Preparatory Course For Singapore - Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)
Take O Levels in 10 Months. Enter Polytechnic!* (*Terms and conditions apply) Download Prospectus & Fees
Source: Inspire Education Centre 2024 Post-Course Evaluation – O Level
Our students have entered
Singapore Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Victoria Junior College
Powerful O Level success stories
– From 4Ds and 1C to 5As after retaking O Levels with INSPIRE! She successfully applied to Junior College. [Read]
– He failed English and was hesitant at spending another year to re-do his O Levels. At INSPIRE, he improved his L1R4 from 21 points to 17 points. [Read]
– His journey from NA Level to O Level (2As and 3Bs). [Read]
– He fell short of the admission requirements for Polytechnic with his Higher Nitec score. With INSPIRE he scored 20 points to qualify. [Read]
Our satisfied students
Ayesha
Before: 4Ds and 1C
After: 5As
"Thank you for the guidance in strengthening my O Level foundations and for helping me choose my subject combination."
(2019 O Level alumna, entered Victoria Junior College)
Jing Fei
Before: L1R4 33 points
After: L1R4 17 points
(2023 O Level Alumnus)
Jun Xian
2As and 3Bs
"I am really grateful for all the help and encouragement to achieve my best grades so that I can get into my choice of course for polytechnic."
(2018 O Level alumnus)
Joseph
Before: L1R4 21 points
After: L1R4 17 points
"I would like to thank my teachers for teaching me. 4 points really makes a difference. "
(2022 O Level Alumnus, entered Temasek Polytechnic)
Zhao Xing
Before: 19 After: 13 (L1R4)
"Thanks to INSPIRE, my grades improved tremendously. I am elated to enter my dream course in polytechnic!"
(2016 O Level alumnus)
Our dedicated teachers who truly care
MR HO
Social Studies /
MS CHEW
English / Literature Specialist
MDM MAS
MR LIM
MRS CHEW
INSPIRE’s O Level course
6 reasons why INSPIRE is the best choice for O Level private candidates
17 years experience of nurturing students since 2007
Dedicated teachers who truly care
Small conducive class size
Progress reports & motivational awards *
* Terms and conditions apply
Structured curriculum & lessons throughout the year
(no March/June holidays)
Academic Prize
Award of $2,000
for achieving 5 A1s *
* Terms & conditions apply
How are classes conducted
Tests and examinations are held in
Mid-year test
Prelim exam
O Level exam
How INSPIRE’s programme compares
with other O Level private schools
|
Criteria |
INSPIRE | Other private schools |
| Class size | 9-18 | 16-35 |
| Term Breaks | No term break | Mar / Jun / Sep Holidays |
| Assessments | Twice – mid-year & final prelim | Twice – mid-year & final prelim |
| Progress reports | 2 – (minimum of 4 subjects taken in Student-PEI contract) | 2 |
| Fee Payments | 9 instalments | 2 instalments or 1 lump sum payment |
| Monthly motivational awards (e.g. good progress reward and punctuality award, etc.) | Yes | No |
| Council for Private Education (CPE) Registered | Yes | Yes |
| NS deferment (if eligible)* | Yes | Yes |
| Transitlink Concession Card* | Yes | Yes |
| * Terms and conditions apply | ||
Course Info
- Who can enroll for the course
- What subjects are offered
- Course duration
- Examination, assessment and results
Student enrolling must
- Have completed 8 years of formal education or middle school / lower secondary education.
- Be at least 15 years old on Jan 1st of the year of examination.
- Have a pass in Lower Secondary English (in student’s respective school) or IELTS 4.5 or equivalent or pass INSPIRE’s internal English entry test.
- Be a Singaporean or Singapore PR
- Or hold a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass that is valid for the entire duration of the course if you are a foreign student.
- Not be a foreign student holding a student pass. (w.e.f. 15 November 2023)
-
English
-
Mathematics (Math)
-
Additional Mathematics (AMath)
-
Social Studies (SS) + History Elective (Hist)
-
Social Studies (SS) + Geography Elective (Geog)
-
Literature in English (Lit)
-
Business Studies (BS)*
-
Economics (Econ)*
-
Principles of Accounts (POA)
^ Other subjects (e.g. Mother Tongue, Science (Theory / Practical) may be registered for the examination.
* Subject to availability
# MOE exam registration will be handled by the centre for students.
Subject materials will be given as per topic taught.
Course duration
- Jan 6 to Nov 5 2025
- Ongoing intake till May 5 2025. Late entry fees apply from 6 Feb 2025 and admission will be considered on a case by case basis.
