2025 N Level Success Stories

“I feel very proud of myself,” Neil shared reflectively. “I spent a lot of time and effort studying, sometimes sacrificing sleep, and I had to distance myself from people who were affecting my mental state to focus on my academics. I got the score I wanted, and I’m grateful for the people who helped me along the way.”

Achieving an EMB3 of 8 points with 5 distinctions, Neil recognised that his results perseverance through significant personal challenges. For Neil, a key factor in his success was the support of his friends. Amid family stress, which included serious financial difficulties that put his household on the verge of homelessness, Neil often felt alone. Yet, two close friends provided constant encouragement. Together, they would meet on a rooftop with a view to venting and validating each other’s feelings, offering mutual support despite their own challenges. He also found guidance in an unexpected mentor — a librarian near his home. Noticing his dedication, she checked in on him, shared her notes, and even provided small breaks and moments of companionship during long study sessions. “It’s because people were there for me that I was able to succeed, even while dealing with family stress and difficult personal decisions,” he reflected.

Neil’s mother also played a pivotal role in shaping his mindset. Despite the family’s financial struggles, she encouraged him to focus on his studies and not worry about her hardships. “I kne

w that if I did badly, it would only make things harder for her,” Neil explained. “I wanted to make her proud and not burden her with my academic performance.” This responsibility became a powerful motivation, driving him to give his best in every study session.

A persistent personal challenge Neil faced was the fear of not being enough. This feeling had haunted him for years, creating doubt in his ability to succeed. Determined to overcome it, he committed to a structured daily routine — attending school, staying back to revise, taking short breaks, and exercising to refresh his mind. Over time, his disciplined approach gradually replaced his self-doubt with confidence. “Every day I proved to myself that I am enough,” he said.

Neil also pursued his passions alongside academics. Encouraged by his mother’s words, “Live life with no inhibitions,” he began sharing guitar and singing covers online, prioritizing his own aspirations while balancing his responsibilities. This self-directed exploration allowed him to reconnect with himself and brought him joy, reinforcing the importance of living authentically.

Beyond academic and personal growth, Neil distinguished himself through leadership and service. As a Principal Player in the Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band, he demonstrated clarity, patience, and calmness, even in high-pressure situations. Teachers noted that he consistently exemplified Honour, preparing thoroughly for rehearsals and performances and taking pride in representing the school. At the same time, Neil led with Humility, guiding his peers thoughtfully and collaboratively rather than through authority. His presence inspired confidence, and his grounded approach earned him the respect of both teammates and teachers.

Academically, Neil’s strengths lie in Mathematics and Accountancy, subjects that align closely with his interests and abilities. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue the Common Business Programme at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, a pathway that allows him to explore various areas of business while keeping his long-term goal of being a globally acclaimed musician alive. He envisions building a secure future while continuing to nurture his passion for music.

Reflecting on his journey, Neil shared, “It was because of self-discipline and the love and guidance of my family that I was able to overcome both personal and academic challenges. I’ve also learned to believe in myself and live life on my own terms.”

Neil’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, gratitude, and growth.

SUMI CYRUS [4S1]

Sumi captures her journey with a quote she holds close: “Be the lotus flower that blooms beautifully, even in muddy waters.” Like the lotus that rises unstained from murky depths, Sumi’s growth was shaped by difficult circumstances rather than diminished by them. The “muddy waters” represent the personal challenges, setbacks, and moments of isolation she faced; the bloom reflects the resilience, discipline, and quiet strength she developed along the way.

Sumi had faced significant personal challenges. Living with her grandparents, she grew up under circumstances different from many of her peers. Initially, she found it difficult to relate to others or find common ground in conversations, often choosing to stay strong and silent. Over time, she learned that strength could also mean reaching out. With patience and courage, Sumi began confiding in trusted adults and school friends, gradually building meaningful relationships that gave her a more supportive and wholesome school experience.

Today, she stands having achieved a EMB3 of 5 points (excluding English) — a score she maintained even after the conversion of her O-Level Chinese results. Her joyful outcome reflects steady effort sustained and shaped not by ease, but by discipline, resilience, and quiet perseverance.

