School MattersHougang Secondary School vs Yishun Secondary School
Compare recorded PSLE entry ranges, CCAs, DSA programmes and location, with intake years shown alongside the data.
At a glance
| Compare | Hougang Secondary School | Yishun Secondary School |
|---|---|---|
| School type | Co-Ed School | Co-Ed School |
| Level | Secondary (S1-S4) | Secondary (S1-S4) |
| School tags | Not listed | Not listed |
| Zone | North | North |
| Address | 2 Hougang Street 93 | 4 Yishun Street 71 |
| Nearest MRT | Hougang, Buangkok | Yishun, Khatib |
| Listed CCAs | 19 | 19 |
| DSA listings | 11 | 10 |
Differences to explore
- CCA
- The records share 10 CCA listings. Hougang Secondary School also lists Angklung/kulintang Ensemble (Girls and Boys), Basketball (Boys), Floorball (Girls and Boys), Girls' Brigade (Girls) and more, which do not appear in the other school's records. Yishun Secondary School also lists Badminton (Girls and Boys), Basketball (Girls and Boys), English Drama (Girls and Boys), Indian Dance (Girls and Boys) and more, which do not appear in the other school's records. Listings may be incomplete; confirm availability with each school.
- DSA programme
- The records share 3 DSA programme listings. Hougang Secondary School also lists Angklung/Kulintang Ensemble (Girls and Boys), Debating (Girls and Boys), Floorball (Girls and Boys), Guzheng Ensemble (Girls and Boys) and more, which do not appear in the other school's records. Yishun Secondary School also lists Badminton (Girls and Boys), Basketball (Girls and Boys), Indian Dance (Girls and Boys), Malay Dance (Girls and Boys) and more, which do not appear in the other school's records. Listings may be incomplete; confirm availability with each school.
- The daily journey
- Nearby MRT stations listed for Hougang Secondary School: Hougang, Buangkok; for Yishun Secondary School: Yishun, Khatib. Compare the full journey from home, including transfers and the walk to school.
Recorded entry ranges
| Compare | Hougang Secondary School | Yishun Secondary School |
|---|---|---|
| PG3 · Non-affiliated | 2026 · 14–20 | 2026 · 12–20 |
| PG2 · Non-affiliated | 2026 · 21–24 | 2026 · 21–24 |
| PG1 · Non-affiliated | 2026 · 25–27 | 2026 · 25–27 |
Each range belongs to the intake year and programme shown. Affiliated and non-affiliated ranges are separate. D, M and P are Higher Mother Tongue requirements. Past ranges do not guarantee admission.
Get to know each school
Hougang Secondary School
Hougang Secondary began at Lowland Road in 2001, moved to Hougang Street 93 that December and was officially opened in 2003. Its history page still describes an earlier communication-focused ALP, including broadcasting and debate. The current programme page instead sets out the STEM ALP, HS Innovates, For Life! Likewise, the current LLP and 2026 handbook use the GREAT values framework. The older history account is useful for origins, but should not be treated as a complete description of today’s programmes.
All Secondary 1 pupils have Code for Fun and a design-thinking cohort programme. Secondary 2 adds AI for Fun and Internet of Things devices, while Computing is an upper-secondary subject option. STEM Leaders have additional activities, including sustainable growing from 2025. The page separately records a seven-month 2024 project involving 50 selected Secondary 2–3 pupils from several leadership groups, working with DesignSingapore Council and Bold@Work on neighbourhood health-related needs. That selected project is distinct from the core lessons and is not a universal annual entitlement.
- School History
- STEM Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
- Learning For Life Programme (LLP)
- Hougang Secondary School Student Handbook 2026 — 15 May version
Yishun Secondary School
MOE records establishment in January 1986 at 4 Yishun Street 71 and the official opening on 19 August 1988. Single-session schooling began in 1999, with PRIME upgrading in 2002 and a Heritage Walk launched for the 25th anniversary in 2011. Sonic Arts ALP recognition followed in 2014, and Community and Youth Leadership LLP in 2015. This is Yishun Secondary, not Yishun Town Secondary: the similar names do not make their histories, reviews or programmes interchangeable. Families should check the full school name when following community links or reading older accounts.
