aided secondary school. Named after the Bodhisattva Manjusri, symbolizing great wisdom, it was founded to nurture students in Buddhist virtues while delivering quality education. As a co-educational, single-session school, it serves a diverse community in the east of Singapore.

The school’s motto—”Wisdom, Conduct, Benevolence, Aspiration”—encapsulates its educational philosophy: fostering intellectual growth, moral integrity, and compassionate leadership through a rigorous yet holistic curriculum. What sets Manjusri apart? Its unique Buddhist ethos integrates mindfulness and ethical values into daily learning, complemented by specialized programs like the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in STEM—focusing on Cities and Urban Landscapes with smart city and assistive technologies—and the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) in Music and Performing Arts. Affiliated with Mee Toh School and Maha Bodhi School, it offers seamless transitions for affiliated students, emphasizing inclusivity and community ties.

Admission Process

Securing a spot at Manjusri is competitive yet accessible, especially with its Manjusri PSLE cut-off 2025 at 22 for both affiliated and non-affiliated students, reflecting stable demand among top secondary schools in Singapore 2025. Admission prioritizes PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scores, with affiliated primary school students gaining priority in Posting Groups 1-3 (e.g., AL 10-28 range).

For those eyeing Direct School Admission (DSA), Manjusri excels in talent-based entry across categories like:

Performing Arts: Chinese Dance, Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Concert Band
Sports: Wushu, Badminton, Basketball
Leadership and Others: Uniformed groups and community service

This secondary school admission guide tip: Attend open houses in May-June to experience the school’s warm vibe—parents rave about the supportive staff in online forums. Gather insights from current families via KiasuParents or Facebook groups, and familiarize yourself with Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB), which allows flexible subject levels from Secondary 2 onward. Manjusri offers Express and Normal (Academic) tracks, with no Integrated Programme (IP), but strong O-Level preparation for all.

Quick Tips for Parents:

Start DSA portfolios early (e.g., performance videos for arts).
Review PSLE banding via MOE’s school finder.
Visit during CCA showcases to spot alignment with your child’s passions.

Curriculum and Academic Excellence

Manjusri’s curriculum aligns with MOE standards, emphasizing core subjects like English, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional), Sciences, and Humanities, alongside electives such as Principles of Accounts, Nutrition and Food Science, and Higher Chinese. Students can pursue bilingual education and specialized tracks in STEM or arts, supported by FSBB for personalized pacing.

Academically, Manjusri shines with rising performance—its 2024 GCE O-Level cohort celebrated strong results on January 10, 2025, building on mid-year Mother Tongue Language exams where 89.3% of Sec 4 Express students passed Chinese Language, with 26.2% earning distinctions. The school consistently ranks well in national benchmarks, with high pass rates in key subjects and awards in STEM competitions tied to its ALP. Notable alumni like wushu gold medalist Goh Qiu Bin (2005 SEA Games) and Singapore Chinese Orchestra Executive Director Ho Wee San exemplify success stories.

For O-Level preparation tips, leverage Manjusri’s bilingual programs and leadership initiatives, which boost critical thinking—ideal for competitive edges in best secondary schools Singapore.

Key Academic Highlights	Details
O-Level Pass Rates (2024)	Strong in MTL and STEM; full release shows cohort excellence
National Rankings	Stable mid-tier with upward trajectory in east zone
Awards	STEM ALP recognitions; arts festival wins

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

Manjusri boasts modern facilities tailored for engaged learning: smart classrooms, a well-stocked library, dedicated science and computer labs, arts studios, and a sports complex with a dedicated field for training. Recent upgrades include tech-integrated spaces for its Smart City ALP, ensuring students thrive in a future-ready environment.

Extracurriculars (CCAs) are a cornerstone, with over 15 options fostering holistic growth and DSA pathways. Categorized for easy exploration:

Performing Arts: Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Concert Band, Chinese Dance, Chinese Calligraphy
Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Football, Table Tennis, Wushu
Uniformed Groups: Girl Guides, NPCC, Scouts, NCC (Land)
Clubs & Others: Infocomm Technology (Media Production), Community Service

These CCAs build character—parents note how arts programs enhance resilience and teamwork, aligning with the school’s benevolence ethos. Participation is key to leadership development and even O-Level stress relief.

