Understanding P1 Registration in Singapore
P1 registration is a major milestone for parents in Singapore. It determines where your child will start their formal education journey, and the process can be highly competitive. Understanding the phases, balloting rules, and the impact of residential proximity—whether living within 1km of the school or 2km of the school—can significantly increase your child’s chances of securing a place.
Key Phases of P1 Registration
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has designed the P1 registration process to ensure fair allocation of spaces across multiple phases:
- Phase 1: For children with siblings currently studying in the school.
- Phase 2A: For children whose parents or siblings are alumni, school advisory committee members, staff member of the primary school or MOE Kindergarten under the purview of and located within the primary school.
- Phase 2B: For children whose parents are active community leaders, school volunteers or a member endorsed by the church or clan directly connected with the primary school.
- Phase 2C: Open to all children without prior ties to the school—this is when residential proximity (1km or 2km) plays a crucial role.
- Phase 2C Supplementary: For those who were unable to secure a place in Phase 2C.
Why Living Within 1km or 2km of the School Matters
For children registering in every phase from Phase 2A onwards, vacancies are assigned based on citizenship and the distance between their residence and the school. Priority is given in the following order:
- Singapore Citizens (SCs) living within 1km of the school
- SCs living between 1km and 2km of the school
- SCs living beyond 2km of the school
- Permanent Residents (PRs) living within 1km of the school
- PRs living between 1km and 2km of the school
- PRs living beyond 2km of the school
Why Does Balloting Happen?
Getting your child into a school of choice requires careful thought and strategising. Due to the fact that every school has a limited number of vacancies, and the more popular a school is, the greater the competition for these spots. Balloting, which is done in the form of an electronic lucky draw, comes into play when the number of applicants exceeds the available spaces in any of the five phases of the P1 Registration Exercise.
When Does Balloting Occur?
Balloting can happen in any phase where the demand exceeds supply. This means that even if you apply in an early phase, if there are more applicants than places available, you may still have to go through a ballot.
Who Gets Priority?
If a ballot is required, the Ministry of Education prioritises applicants based on their home-school distance. The priority order is as follows:
- Singaporean children living within 1km of the school
- Singaporean children living between 1km and 2km of the school
- Singaporean children living beyond 2km of the school
This means that families living closer to the school have a significant advantage in securing a place. For parents eyeing a highly sought-after school, home location plays a crucial role in the admission process.
What Can Parents Do?
Since school admission is as much about strategy as it is about preference, here are some steps parents can take:
- Research past balloting trends of your preferred schools.
- Consider schools where your home distance gives your child a better chance.
- Have backup options in case balloting does not go in your favour.
While the process may seem daunting, understanding how balloting works can help you make informed decisions. Stay strategic and hopeful—the right school for your child is out there!
Recent Trends in P1 Registration and Balloting
Competition for spots in popular primary schools has intensified. In 2024, nearly half of all schools required balloting in Phase 2C, and many popular schools filled up before reaching Phase 2C Supplementary.
For instance, schools in high-demand areas such as Bukit Timah, Bishan, and Marine Parade often see a surge in applications. This makes early planning and strategic housing decisions essential if you are aiming for a particular school.
P1 Registration Phase 2A Balloting Results(2024)
School | Phase 2A Ballot Status | Vacancy | Applied |
---|---|---|---|
Angsana | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 94 | 115 |
Frontier | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 59 | 77 |
Gongshang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 84 | 196 |
Huamin | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 70 | 89 |
Jing Shan | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 30 | 49 |
Naval Base | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 53 | 74 |
Princess Elizabeth | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 45 | 142 |
Riverside | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 72 | 82 |
Sengkang Green | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 77 | 116 |
Shuqun | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 49 | 115 |
Punggol Green | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 1km of the school. | 70 | 78 |
Elias Park | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 23 | 28 |
Junyuan | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 66 | 93 |
North View | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 75 | 81 |
Pei Hwa Presbyterian | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 75 | 127 |
Temasek | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 69 | 130 |
West Spring | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 2km of the school. | 52 | 59 |
Ai Tong | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 108 | 141 |
Catholic High | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 110 | 131 |
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 86 | 88 |
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 76 | 96 |
Holy Innocents’ | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 102 | 114 |
Kuo Chuan Presbyterian | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 66 | 72 |
Nan Hua | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 73 | 102 |
Nanyang | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 159 | 203 |
Pasir Ris | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 33 | 39 |
Red Swastika | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 81 | 88 |
Rosyth | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 90 | 104 |
Rulang | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 84 | 88 |
Singapore Chinese Girls’ | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 76 | 90 |
South View | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 88 | 101 |
St. Hilda’s | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 76 | 112 |
Xinmin | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 58 | 65 |
Yangzheng | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 28 | 38 |
Fengshan | No balloting. Offered to all SC | 52 | 62 |
Dazhong | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 61 | 62 |
Horizon | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 83 | 88 |
Valour | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 69 | 70 |
P1 Registration Phase 2B
Understanding How Parent Involvement Can Affect Primary School Admissions
At Lil’ but Mighty, we believe in the power of community and the positive influence that parent involvement can have on a child’s educational journey. When it comes to securing a spot in a primary school, certain criteria can give children a leg up, particularly when their parents are active in the community. Here’s a closer look at the various ways parent involvement can be done in order for a child to register in Phase 2B:
1. Parent Volunteers – A Commitment to Community Service
Did you know that parents who volunteer their time to a school can significantly impact their child’s admission chances? For a child to benefit from this, their parent must have joined the primary school as a parent volunteer by 1 July of the year before P1 registration. Furthermore, the parent must have contributed at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June of the year of P1 registration. This not only strengthens the bond between school and home but also shows a deep commitment to the school community.