“I don’t study using motivation,” Sumi shared. “I study using discipline, because consistency is key to maintaining my results.”

This belief anchored her throughout her school years, helping her remain focused even when personal and academic pressures weighed heavily on her. For example, one of Sumi’s key academic challenges was sustaining her strong performance. She addressed this through consistent habits — paying close attention during tuition and school lessons, asking questions to clarify misunderstandings, and practising independently at home. These strategies allowed her to address gaps in understanding promptly and maintain her results.

A representative of the school’s basketball team, teachers describe how Sumi is a student who exemplifies the school values of Honour and Humility in both academics and sports by giving her best effort and contributing consistently. With a strong growth mindset, she embraced challenges as opportunities to improve and develop further. For example, during the year, she suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) — a key ligament in the knee that stabilises the joint and is essential for running, jumping, and sudden movements. This injury prevented her from competing in the B Division and required significant recovery time. Rather than letting this setback discourage her, Sumi reframed it as an opportunity to focus on her studies. She remained disciplined, redirected her energy into learning, and used the time to strengthen her academic foundations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.

Looking ahead, Sumi aspires to pursue Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Polytechnic. Drawn by opportunities such as internships with Singapore Airlines, she hopes to become a flight attendant in the future. With limited opportunities to travel at present, she sees this pathway as a meaningful way to explore the world while building a fulfilling career.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her educational journey, Sumi’s story stands as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and self-belief, even the most challenging environments can nurture growth and success.

AQIL MATIN BIN WARISAN [4S2]   

Aqil felt a deep sense of pride and relief. Having achieved an EMB3 of 8 points with 4 distinctions, Aqil recognised that it represented something significant — the result of sustained effort, resilience, and personal growth. “Even though I didn’t meet my target, I am actually quite happy about my results,” Aqil shared. “I’m glad that I put in the effort throughout the year and didn’t give up.”

A defining turning point came when Aqil reflected on his earlier academic performance. Having obtained a raw aggregate of 21 previously, he realised just how unprepared he had been for the demands of the N Levels. Determined to change, Aqil returned to school in January with a renewed mindset. He focused more consistently in class, completed his homework diligently, and committed to regular self-revision. This shift in attitude and work ethic proved transformative, enabling him to reduce his aggregate from 21 to 8 — a remarkable testament to his determination and discipline.

Throughout the year, Aqil faced challenges in maintaining motivation, particularly with distractions from mobile phones and social media. Rather than allowing these obstacles to derail his progress, he sought practical solutions. Studying with friends helped him stay focused and motivated, while also giving him opportunities to clarify doubts and strengthen his understanding of key concepts. Hence, for Aqil, success was never a solitary journey. He attributed his perseverance largely to the encouragement he received from the people around him.

“My family and friends kept my drive going. They reminded me that it would be a waste not to try because I had so much more potential.”

Beyond academics, Aqil made significant contributions to school life through his leadership in the Command Band. Serving as the Sergeant Major and Ceremonial Drum Major, he led with discipline, empathy, and precision. His leadership was most notably showcased when he commanded the 2024 National Day Parade, where he demonstrated exceptional confidence and skill under pressure. Teachers describe Aqil as a student who exemplifies the school values of Honour and Humility. He consistently upheld integrity and responsibility in all his duties, placing the Band’s needs before his own and carrying out every task with sincerity and commitment. As a leader, Aqil listened attentively to others’ perspectives and supported his peers quietly, earning their respect through actions rather than recognition.

Academically, Aqil’s strengths are reflected in his achievement of Grade 1 in both Mathematics and Science, subjects that align closely with his interests and abilities. Looking ahead, he aspires to pursue Biomedical Engineering at the Polytechnic, motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the community and nation through technology. This aspiration also holds personal significance, as it fulfils a long-standing hope of his father — a source of motivation that continues to drive him forward.

Reflecting on his journey, Aqil shared a powerful lesson he hopes others will take to heart: “The man I am today could have prevented my past mistakes, but if I had prevented them, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Don’t let hardships ruin your progress — let them improve it.”

