The Study on Parents' Attitudes towards Education (SPAE) is to better understand parents’ views and experiences regarding their children’s education. The study aims to explore the factors that shape parents’ attitudes and choices about schooling, and to examine how different aspects of the education system may influence parents’ perceptions and decisions. By gathering insights from a diverse group of parents, the research seeks to identify common patterns and differences in educational preferences, concerns, and behaviours. The findings may help inform future policies and practices to better support families and students.

SPAE builds on prior work by the Institute of Policy Studies (notably a 2016 IPS survey of 1,500 parents) that sheds light on perceptions of school quality, parental satisfaction, and tuition culture.

Fieldwork and data collection for SPAE will last from April 2026 thru September 2026. If you have received invitation letter (printed on NUS letterhead) or are approached by an Institute of Policy Studies' Social Lab surveyor during this period, we warmly invite you to participate in the survey.

Investigators
Dr Mathew Mathews (Principal Investigator)
Dr Melvin Tay (Co-Principal Investigator)