41 Schools in Singapore to Welcome New Principals in 2026

Forty-one schools in Singapore will appoint new principals as part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) annual appointment and rotation exercise in 2026. According to MOE’s announcement on October 8, the initiative includes 25 newly appointed principals across various educational levels, comprising two junior colleges, 20 secondary schools, and 19 primary schools.

This process aims to enhance educational leadership by bringing fresh perspectives to schools. The MOE stated, “The process of appointing and rotating principals allows schools to benefit from new perspectives and enables experienced principals to share best practices across schools.” This rotation gives principals an opportunity to expand their experiences while strengthening the educational environment of the institutions they will lead.

The appointment of new leaders is described as an important career milestone for the 25 individuals stepping into their first principal roles. They will assume greater responsibilities in their new positions, contributing to the development of teachers, staff, and students within their schools.

Additionally, the 16 principals transitioning to new appointments are recognized for their established capabilities. The MOE emphasized that this is a testament to its confidence in their ability to guide educational teams effectively.

A formal appointment ceremony is scheduled for December 30, 2026, and will take place in Singapore, attended by Minister for Education Desmond Lee. During this event, the ministry will also acknowledge the contributions of retiring principals and senior education officers from MOE Headquarters who have previously served as principals.

This initiative reflects the MOE’s commitment to fostering leadership in education and ensuring that schools continue to evolve in response to changing educational needs. The newly appointed principals will be instrumental in shaping the future of their institutions, helping to nurture the next generation of learners in Singapore.