DSA to Yishun Secondary
Find out the selection criteria, application steps, and key dates for DSA.
General Information about Direct School Admission (Secondary) for Admission in 2027
The Direct School Admission-Secondary (DSA-Sec) scheme provides students with the opportunity to seek admission to a secondary school, based on a diverse range of specific academic and non-academic achievements and talents that they can demonstrate beyond the PSLE.
From 6 May 2026 at 11 am, 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 (11am) to 2 June (4:30pm) 2026. For more details, please refer to MOE website –https://www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec (opens in new tab)
Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the school’s 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 required to honour their commitment to the school and participate in the activities related to the talent they are selected for from year 1-4.
DSA-Sec @Yishun Secondary School
All Secondary One students admitted to our school via DSA-Sec will benefit from our talent development programmes to develop their potential, and/or to be groomed to be leaders in their respective talent areas. They will develop both performance and moral character through our customised programme as they grow within their respective CCAs and student development programmes.
In Yishun Secondary, the 10 talent areas under DSA-Sec are:
Music: For students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Music, they can look forward to being part of our school’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Sonic Arts (Music, Media and Technology), Music Performance and Creation, and in CCAs such as Guzheng Ensemble and Concert Band.
Dance: Students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Dance can be involved in dance performances at our school-based art showcases, as well as being part of school’s cultural dance CCAs such as Malay Dance or Indian Dance. Students who demonstrate an aptitude and passion for contemporary, hip-hop and street dance can be part of Modern Dance. They can be involved in external competitions that will further develop their dance techniques and their character. Students will learn to lead, to care and to empathise as they plan and train for concerts and competitions.
English Drama: For students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Drama, they can participate in script writing workshops, gain exposure to different theatre forms, and be part of our D’lite Club (English Drama CCA). Students are given opportunities to hone their leadership qualities and enhance their skills related to the craft.
Basketball: For students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Basketball, they can look forward to participating, planning, and organising intra and inter-school competitions.
Volleyball (Girls): For female students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Volleyball, they can look forward to participating, planning, and organising intra and inter-school competitions.
Football (Boys): YSS is a member of the Schools Football Academy (SFA). Male students who demonstrate an aptitude and passion for Football can look forward to joining our SFA led Football CCA where their football skills will be developed further based on the nationally developed training progression. They will be participating in, planning, and organising intra and inter-school competitions.
Badminton: For students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Badminton, they can look forward to participating, planning, and organising intra and inter-school competitions.
Netball: For female students who demonstrate aptitude and passion in Netball, they can look forward to participating, planning, and organising intra and inter-school competitions.
Our selection criteria, in general, are as follows:
Interest and Passion: Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in and passion for their respective talent areas
Talent and Aptitude: Applicants should demonstrate evidence of talent and/or aptitude in their talent area
Conduct and Attitude for Learning: Applicants should demonstrate evidence of good conduct in school, as well as a positive attitude for learning and demeanour
1. Music
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Guzheng Ensemble/Concert Band
Student leadership opportunities
Participation in student leaders’ workshops and conferences
Guzheng/Concert Band exchanges with other secondary schools
Master classes and workshops
Performance at Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentations
Performance at YSS Arts Extravaganza
Training to be a student conductor (Concert Band)
Participation in local music festivals and competitions
Pop Music Performance and Music Creation
Exposure to Sonic Arts and Music Week
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Yishun Secondary is Sonic Arts (Music, Media and Technology), which is infused in our curriculum and Performing Arts CCAs.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Music
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. SYF, competitions etc)
Students without any prior experience or formal training in Music are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and provide samples of student’s past work or performance or perform in front of a panel.
2. Dance
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Indian Dance/Malay Dance/Modern Dance
Student leadership opportunities
Training to become student choreographer
Master classes and workshops
Performance at Arts Extravaganza
Performance at Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentations
Performances within and outside of school
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Cultural Dance, Contemporary, hip-hop and/or street dance.
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. SYF, competitions etc)
Students without any prior experience or formal training in Dance are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and provide samples of student’s past work or performance or perform in front of a panel.
3. Drama - English
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
D’lite Club (English Drama)
Student leadership opportunities
Performance at Arts Extravaganza
Script writing workshop
Exposure to different theatre forms
Performances within and outside of school
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Drama
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. SYF, competitions etc)
Students without any prior experience or formal training in Drama are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and provide samples of student’s past work or performance or perform in front of a panel.