Full-time course
- Duration – 3h x 5 days x 10 months = 600h
- Contact hours -11.5h per week x 10 months = 460 h
Part-time course
- Duration – 2h x 3 days x 10 months =240h
- Contact hours – 5.5h per week x 10 months = 220h
Course delivery
- Average teacher to student ratio 1:9 to 18
- Face-to-face and online classes
Internal Assessments:
- English and Mathematics placement tests upon course sign-up, followed by mid-year tests and prelim exams in September.
- Progress reports and good progress awards will only be given to students who take a minimum of 4 subjects under their Student-PEI contract.
External Examination
- The Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination in October – November.
Expected Examination Results Release Date
- Results are released usually in January the following year of the examination.
Course Completion
- Students have to sit for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination in order to complete the O level course.
Type of Qualification
- Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) awarded by Ministry of Education, Singapore and Cambridge International Education, after successful completion of GCE ‘O’ Level Examinations
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum number of subjects I need to take?
To be eligible for the course, the minimum is 3 subjects.
What is the cost of the course?
It depends on the subjects taken as well as number of subjects and what subjects are taken. Please download the prospectus for the course fees. Please contact us for the exact fee breakdown of your particular subjects combination.
What is the timetable like?
O Level classes are typically 9am – 12pm and 1pm-3pm on weekdays (Mon to Fri). Students only need to come down to the Centre for their respective subjects.
Are classes physical or online?
All classes are conducted physically. However, each subject tutor might choose to conduct online classes occasionally.
Am I eligible for a Transitlink Concession Card when I join the course?
If you are a Singaporean student aged 20 years and below, you are eligible to apply for a Transitlink Concession Card. Upon approval, you can enjoy concessionary travel for the duration of the course. If you withdraw from the course pre-maturely, you will have your Transitlink concession cancelled within 7 days as you are no longer studying at the centre.
Are there other subjects that I can take with Inspire?
Please email us at info@inspire.edu.sg for the availability of other subjects not listed on this website.
How can I enter Polytechnic?
To be eligible for admission into a Polytechnic course you must meet the eligibility conditions. Your ELR2B2 net aggregate score* must not exceed 26 unless you are applying for the Diploma in Nursing. To apply for the Diploma in Nursing, your ELR2B2-C net aggregate score must not exceed 28.
Generally, most admission requirements for Polytechnic courses require you to obtain a pass of C6 in English and Mathematics. A good score of 8-15 points will help you get into the more competitive courses. For specific eligibility conditions please refer to the latest Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) data booklet or the various Polytechnics.
*What is ELR2B2 net aggregate score?
English Language (EL) + 2 Relevant Subjects (R2) + 2 Best Subjects (B2) minus CCA bonus points
How can I be eligible for a Motivational Award during the course?
Inspire wishes to award and motivate you throughout the course with monthly Motivational Awards starting from February. Students will be selected for awards for Punctuality, Homework, Participation, Best Overall Results for Tests, Best in Subject Award, and Good Progress Awards, etc. The awards will be given in the form of mall vouchers, cash vouchers, or cash cards. These awards are not exchangable for cash. If you receive this award, you will have to give consent to Inspire for photography or videography for receipt of this award.
How can I obtain the Academic Prize Award?
If you score 5A1s in your O Level examination results for the subjects you enrol for at Inspire, you will be eligible for this award. You will be notified of your eligibility. The award will be paid by cheque within 60 days of the notification. If you receive this award, you will have to give consent to Inspire for photography or videography for receipt of this award.
How can I apply for NS deferment?
If you are a Singaporean or Singapore PR male student, you are liable for NS from 17.5 years old. Successful NS deferment is subject to the approval of Mindef. You need to apply for minimum of at least 4 subjects or more to be eligible. Applications are to be made at least 1 month before enrolment. Please also take note that there will be a NS deferment administrative fee charged. If you withdraw from the course prematurely, you will have your NS deferment cancelled within 7 days as you are no longer studying at the centre.
Make the Right Choice
We would like to say thank you to all the teachers and staff of Inspire Education. Ernst has shown great improvement and we are really proud of him. Now he has better options for joining a course that he likes in polytechnic. We really appreciate all your time and patience in guiding him. Once again a big thank you!
– Guardian of Ernst (2021 alumnus)
Ayesha improved by leaps and bounds. She put in a lot of hard work, but this was certainly not possible without the support and instruction from the teachers. We thank you all for your love and guidance.
– Parent of Ayesha (2018 alumnus)
I would like to thank you and Aaron’s teachers for your dedication to assisting Aaron for the full year of 2012. Aaron has certainly tried hard and with the support of his teachers, I am pleased that he has achieved 3Bs and a C. Thank you once again.
– Parent of Aaron (2012 alumnus)