Admission Criteria

Find out if your child meets the criteria for DSA admission to Swiss Cottage Secondary School across Sports, Performing Arts, Science, and Leadership talent areas.

Last updated 11 July 2026

Primary 6 students will be considered for DSA into Swiss Cottage Secondary School based on leadership qualities as well as strong interest and aptitude in the specific talent area. All applicants must demonstrate very good conduct and consistently good academic performance.

We consider the merits of all applicants based on a set of holistic criteria. Meeting all the criteria does not guarantee that the student is shortlisted/given an offer.

Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely by prioritising the student’s interest, aptitude and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements/standards, and the programmes available to develop the child holistically.

Direct School Admission criteria by talent area

Main category	Talent Areas	Criteria	Commitment if admitted to Swiss Cottage Secondary School via DSA
Sports & Games	1. Badminton (Girls) 2. Basketball (Boys & Girls) 3. Bowling (Boys) 4. Floorball (Boys & Girls)	Have a strong interest in the specific sport and willingness to be committed to it. Demonstrate the necessary agility, coordination, speed and teamwork skills relevant to the specific talent area. Demonstrate leadership qualities, and preparedness to be developed as a leader in the specific talent area and to be a role-model for others. Demonstrate character traits such as sportsmanship, motivation, resilience, mental strength, positive and growth mindset. Good conduct and consistently good academic performance.	1. Commitment to the sport from Sec 1 to Sec 4. 2. No transfer to another school upon admission via DSA for the duration of the course.
Performing Arts	1. Chinese Orchestra 2. Choir (Show) 3. English Drama 4. Modern Dance 5. Military Band (NCC Command Band)	Have a strong interest in the specific performing art and willingness to be committed to it. Demonstrate the technical confidence and competence relevant to the specific talent area. Demonstrate artistic expression, creativity, perspective and collaboration skills. Demonstrate leadership qualities, and preparedness to be developed as a leader in the specific talent area and to be a role-model for others. Demonstrate character traits such as motivation, resilience, mental strength, positive and growth mindset. Good conduct and consistently good academic performance.	1. Commitment to the performing arts talent area from Sec 1 to Sec 4 2. No transfer to another school upon admission via DSA for the duration of the course.
Science	Science for Sustainable Development	Demonstrate passion in STEM learning and a willingness to be committed to it. Demonstrate aptitude in skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Demonstrate leadership qualities, and preparedness to be developed as a leader and to be a role-model for others. Demonstrate character traits such as motivation, resilience, mental strength, positive and growth mindset. Good conduct and consistently excellent academic performance, especially in Science.	1. Commitment to Science Ambassadors and Maker Education Leaders from Sec 1 to Sec 4. 2. No transfer to another school upon admission via DSA for the duration of the course
Leadership and Uniformed Groups	Leadership	Demonstrate passion in serving others/the community and a willingness to be committed to serve as a leader and role-model. Demonstrate aptitude in skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, curiosity and creativity. Demonstrate a willingness to receive feedback for growth. Demonstrate character traits such as motivation, resilience, mental strength, positive and growth mindset. Very good conduct and consistently good academic performance.	1. No transfer to another school upon admission via DSA for the duration of the course

The applicant’s primary school information will automatically be shared with the applied DSA-Sec school(s). This information includes the student’s P5 and P6 academic results, and other information from P4 to P6, e.g., Co-curricular Activities (CCA), Values in Action (VIA) involvement, school-based achievements and awards such as Edusave awards, NAPFA results (only for sports talent), National School Games and Junior Sports Academy participation. You do not need to include this information in your application.

You may provide information on non-school-based activities which are related to the applicant’s chosen talent areas. This section is non-compulsory, with a limit of 10 entries with no supporting documents or testimonials needed.

General academic ability test e.g. General Ability Test (GAT) and Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) are not required as part of the school’s selection processes.