2. Active Membership in Church or Clan Groups
In some cases, parents who are members of a church or clan directly connected with the primary school will be able to have their child apply in Phase 2B in the registration process. Schools often value strong community connections, and this affiliation can make a difference when it comes to securing a spot for your child. Being endorsed by such a group demonstrates the importance of community engagement and support.
3. Endorsement as an Active Community Leader
Finally, another key factor in the P1 registration process is whether a parent is seen as an active community leader. If a parent is endorsed as a community leader, this can reflect positively on the child’s application. The active role a parent plays in shaping the community showcases their commitment not only to the school but also to the wider society.
Phase 2B Balloting Results (2024)
School | Phase 2B Ballot Status | Vacancy | Applied |
---|---|---|---|
Ai Tong | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 53 |
Anglo-Chinese (Junior) | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 31 | 50 |
Anglo-Chinese (Primary) | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 29 | 34 |
Catholic High | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 38 |
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 42 |
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 35 |
Chongfu | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 21 | 53 |
Fairfield Methodist | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 22 | 33 |
Henry Park | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 21 | 27 |
Holy Innocents’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 57 |
Kong Hwa | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 36 | 71 |
Kuo Chuan Presbyterian | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 21 | 30 |
Methodist Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 25 | 50 |
Nan Chiau | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 44 | 112 |
Nan Hua | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 39 |
Nanyang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 50 |
Pei Chun Public | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 27 | 30 |
Rosyth | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 29 |
Rulang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 37 |
Singapore Chinese Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 35 |
St. Hilda’s | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 20 | 33 |
Tao Nan | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 31 | 62 |
Pasir Ris | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 1km of the school. | 20 | 21 |
Maris Stella High | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 32 | 44 |
St. Joseph’s Institution Junior | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 42 | 65 |
Red Swastika | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 2km of the school. | 20 | 23 |
South View | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 2km of the school. | 20 | 21 |
Pei Hwa Presbyterian | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 20 | 22 |
Princess Elizabeth | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 20 | 22 |
St. Anthony’s | No balloting. Offered to all SC & PR residing within 2km of the school | 36 | 39 |
Here is a list of Catholic schools that require balloting:
- Catholic High (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Holy Innocents’ (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Maris Stella High (SC 1-2km needs to ballot)
- St. Joseph’s Institution Junior (SC 1-2km needs to ballot)
- St. Anthony’s (PR within 2km all admitted, no leftover for further ballot)
List of Anglican schools that require balloting:
- St. Hilda’s Primary School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
List of Methodist schools that require balloting:
- Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Methodist Girls’ School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
List of Clan (Hokkien Huay Kuan) schools that require balloting:
- Ai Tong School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Tao Nan School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Chongfu School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Nan Chiau Primary School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Kong Hwa School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
List of Presbyterian schools that require balloting:
- Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School (SC within 1km needs to ballot)
- Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School (SC outside 2km needs to ballot)
P1 Registration Phase 2C
Although there are 40 places reserved in every primary school for Phase 2C, this phase in P1 registration in Singapore has become increasingly competitive, with many schools oversubscribed. In fact, nearly half of all schools in this phase have limited vacancies and resort to balloting. For parents navigating this process, it is crucial to manage expectations, prepare ahead by familiarising themselves with the registration guidelines, and consider alternative schools nearby. It is also helpful to be flexible, as some popular schools may be out of reach, but others could offer the right fit. Learn more about the process on CNA’s website here.
