Private school shut down over exam-free diplomas

Private school shut down over exam-free diplomas

A private school here will be shut down, in the first case of its kind, for offering students diplomas without requiring them to be in class or to take exams.

The Council for Private Education said in a statement yesterday that it had investigated Kings International Business School in Bukit Merah after receiving feedback in April last year.

It found that Kings had offered and awarded some students with diplomas in maritime studies without requiring class attendance or assessment.

"This is the first time a private education institution will have its registration cancelled for issuing diplomas without ensuring that students had received proper institution of assessment, since the council was established in December 2009," it said.

The school's registration will be cancelled from May 5. It also has until that date to arrange for its students to continue with their course at another suitable private education institution, or to refund them their full course fees.

As of Feb 11, there were 10 students taking diploma courses at the school, although the final figure is being determined, said the council.

In the meantime, the school is not allowed to offer or conduct private education courses.

The council advised people to be cautious of offers for certification without having to attend classes or take exams, and to avoid such offers.

People who are aware of such offers should report them to the council on 6592-2108 or CPE_CONTACT@cpe.gov.sg

"While the vast majority of private education institutions are bona fide education providers, we must continue to be vigilant to guard against such egregious players, as what they do casts doubt on the integrity of the qualifications of private education institution graduates," the council said.


This article was first published on April 21, 2015.
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