Student Life and School Culture

At Manjusri, student life pulses with inclusivity and support, rooted in Buddhist values like respect and aspiration. Daily routines blend structured academics with mindfulness sessions, while small class sizes (around 40) and favorable teacher-student ratios ensure personalized attention. Pastoral care includes anti-bullying programs, counseling, and Special Educational Needs support, creating a nurturing space where every child feels seen.

Reviews highlight a “supportive vibe” with rising academics and strong arts focus—ideal for building resilience. To ease the transition:

Establish routines like daily math practice.
Encourage CCA involvement for social bonds.
Use school apps for workload management.

This empathetic culture reassures parents: Your child will grow not just smart, but kind and confident.

Location and Contact

Nestled in Geylang, Manjusri Secondary School is at 20 Marine Crescent, Singapore 449761—convenient for east-side families. Reach them at 6842 4558 or [email protected]; visit www.manjusrisec.moe.edu.sg for virtual tours. Accessibility shines: Paya Lebar MRT (5-min walk), plus bus routes 2, 5, 24, and 62. Nearby amenities like Marine Parade malls make commutes family-friendly.

The Importance of Mathematics in Secondary Education

In the heart of secondary success lies mathematics—a cornerstone for O-Level triumph and beyond. At schools like Manjusri, E-Math and A-Math build problem-solving prowess, unlocking STEM careers from engineering to data science while sharpening cognitive agility for life’s challenges. Strong math foundations boost confidence and open doors to poly or JC pathways.

For targeted support, consider secondary school math tuition or A-Math tuition to master O-Level math tuition concepts. A skilled math tutor can demystify algebra and geometry, turning hurdles into highs. As you weigh options among top secondary schools in Singapore 2025, prioritize math’s role—it’s the equation for your child’s empowered future.

FAQ’s about Manjusri Secondary School

Is Manjusri Secondary School a good school?
Manjusri Secondary School is a government-aided co-educational institution offering a range of subjects, CCAs, and programmes like Applied Learning in STEM and Learning for Life in Arts, which support holistic development. Whether it is considered “good” depends on individual priorities such as academic fit, extracurricular opportunities, and values alignment; parents are encouraged to visit the school or review official details.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school

Is Manjusri Secondary School a co-ed school?
Yes, Manjusri Secondary School is a co-educational school, admitting both boys and girls.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school

What is the ranking of Manjusri Secondary School?
Singapore’s Ministry of Education does not provide official rankings for secondary schools, as emphasis is placed on holistic education rather than comparative rankings. Parents can evaluate based on factors like cut-off points, programmes, and CCAs.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

What is the cut-off point for Manjusri Secondary School?
For non-affiliated students, the PSLE cut-off points are Posting Group 3: 8-22, Posting Group 2: 21-25, Posting Group 1: 26-28. For affiliated students, they are Posting Group 3: 10-22, Posting Group 2: 23-25, Posting Group 1: 26-28. These reflect the score of the last student admitted and may vary annually.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – PSLE Cut-off Points Section

What are the admission requirements and process for Manjusri Secondary School?
Admission is primarily through the Secondary 1 posting exercise after PSLE, based on PSLE scores and school choices, with priority for affiliated primary schools. Students can also apply via Direct School Admission (DSA) if the school offers it, focusing on talents in specific areas before PSLE results.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/dsa – DSA Process Section

Does Manjusri Secondary School offer Direct School Admission (DSA)?
Information on specific DSA categories for Manjusri Secondary School is not available on the official websites. For general DSA, Primary 6 students can apply based on talents in areas like sports or arts via the DSA-Sec Portal from January to May. Suggest contacting the school for details.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school

Is Manjusri Secondary School affiliated with any primary schools?
Yes, Manjusri Secondary School is affiliated with Mee Toh School and Maha Bodhi School, offering affiliation bonuses in PSLE cut-off points for eligible students from these schools.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Affiliations Section

