Everything you need to know about Primary School Registration
By Kelvin Sin | Livefree.sg | 7 May 2024
A headstart in life - While not all parents subscribe to the idea of leaving a fortune to their children, fearing that it might spoil them, the timeless gift of a quality education remains unmatched in its significance.
Primary school registration in Singapore is like diving into a competitive jungle gym, complete with its own rules and twists. One wrong move, and you could be footing a hefty bill.
So, here's the deal: mastering the ins and outs of P1 Registration is key. Think of it as your roadmap to securing that golden ticket for your little one. Ready to decode the game and score big? Dive into this comprehensive guide—it's your playbook to navigate the maze and land your child in the right spot."
Disclaimer: The following advice and guidance provided in this article regarding Primary 1 school registration are solely based on personal opinion and interpretation. They do not imply any legal obligation or responsibility on the part of the author. The information quoted from the Ministry of Education's website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to verify all information with relevant authorities and exercise their own discretion when making decisions related to Primary 1 school registration. The author shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from the use of this advice.
When does P1 Registration Start?
P1 registration is conducted over several phases. Phase 1 to 2C Supplmentary applies to children who are Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR). International students register in Phase 3.
These are the dates for 2023 P1 Registration Exercise for reference.
Phase 1
Registration: 4 July 2023 to 5 July 2023
Result: 11 July 2023
For a child who has a sibling studying in the primary school
Phase 2A
Registration: 12 July 2023 to 14 July 2023
Result: 14 July 2023
* Parent or sibling is a former student of the primary school including those who have joined the alumni association of the primary school as a member.
* Parent is a member of the School Advisory, Management Committee, or Staff Member of the primary school.
* Child from MOE Kindergarten under the purview of and located within the primary school
Phase 2B
Registration: 24 July 2023 to 25 July 2023
Result: 31 July 2023
* Parent has joined the school as a Parent Volunteer before 1 July 2022 and has given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June 2023.
* Parent is a member endorsed by the church or clan directly connected with the primary school, or endorsed as an active community leader.
Phase 2C
Registration: 1 August 2023 to 3 August 2023
Result: 15 August 2023
* Everyone else
Phase 2C Supplementary
Registration: 17 August 2023 to 18 August 2023
Result: 29 August 2023
* Everyone else
School Registration begins in the 6th year your child was born. However, if you wish to register under Phase 2B, you have to register as a parent volunteer a full year before the school registration. Yes, this is how competitive it is.
School Vacancies
In 2023 P1 Registration, Fairfield Methodist School offered 270 vacancies. 20 vacancies were allocated to Phase 2B and 40 vacancies were allocated to Phase 2C.
Phase 1: 270 - 20 - 40 (210 Vacancies)
116 applications were received and all Eligible applicants were accepted.
Phase 2: 210 - 116 (94 Vacancies)
103 applications were received
SC within 1km & 2km - 49 accepted
SC outside 2km - 54 applicants Ballot and 45 accepted
Phase 2B: 20 Vacancies allocated
52 applications were received
SC within 1km - 26 applicants Ballot and 20 accepted
The remaining 26 applicants did not ballot and were not accepted
Phase 2C: 40 Vacancies allocated
66 applications were received
SC within 1km - 51 applicants Ballot and 40 accepted
The remaining 15 applicants did not ballot and were not accepted
Phase 2C Supplementary: 0 Vacancies
No registration was conducted as all places were filled by Phase 2C
How distance affects Priority Admission
For schools that has more registrants, priority admission will be given based on your child’s citizenship and Home-School Distance category.
Priority admission are given in this order:
(1) Singapore Citizens (SC) living within 1km of the school
(2) SC living between 1km and 2km of the school
(3) SC living outside 2km of the school
(4) Permanent Residents (PR) living within 1km of the school
(5) PR living between 1km and 2km of the school
(6) PR living outside 2km of the school
Notes
*Some schools does not require you to be within 1km of the school
*There is a PR Cap for certain schools as well
Address used for Registration & 30-month stay requirement
There are 4 types of addresses that parents can use for school registration. The Home-School Distancing is the shortest distance from your address, to the Boundary around the school.
(1) Address of a Resale Property
Either a HDB or a Private Property address can be used. The 30-month stay requirement begins from the start of the child’s P1 academic year.
(2) Address of Caregiver
You can make a declaration of alternative child-care arrangement for your child’s P1 registration if you want to use the address of a caregiver living within 2km of your preferred school. However, if balloting is required, your child will be balloted together with those of the same citizenship living between 1km to 2km of the school - regardless of how close the caregiver’s address is to the school. The 30-month stay requirement begins at the start of the P1 registration exercise.
(3) Address of New Property
You can register your child for P1 using the address of building-under-completion (BUC). The vacant or delivery possession date of the new property you are moving into must be within 2 years of your child’s entry to P1. You can find this date in your Sale & Purchase Agreement (S&P) for private properties, or Agreement for Lease (AFL) for HDB. Your 30-month stay requirement begins from the time your family moves into your new home.
(4) Address of Rental Property
You can also use the address of a Rental Property. The 30-month stay requirement begins from the start of the child’s P1 academic year.
How to Prepare for P1 Registration?
(1) Shortlist Schools that are suitable for your child
Every child is unique, and not every school fits their needs perfectly. Each school boasts its own array of programs and extracurricular activities. It's crucial to take into account your child's interests and learning style.
Visiting the school during its open house offers an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in its culture and educational atmosphere. Engage with current students, teachers, and the principal to gain insights and ensure the best fit for your child.
There are over 180 Primary Schools, you can start with the school website.
(2) Select the eligible Primary Schools
For Permanent Residents (PRs) in particular, certain schools face overwhelming application rates, with even Singapore Citizens residing within a 1km radius needing to resort to balloting.
Additionally, schools affiliated with churches or clans often offer a mere 40 vacancies during Phase 2C. Schools are categorized into five groups based on popularity. If you're seeking guidance on which schools to consider, don't hesitate to reach out to us for personalized advice.
(3) Optimize your chances with your address
The aim is to maximize your child's chances of securing a spot in a desirable school. While proximity isn't always a requirement, it's wise to target areas with multiple schools, enabling registration in both Phases 2B and 2C. In cases of intense competition, renting an address may be a strategic option over purchasing one.
(4) Plan your timeline well
To gain entry through Phase 2B, you must sign up as a parent volunteer a year before the school registration. Additionally, you'll typically need to commit to a minimum of 40 hours of volunteering (or 80 hours for certain schools). Availability for parent volunteering slots can be scarce in some schools, potentially necessitating volunteering for multiple years prior to the registration period.
Reach out to us..
Get in touch with us! We specialize in tailoring your property plans to align with your school registration needs. Countless clients like yourself have benefited from our expertise in securing spots in their preferred primary schools while maintaining a harmonious balance between home life and education. Let us help you navigate this journey seamlessly.