Singapore's education system needs PSLE exams for 2 purposes, says PM Lee

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says Singapore's education system cannot do away with the PSLE or Primary School Leaving Examination. 

However, he feels that the country should look at how it can reduce the pressure of a single examination and grade. 

Mr Lee said it will take some time for the authorities to think about it, and the government is not in a hurry to make any changes. 

Replying to questions posed on Singapolitics.sg, Mr Lee explained that the PSLE exam is needed for two purposes. 

First, to assess the child having finished primary school, and thus has attained the standard expected of him.

Second, Singapore needs some way to post students to secondary schools and for the schools to choose them.

The education ministry also has the direct schools admissions programme, and that is an important scheme to free up the system. 

Mr Lee feels the basic reason why there is so much pressure on the PSLE, is because people take the secondary school admission very seriously, which he feels isn't correct.