MOE Announces Leadership Changes: 41 Schools to Welcome New Principals in 2026

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that 41 schools across Singapore will see new principals in 2026, as part of its annual principal appointment and rotation exercise.

This yearly leadership reshuffle aims to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to schools while recognising the commitment and capability of current school leaders.

Overview of the 2026 Principal Appointments

According to MOE’s official statement on Oct 8, a total of 25 newly appointed principals will take on their first principalship roles next year. The remaining 16 are experienced principals who will move on to lead new schools. The 41 schools include:

• 🏫 19 primary schools

• 🏫 20 secondary schools

• 🏫 2 junior colleges

This rotation exercise is part of MOE’s broader effort to develop leadership capacity across Singapore’s education system.

Why Principal Rotations Matter

MOE highlighted that rotating principals across schools allows each institution to benefit from new ideas and best practices. At the same time, it enables experienced leaders to mentor younger educators and strengthen school culture.

“The process of appointing and rotating principals allows schools to benefit from new perspectives, and enables experienced principals to share best practices across schools,” MOE said.

This structured leadership renewal ensures schools remain adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready, keeping pace with changing educational needs.

A Key Career Milestone for New Principals

For the 25 educators taking on their first principalship, this appointment marks a major milestone in their professional journey. As they step into a larger leadership role, they will be responsible for nurturing both academic excellence and character development in their students.

Meanwhile, the 16 experienced principals taking up new posts reflect MOE’s continued confidence in their leadership and ability to inspire teachers, students, and staff.

Appointment Ceremony and Recognition

The official Principal Appointment Ceremony will take place on December 30, with Minister for Education Mr Desmond Lee in attendance.

The event will also honour retiring principals and senior education officers from MOE headquarters who have previously served as school leaders, recognising their lifelong contributions to Singapore’s education landscape.

Strengthening the Education Leadership Pipeline

This leadership renewal aligns with MOE’s long-term vision of cultivating resilient, innovative, and empathetic school leaders who can navigate the evolving challenges of education.

By rotating and appointing principals annually, MOE ensures a strong and diverse leadership pipeline - one that continues to uphold Singapore’s reputation for educational excellence.