In a statement issued on 16 April 2025, the Ministry of Education confirmed that the Monday after Polling Day, 5 May, will be a designated day off for all students and staff across primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute, and MOE Kindergartens.
The decision is a result of Singapore’s 14th General Election, with Polling Day set for 3 May 2025, which has been declared a public holiday by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Since Polling Day falls on a Saturday, it does not affect the usual school schedule. To compensate for this, the MOE has designated the following Monday as a school holiday and day off-in-lieu for both students and school staff.
Classes are expected to resume on 6 May 2025, as normal.
The Ministry of Education further emphasized that this holiday arrangement aligns with previous practices when public holidays fall on a Saturday. The MOE clarified that the 5 May holiday applies to all educational institutions under its purview, including public schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute, and MOE Kindergartens.
Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower reiterated that Polling Day is to be treated as a public holiday in accordance with Singapore’s employment laws. Employees required to work on 3 May should be compensated either with a day off or salary in lieu. Employers may also offer time off-in-lieu, as mutually agreed, particularly for those not covered under the Employment Act’s Part IV provisions.
This move ensures that the impact of the public holiday on students and staff in the education sector is effectively managed while maintaining alignment with national employment regulations.
