From Riding to Online A Levels: How Hattie Found the Perfect High School for Student Athletes
Read now
Chat With Us
Inclusive Education: How Singapore's SEN Students Thrive in Online International Schools
02/09/2025•6 minute read
At CGA, we believe that every individual learner can achieve success when seen, supported and empowered. This rationale does not change when applied to SEN students and from those with high learning potentials to those with specific learning differences or social-emotional needs, through inclusion and personalisation, every student can thrive.
Many countries within Asia also share this positive rationale, investing in SEN support infrastructure for students, and ensuring that good education is accessible to everyone.
Singapore is no different, but what can SEN students and parents expect from the conventional and online education systems for support?
The SEN Landscape in Singapore
Singapore is a regional and global leader in education and technology for special needs students, with an educational system providing many accessibility features and comprehensive support systems.
The Singaporean education system has evolved over the past years to support students with Special Educational needs, focused on several pillars divided amongst mainstream and specialist SPED schools, as taken from the Singaporean Ministry of Education:
The SEN Landscape in Singapore
| Mainstream schools | SPED schools | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Basic barrier free access and enhanced school-based educational support services. | Greater accessibility for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and increased openings to support various disability profiles across geographical areas. |
| Affordability | Expanded funding for assistive technology, more financial support for itinerant educational support services and literacy programs for dyslexic students. | Standardisation of school fees and comprehensive financial support. |
| Quality of Teaching and Learning | Evidence-Based support with targeted interventions. | National SPED curriculum. |
| Staff Expertise and Capacity | Strengthened professional expertise, including specialised personnel such as teachers and SEN officers. | Structured career development for SEN teachers and professional growth support. |
| Systems and Processes | Whole-school approach with transition support and upstream parent engagement. | Professional learning ecosystem with SPED communities of practice and networked learning communities. Post-school life preparation for families. |
Online Education and SEN
Aside from the conventional education system of Singapore, online education also presents a unique opportunity for Singaporean SEN students.
In addition to many of the benefits offered by the conventional SEN system, students can access:
- Flexible Curricula tailored to the pace of learners, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
- Reduced Sensory and Social Pressures which reduce the overwhelming nature of traditional environments for learners with sensory sensitivities.
- Individualised Support through bespoke support plans, access arrangements and targeted pastoral care.
- Consistent learning via recorded lessons and flexible scheduling ensures continuity of learning whilst providing for any medical needs and absences.
- Greater autonomy by giving control to the learner on their approaches to engagement, fostering independence and self-advocacy.
Along with much more. Online learning can be a great fit for students who find traditional classrooms overwhelming, enjoy independent learning, require flexibility for medical reasons, or benefit from a personalised pace, whether accelerated or slowed down.
Online learning can also derive benefits from technology, strengthening individualised support through recorded lessons, assistive technology such as text-to-speech tools, or adjusted timetabling.
Crimson Global Academy’s Approach to SEN Support
Crimson Global Academy remains committed to providing education that is best for each individual learner. CGA’s approach to learning revolves around a school environment where students of all learning profiles are seen, supported, respected and empowered for success.
CGA’s Inclusion Manager (SENCO), Jane Eagle, possesses 27 years of experience in inclusion and is responsible for ensuring all learners receive the support that is needed. She brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to this role and through our extensive process of identifying and planning support, students of all learning profiles can be made to feel at home.
If you are considering an online educational environment for your child which seeks to understand and support individual learning profiles, we would be delighted to speak with you.
Speak to an Advisor today to explore how CGA can meet your child's needs.