As Aqil stands ready to embark on the next chapter of his educational journey, he remains deeply grateful to his friends, family, and teachers who supported him throughout these four years. His story is one of resilience, growth, and leadership — a reminder that with determination, support, and self-belief, challenges can be transformed into stepping stones for success.

PUTRI DWI ALEESYA [4S2]

Putri’s four-year school journey has been one of growth, resilience, and purposeful leadership. Achieving an EMB3 of 13 points with 2 distinctions, she felt a mix of pride and disappointment. While she had worked hard, she did not qualify for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) — a moment that could have been discouraging. Yet, Putri reminded herself to focus on the bigger picture. She recognised that there are multiple pathways to achieving her goals, whether through the Direct Polytechnic Programme (DPP) to pursue nursing or returning to complete the O Levels via the 5N course.

She reflected, “I was fortunate to have helpful seniors around me and strong support from my friends.” Her seniors guided her through secondary school, offering advice, sharing experiences, and encouraging her whenever she felt unsure. Her friends provided emotional reassurance, reminding her to take breaks and care for herself, which helped her stay motivated even during demanding periods.

Putri’s commitment to her studies was deeply personal. She felt a strong sense of responsibility toward her mother’s support and encouragement. “I realised that if I did not improve my grades, I would be disappointing my mother, who has always believed in me,” she reflected. This awareness prompted her to take ownership of her learning. She revised consistently, sought help when needed, and structured her time effectively. Over time, these disciplined efforts led to improved grades and reinforced her confidence and determination.

Balancing academics with leadership and co-curricular commitments was another challenge. As Warrant Officer and Head of Training in her CCA, Putri led the Precision Drill Challenge team, mentored juniors, and managed training programs that contributed to the corps’ Distinction Awards from 2022 to 2024. The workload was demanding, and at times, she felt stressed by high expectations and the responsibility of guiding others. She overcame this by managing her time, breaking tasks into achievable goals, and drawing strength from the support of friends and mentors.

Teachers described Putri as a student who exemplifies Honour and Humility. She led with integrity, upheld high standards, and consistently prioritised the welfare and development of her cadets and peers. Her leadership has been characterised by empathy and service; she focused on the growth and success of those around her without seeking recognition, earning the respect and admiration of both students and staff.

Her experiences in CCA also helped shape her career aspirations. Through hands-on training, she gained basic nursing knowledge, practical first aid skills, and experience in caring for others. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in nursing, motivated by a desire to support people through difficult situations and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

Reflecting on her journey, Putri advised her juniors as such: “Don’t procrastinate, focus on your learning, and take responsibility for your growth. Leadership and care go hand in hand but always remember to balance your responsibilities and well-being. There are many paths to achieving your goals, so stay flexible and determined.”

Putri’s story demonstrates that setbacks do not define one’s journey. Through consistent effort, support from friends and mentors, and a commitment to service and personal growth, she has transformed challenges into opportunities. Her resilience and openness to alternative pathways show that success is not a single destination but a journey with multiple routes to achievement.

LIM XIN YI [4S3]

Xin Yi’s four-year school journey has been defined by self-belief, determination, and a commitment to learning from every experience. Achieving an EMB3 with 5 distinctions, Lim credits her success to consistent effort, a positive mindset, and the willingness to learn from mistakes.

“Making mistakes isn’t entirely a bad thing,” she reflected. “It allows us to understand what went wrong and improve, so we don’t repeat the same errors next time.”

Like many students, Xin Yi faced moments of stress and self-doubt. She admitted that she often set high expectations for herself, driven in part by comparisons with peers in higher academic streams.

“I didn’t want people to think that being in the Normal (Technical) stream meant we didn’t work hard,” she explained. While this mindset created pressure, she gradually learned to focus on her own growth rather than external opinions, prioritising her mental well-being alongside her academic goals.

