School Supplies SG

Secondary School

The Sec 1 starter kit.

Shoes go from white to black, school bag goes up by 10 litres, and there's a specific calculator MOE wants. Here's what to buy before week 1.

What changes from P6

  • Shoes: white → black (most schools). Bata or similar polishable leather usually fine.
  • Bag: goes up to 35-45L. Laptop sleeve worth it.
  • Calculator: Casio FX-95SG Plus is the MOE-approved scientific calculator. Buy it once for 4 years.
  • Earphones: wired only, for MTL listening comprehension exams.

Before you buy uniform

Most secondary schools issue uniforms via an appointed supplier in the first week of school. Don’t buy uniform from non-official channels — they often differ in shade, stitching, or insignia.

Before you shop

What Sec 1 prep is actually like

Most secondary schools issue uniform via the appointed supplier in week 1. The big shifts from P6: shoes go from white to black, bag goes up to 35-45L, and there's an MOE-approved scientific calculator you'll use for 4 years.

What changes from P6

  • Shoes: white → black (most schools). Plain, no coloured trims.
  • School bag: 18L → 35-45L. Laptop sleeve recommended even if BYOD is later.
  • Calculator: Casio FX-95SG Plus is the MOE-approved model for O-Levels — buy once.
  • Earphones: wired only (for MTL listening comprehension exams).

The school provides

  • Uniform via official supplier in week 1.
  • Textbooks and workbooks (via the school bookshop, separate transaction).
  • PE attire (issued).

What parents buy

  • Black school shoes (Bata, North Star, or ASICS for higher durability).
  • White crew socks (6 pairs).
  • 35-45L school bag with laptop sleeve.
  • Casio FX-95SG Plus calculator.
  • Geometry set, wired earphones, water bottle (750ml-1L).
  • Spare PE T-shirt + shorts (optional but useful).

Watch-outs

  • Bata shoes typically last 6-12 months of hard wear — budget for a second pair mid-year.
  • Smart watches are banned at most secondary schools. Stick with analog.
  • Don't buy uniform from non-official channels — even small shade differences will be flagged at uniform inspection.

Frequently asked

  • Is the Casio FX-95SG Plus really the only calculator allowed?
    It's the most common MOE-approved model. SEAB maintains the full approved list — check seab.gov.sg/approved-calculators for the current authoritative list before buying.
  • Can my child use the same shoes from P6?
    Only if your P6 white shoes can take black shoe polish (most cannot) OR if your secondary school happens to allow white. Most secondaries require black.
  • Do I need to buy textbooks before school starts?
    No. The school bookshop opens in the first week. Pre-buying online risks getting the wrong edition.
  • Is a laptop required from Sec 1?
    It depends on your school's iCt programme. Some require BYOD from Sec 1, others from Sec 2 or 3. Check the school's BYOD letter.

Secondary must-haves (non-uniform)

Most secondary schools issue uniforms via the appointed supplier. These are what you buy yourself.

8 items

  1. Black school shoes

    Plain black, no coloured trims. Leather or canvas depending on school.

  2. White socks · 6 pairs

  3. Secondary school bag (35-45L)

    Bigger than primary. Laptop sleeve helpful from Sec 1 onwards.

  4. Water bottle (750ml-1L)

  5. Scientific calculator (Casio FX-95SG Plus)

    Must be MOE-approved model — Casio FX-95SG Plus.

  6. Geometry set

  7. Wired earphones

    For MTL listening / online lessons. Wired more reliable.

  8. Spare PE T-shirt and shortsoptional

    School-issued, but a spare set is handy.

By school

See your school's exact uniform rules →

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