4. Basketball
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Student leadership opportunities
Participate in National School Games
Coaching junior players
Planning and organisating intra and inter school programmes
YSS offers Exercise and Sports Science as a GCE O-level subject. Students who have the aptitude for sports and have the necessary skills requisite may apply to take up this subject.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Basketball
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. National School Games, etc)
Students who are not in their primary school Basketball team are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and a skills assessment.
Basketball Skills Assessment
Applicants may undergo a basketball skill assessment which includes evaluation on Ball handling skills, Game awareness and Teamwork.
5. Volleyball [Girls]
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Student leadership opportunities
Participate in National School Games
Coaching junior players
Planning and organising intra and inter school programmes
YSS offers Exercise and Sports Science as a GCE O-level subject. Students who have the aptitude for sports and have the necessary skills requisite may apply to take up this subject.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Volleyball
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. National School Games, etc)
Students who are not in their primary school Volleyball team are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and a skills assessment.
Volleyball Skills Assessment
Applicants may undergo a volleyball skill assessment which includes evaluation on Ball handling skills, Game awareness and Teamwork.
6. Football [Boys]
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Football (SFA)
Student leadership opportunities
Participate in National School Games
Coaching junior players
Planning and organising of intra and inter school programmes
YSS offers Exercise and Sports Science as a GCE O-level subject. Students who have the aptitude for sports and have the necessary skills requisite may apply to take up this subject.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Football
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. National School Games, etc)
Students who are not in their primary school Football team are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and a skills assessment.
Football Skills Assessment
Applicants may undergo a football skill assessment which includes evaluation on Ball handling skills, Game awareness and Teamwork.
7. Badminton
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Student leadership opportunities
Participate in National School Games
Coaching junior players
Planning and organising of intra and inter school programmes
YSS offers Exercise and Sports Science as a GCE O-level subject. Students who have the aptitude for sports and have the necessary skills requisite may apply to take up this subject.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Badminton
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. National School Games, etc)
Students who are not in their primary school Badminton team are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and a skills assessment.
Badminton Skills Assessment
Applicants may undergo a badminton skill assessment which includes evaluation on Ball handling skills, Game awareness and Teamwork.
8. Netball
Student's Experience in Yishun Secondary School:
Student leadership opportunities
Participate in National School Games
Coaching junior players
Planning and organising of intra and inter school programmes
YSS offers Exercise and Sports Science as a GCE O-level subject. Students who have the aptitude for sports and have the necessary skills requisite may apply to take up this subject.
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrate aptitude and passion in Netball
Preferably have represented their primary schools in National/International events (e.g. National School Games, etc)
Students who are not in their primary school Netball team are also encouraged to apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
Selection Process:
Stage 1 (Application)
Application will be conducted online. Do submit the child's application online through the DSA-Sec portal.
Stage 2
Applicants are required to come for an in- person interview and a skills assessment.
Netball Skills Assessment
Applicants may undergo a netball skill assessment which includes evaluation on Ball handling skills, Game awareness and Teamwork.
Please note that meeting all the criteria does not guarantee the student will be shortlisted/given an offer.
Yishun Secondary School DSA (Sec) 2026 Timeline
Date: 6 May (11am) to 2 June (4:30pm) 2026
Activity:
Application Window (for Primary 6 students). Application can be made through the DSA-Sec Portal (will be available on 6 May 2026, 11am).
Date: 29 June – 28 August 2026
Activity:
Selection trials: School Based Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be informed by the school on details of the interview and audition/skills assessment.
Shortlisted applicants may submit video(s) of past performances/matches or photo(s) of their own works/creation (depending on the DSA talent area) prior to the interview
Date: Between 17 Aug and 28 Aug 2026
Activity:
Students will receive DSA application outcome.
Date: 19 October – 23 October 2026
Activity: Students to choose their preferred schools.
Date: Late November
Activity: Applicants will be informed of the allocation outcome during PSLE results release.
DSA Experience Video – Watch the video of YSS DSA Talent Areas.
DSA Student’s Voice – Learn how our current DSA students have benefitted from joining YSS through DSA.
Click here to view our YSS talents in action in the recent SYF Arts Presentation (opens in new tab)