i was talking about probability. enter 100 kids of 100 NYPS alumni vs another 100 kids from the 1km neighbourhood. the likelihood is that a higher percentage of the alumni kids will score better in PSLE than the neighbourhood kids, though these kids come from an affluent neighbourhood and may have a higher chance of success than the national average. the difference will be more pronounced for schools in HDB estates.
there was a "valid comparison" that you are referring to: in early years of singapore's independence, schools were more homogenous and NYPS have admitted based on proximity like your lawyer friend did. back then these top schools did not stand out. however over the years with a strong alumni network these schools have became cream of the crop.
FYI, alumni identity i was talking about in my earlier posts was not referring to just primary schools. in singapore the top schools arr clusters of affiliated schools from primary to juniot college. eg the nanyang-hwachong sch cluster, raffles, anglo-chinese, st andrews, to name a few. nothing to boast about if you come from NYPS, but it is certainly comething if your entire clan are alumni of the nanyang group of schools.