Xin Yi’s leadership and contributions to the school community are equally noteworthy. She served as CO Assistant Section Leader from 2023 to 2024 and as Chairperson from 2024 to 2025, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and dedication. She was also a key member of the Claw Machine project at D’Hangout, actively contributing to planning and execution. Teachers noted that Lim consistently exhibited the school values of Honour and Humility, leading with integrity, maintaining high standards, and ensuring that rehearsals and activities were purposeful and well-organised.

Academically, Lim has combined her creativity with her discipline. Her passion lies in the arts, and she has discovered a strong interest in the field of Architecture. She is drawn to the field not only for her artistic skills but also for the opportunity to bring imagination to life through designing models and innovative structures. This interest reflects her ability to blend technical skill with creative thinking — a hallmark of her approach to learning and problem-solving.

Lim also emphasises the importance of resilience and balance. Her advice to younger students reflects her personal philosophy: “Never give up, focus on yourself, and most importantly, do not give yourself too much stress. Don’t stress about things you cannot control.”

This outlook captures her journey — one in which she learned to navigate academic pressure, set realistic personal goals, and maintain mental and emotional well-being.

Looking ahead, Lim is determined to pursue her dream of becoming an architect, confident that her combination of creativity, discipline, and leadership will help her succeed.

Her story is a reminder that success is built not only on talent but also on persistence, self-reflection, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

PREMEETHA [4S3]

Premeetha’s four-year school journey has been one of personal growth, resilience, and discovery. Achieving an EMB3 of 5 distinctions, she describes her results as the culmination of effort, perseverance, and the lessons she learned along the way. “At first, my own expectations weighed me down, but over time I realised the journey itself was amazing,” she reflected.

Throughout her years at school, Premeetha faced significant personal challenges. She experienced discrimination and the emotional strain of her parents’ separation, which left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed at times. There were days when she cried almost daily, struggling to cope. A turning point came through conversations with the school counsellor, who helped her see the importance of healthy distraction — redirecting her emotions through meaningful engagement rather than running from her problems.

Inspired by this guidance, Premeetha became actively involved in school initiatives. Taking on roles such as Chairperson of the Bracelet-Making Workshop in 2022 and Chairperson of the Claw Machine Project in 2024, she found purpose and a way to channel her energy productively. Participation in these projects not only allowed her to contribute positively to the school community but also helped her regain a sense of control over her life. Through these experiences, Premeetha learned to focus on her well-being, building confidence and emotional resilience.

Academically, Premeetha initially struggled to balance her commitments. Juggling schoolwork with leadership roles and co-curricular responsibilities often left her mentally and physically exhausted.

She candidly shared, “I was constantly tired, pushing myself even when I had nothing left. Over time, I realised that giving my all doesn’t mean sacrificing myself completely. I needed to manage my energy and set boundaries to continue doing well both in my studies and in my projects.”

Teachers describe Premeetha as a student who embodies Honour and Humility. She led with integrity, prioritising the growth and well-being of her peers while maintaining high standards for herself. Her leadership was marked by empathy and emotional intelligence, inspiring respect and encouraging a culture of participation and appreciation for values-driven initiatives across the school.

Premeetha’s academic achievements reflect her growth mindset and dedication. She learned to approach challenges with patience, viewing mistakes as opportunities to improve. Her advice to younger students emphasises this perspective: “Never give up, focus on yourself, and enjoy what you do. Set high expectations, but don’t let them overwhelm you. Learn to balance your responsibilities and always prioritise your well-being.”

Looking ahead, Premeetha plans to pursue Business Administration, a course that aligns with her strengths in communication and people-centred roles. She recognises the importance of enjoying her studies while building skills that will help her grow professionally. Her vision combines practical career goals with a desire to continue developing herself personally and creatively.

Reflecting on her school journey, Premeetha notes how far she has come: from a period of struggle and self-doubt to becoming a confident, accomplished, and engaged student. Through perseverance, self-belief, and the support of friends, teachers, and the school community, she has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth.

Premeetha’s story is a reminder that success is not only measured by results but also by the courage to face difficulties, the resilience to keep moving forward, and the empathy to positively impact those around you.