What streams are available at Manjusri Secondary School?
With the implementation of Full Subject-Based Banding from the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort, students are posted via Posting Groups 1, 2, and 3, allowing flexibility to take subjects at varying levels based on strengths. Traditional streams like Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) are being phased out.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses – Full Subject-Based Banding Section

What O-Level subjects are offered at Manjusri Secondary School?
Subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science (Chem, Bio), Science (Phy, Chem)), Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese), Languages (Chinese, Higher Chinese, Malay, Basic Chinese, Basic Malay), Art, Design & Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, Principles of Accounts, and more. Subject offerings may vary by cohort; check the school for updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Subjects Offered Section

What extracurricular activities (CCAs) are offered at Manjusri Secondary School?
CCAs include Sports (Badminton, Basketball, Football, Table Tennis, Wushu), Uniformed Groups (Girl Guides, NPCC, Scouts, NCC Land), Performing Arts (Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Chinese Dance, Concert Band, Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting), and Clubs (Infocomm Technology – Media Production, Community Service). These promote character development and leadership.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – CCAs Section

What is the Applied Learning Programme at Manjusri Secondary School?
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) focuses on STEM – Cities and Urban Landscapes, specifically Smart City & Assistive Technologies, integrating practical skills with academic learning.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Applied Learning Programme Section

What is the Learning for Life Programme at Manjusri Secondary School?
The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) emphasizes Music & Performing Arts, titled “Learning through the ARTS,” fostering creativity and personal growth.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Learning for Life Programme Section

What are the school fees for Manjusri Secondary School?
Information on specific school fees is not available on the official websites. As a government-aided school, fees typically include monthly school and miscellaneous fees varying by nationality; use the MOE fees checker for details.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

What time does school start at Manjusri Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. Secondary schools in Singapore generally start around 7:30am and end by 2-3pm, but confirm with the school directly.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary

What are the facilities and resources available at Manjusri Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. Suggest contacting the school for details on labs, sports fields, and other facilities.
Source: https://www.manjusrisec.moe.edu.sg

How does Manjusri Secondary School handle discipline and student well-being?
Information not available on the official websites. MOE guidelines emphasize positive discipline and support for well-being through counselling and programmes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary

How does Manjusri Secondary School prepare students for future careers?
Through subjects like Elements of Business Skills, Principles of Accounts, and career guidance integrated into the curriculum, along with CCAs for soft skills. Full details not available; check the school for post-secondary pathways.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Subjects Offered Section

What is the school uniform and discipline policy at Manjusri Secondary School?
Information not available on the official websites. Suggest contacting the school for uniform details and policies.
Source: https://www.manjusrisec.moe.edu.sg

Does Manjusri Secondary School offer overseas trips or values education?
Information not available on the official websites. As a government-aided school, it may include values education aligned with MOE’s character development focus; contact the school for overseas programmes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

How can parents contact Manjusri Secondary School?
Contact via phone at 6842 4558 or email at [email protected]. The school website provides further resources for inquiries.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=manjusri-secondary-school – Contact Section

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

As a parent in Singapore with a kid in secondary school soon, you know how crucial it is to prep for the O-Level and N-Level exams—they’re like big doors that lead to your child’s favorite junior college or polytechnic, shaping their future jobs and dreams. Math is a superstar in these exams, carrying a lot of weight in the total scores, sharpening smart thinking and problem-solving skills that help in other subjects like physics and economics, and directly affecting chances for top streams or courses after secondary school. That’s why getting good at math early and sticking with it is key—to dodge low grades, grow tough for tests, and grab those high marks for the best spots.

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The Importance of Mathematics and OMT

Mathematics is a cornerstone of education, sharpening logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for future success. At Manjusri, students benefit from a robust mathematics curriculum supported by a nurturing environment. For additional support, consider Odyssey Math Tuition (OMT), a trusted provider of primary school math tuition, secondary school math tuition, and junior college math tuition. With experienced math tutors, OMT offers personalized guidance to help students excel. Learn more at Odyssey Math Tuition.

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.