Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Singapore tops PISA reading as inequality widens

9/8/2026

17 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Singapore ranked first in reading and second in mathematics and science in the 2025 PISA assessment.
Singapore placed second in computational problem-solving, the new PISA domain evaluating algorithm design.
The gap between Singapore’s top and bottom 10 % of students widened in all three subjects from 2022 to 2025.
MOE will expand ComLink+ and add manpower to schools serving disadvantaged families to support learning needs.

History

Historical Context

The OECD launched PISA in 2000 to compare 15-year-old learners worldwide. Singapore rose rapidly, ranking second to Shanghai in mathematics in the 2012 cycle that tested about 510,000 students, and topping all domains in the 2022 results released in December 2023. Its continued success shapes current national education policy and strategic reforms.

1 of 2

Story summary

Singapore ranked first in reading and second in mathematics and science in the 2025 PISA assessment.
Singapore placed second in computational problem-solving, the new PISA domain evaluating algorithm design.
The gap between Singapore’s top and bottom 10 % of students widened in all three subjects from 2022 to 2025.
MOE will expand ComLink+ and add manpower to schools serving disadvantaged families to support learning needs.

1 / 2