Polytechnics are considered tertiary institutions of educations.
Unlikes secondary schools and JCs, there are no age limits.
While majority of the students are secondary school leavers, and
some JC students, there are still vacancies available for ITE
students who have done well enough to qualify for polytechnic
education. Usually, these students would have completed their 2
year national service and would start Polytechnic education at the
age of 22 or 23.
There is no "rightful" place for secondary school leavers.
Secondary school students who did not perform well for their O
level to qualify for Polytechnic education are given the chance to
advance to Polytechnic through ITE. So please do not take placings
in Polytechnics for granted.
To all secondary school leavers: This country does NOT owe you an
education. Spare us these brain farts that think otherwise.