The current distinctive programme brings music arrangement and technology together with community outreach. Tier 1 introduces all pupils through music lessons: Secondary 1 builds foundations and Secondary 2 explores music technology with industry professionals. Tier 2 offers deeper masterclasses and recording-studio work for pupils with stronger interest, plus Vocalistic and Arts Extravaganza showcase platforms. Tier 3 is for selected pupils representing the school in competitions and community performances. This is a clearer picture than simply calling the school musical: everyday learning and advanced representation carry different participation requirements.
CCAs and programmes
Hougang Secondary School
- Angklung/kulintang Ensemble (Girls and Boys)
- Basketball (Boys)
- Boys' Brigade (Boys)
- Choir (Girls and Boys)
- Concert Band (Girls and Boys)
- Floorball (Girls and Boys)
- Football (Boys)
- Girl Guides (Girls)
- Girls' Brigade (Girls)
- Guzheng Ensemble (Girls and Boys)
- Infocomm Technology (Media Production) (Girls and Boys)
- Judo (Girls and Boys)
- Modern Dance (Girls)
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) (Land) (Boys)
- National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) (Girls and Boys)
- Netball (Girls)
- Red Cross Youth (Girls and Boys)
- Speech and Drama (Girls and Boys)
- Wushu (Girls and Boys)
Yishun Secondary School
- Badminton (Girls and Boys)
- Basketball (Girls and Boys)
- Boys' Brigade (Boys)
- Choir (Girls and Boys)
- Concert Band (Girls and Boys)
- English Drama (Girls and Boys)
- Football (Boys)
- Girl Guides (Girls)
- Guzheng Ensemble (Girls and Boys)
- Indian Dance (Girls and Boys)
- Infocomm Technology (Media Production) (Girls and Boys)
- Malay Dance (Girls and Boys)
- Modern Dance (Girls and Boys)
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) (Land) (Boys)
- National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) (Girls and Boys)
- National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) (Girls and Boys)
- Netball (Girls)
- Robotics (Girls and Boys)
- Volleyball (Girls)
Listed DSA programmes at Hougang Secondary School
- Angklung/Kulintang Ensemble (Girls and Boys)
- Debating (Girls and Boys)
- English Drama (Girls and Boys)
- Floorball (Girls and Boys)
- Football (Boys)
- Guzheng Ensemble (Girls and Boys)
- Judo (Girls and Boys)
- Leadership (Girls and Boys)
- Modern Dance (Girls)
- Netball (Girls)
- Stem (Girls and Boys)
Listed DSA programmes at Yishun Secondary School
- Badminton (Girls and Boys)
- Basketball (Girls and Boys)
- English Drama (Girls and Boys)
- Football (Boys)
- Indian Dance (Girls and Boys)
- Malay Dance (Girls and Boys)
- Modern Dance (Girls and Boys)
- Music (Girls and Boys)
- Netball (Girls)
- Volleyball (Girls)
Questions about these schools
How should I choose between Hougang Secondary School and Yishun Secondary School?
Start with programmes, the CCAs your child wants and the actual journey from home. Visit both schools to assess the daily environment. Counts and past results alone do not establish which school fits your child.
How do their recorded PSLE entry ranges compare?
PG3 · Non-affiliated: Hougang Secondary School 2026 · 14–20; Yishun Secondary School 2026 · 12–20. PG2 · Non-affiliated: Hougang Secondary School 2026 · 21–24; Yishun Secondary School 2026 · 21–24. PG1 · Non-affiliated: Hougang Secondary School 2026 · 25–27; Yishun Secondary School 2026 · 25–27.
Do past admission records guarantee a place?
No. Ranges belong to the intake year and programme shown and can change. Keep affiliated and non-affiliated ranges separate and retain any D, M or P Higher Mother Tongue suffix.