Singapore Tops the World in TIMSS 2023 for Mathematics and Science

Singapore continues to lead the world in education, achieving top rankings globally in both mathematics and science at the Primary 4 (Grade 4) and Secondary 2 (Grade 8) levels, according to the latest results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023.

Outstanding Global Achievement

In the TIMSS 2023 assessment, Singaporean students demonstrated exceptional mastery and understanding:

Primary 4 (Grade 4)

• Mathematics: Average score of 615, the highest globally, ahead of Taiwan (607) and South Korea (594).
• Science: Average score of 607, leading over South Korea (583) and Taiwan (573).

Secondary 2 (Grade 8)

• Mathematics: Average score of 605, topping Taiwan (602) and South Korea (596).
• Science: Average score of 606, placing Singapore ahead of Taiwan (572) and Japan (557).

These results mark the third consecutive TIMSS cycle where Singapore has led the world in all four tested domains.

Excellence Across All Levels

The top-performing 10% of Singaporean students (90th percentile) achieved exceptional scores:

• Grade 4 Mathematics: 719
• Grade 4 Science: 708

This demonstrates not only overall high achievement but also a strong performance among Singapore’s highest achievers.

A Reflection of Educational Strength

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Education, this success stems from a strong curriculum foundation, quality teaching, and the use of effective strategies such as problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, and real-world application. These educational approaches continue to cultivate deep understanding and long-term competence in students.

Why It Matters

The TIMSS results reaffirm Singapore’s status as a global benchmark in education, showcasing its ability to consistently deliver excellence across student groups and learning domains. For parents and educators alike, it’s a powerful reminder of what structured, well-supported education systems can achieve.