Phase 2C Balloting Results (2024)
Here is the list of primary schools which required balloting or were oversubscribed in Phase 2C in 2024. Schools which are not listed here did not require balloting in Phase 2C in 2024 which means that all their applicants during this phase were successful.School | Phase 2C Ballot Status | Vacancy | Applied |
---|---|---|---|
Admiralty | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 69 | 134 |
Ai Tong | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 94 |
Alexandra | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 58 | 82 |
Anderson | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 64 |
Anglo-Chinese (Junior) | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 63 | 76 |
Anglo-Chinese (Primary) | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 59 | 74 |
Angsana | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 155 |
Bukit Panjang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 43 | 102 |
Bukit Timah | PR outside 2km needs to ballot | 129 | 73 |
Canberra | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 112 | 130 |
Catholic High | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 46 | 54 |
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 83 |
CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 104 | 110 |
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 40 | 60 |
Chongfu | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 43 | 153 |
Chongzheng | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 96 | 122 |
Chua Chu Kang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 97 | 127 |
Compassvale | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 112 | 156 |
Dazhong | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 94 |
Elias Park | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 88 |
Fairfield Methodist | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 45 | 78 |
Fengshan | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 62 | 76 |
Frontier | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 43 | 89 |
Gongshang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 99 |
Henry Park | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 63 |
Holy Innocents’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 40 | 96 |
Hong Wen | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 71 | 124 |
Horizon | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 51 | 86 |
Hougang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 85 | 130 |
Huamin | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 97 |
Jing Shan | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 60 | 71 |
Junyuan | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 63 | 79 |
Keming | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 81 | 141 |
Kong Hwa | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 74 | 110 |
Kuo Chuan Presbyterian | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 44 | 76 |
Maha Bodhi | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 76 | 96 |
Maris Stella High | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 67 | 101 |
Mee Toh | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 130 | 152 |
Methodist Girls’ | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 50 | 64 |
Nan Chiau | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 88 | 247 |
Nan Hua | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 40 | 160 |
Nanyang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 40 | 79 |
Naval Base | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 59 | 68 |
North View | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 61 | 109 |
Northland | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 62 | 170 |
Northshore | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 128 | 166 |
Oasis | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 68 | 73 |
Opera Estate | PR outside 2km needs to ballot | 87 | 65 |
Pasir Ris | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 74 |
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 103 | 139 |
Pei Chun Public | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 57 | 67 |
Pei Hwa Presbyterian | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 66 |
Poi Ching | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 79 | 192 |
Princess Elizabeth | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 270 |
Punggol | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 91 | 110 |
Punggol Green | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 59 | 108 |
Qifa | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 68 | 104 |
Radin Mas | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 52 | 76 |
Raffles Girls’ | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 135 | 183 |
Red Swastika | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 43 | 63 |
River Valley | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 86 | 95 |
Riverside | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 56 | 77 |
Rivervale | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 84 | 115 |
Rosyth | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 44 | 139 |
Rulang | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 115 |
Sembawang | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 66 | 88 |
Sengkang Green | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 42 | 94 |
Shuqun | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 42 | 84 |
Singapore Chinese Girls’ | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 40 | 61 |
South View | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 43 | 127 |
St. Andrew’s Junior | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 92 | 130 |
St. Anthony’s | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 72 | 121 |
St. Hilda’s | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 41 | 129 |
St. Joseph’s Institution Junior | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 86 | 101 |
St. Margaret’s | PR 1-2km needs to ballot | 111 | 119 |
Tampines | PR 1-2km needs to ballot | 86 | 99 |
Tanjong Katong | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 73 | 104 |
Tao Nan | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 66 | 86 |
Temasek | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 51 | 80 |
Valour | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 81 |
Waterway | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 91 | 92 |
Wellington | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 45 | 114 |
West Spring | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 60 | 73 |
Westwood | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 49 | 83 |
Xinmin | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 45 | 93 |
Yangzheng | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 51 | 72 |
Yu Neng | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 49 | 66 |
Zhangde | PR 1-2km needs to ballot | 85 | 95 |
Source: Ministry of Education Singapore | Last updated: 2025
P1 Registration Phase 2C Supplementary Balloting Results (2024)
Here is the list of primary schools which required balloting or were oversubscribed in Phase 2C(S) in 2024.Unlike the previous phases, if a school is not listed here, it is due to one of the following reasons:
1) The school is filled by Phase 2C and has no more slots for registration in Phase 2C(S) 2024
2) The school still had slots but did not require balloting in Phase 2C(S) in 2024 which means that all applicants during this phase were successful
School | Phase 2C(S) Ballot Status | Vacancy | Applied |
---|---|---|---|
Fern Green | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 1 | 4 |
Jurong West | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 17 | 25 |
Springdale | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 5 | 17 |
Teck Ghee | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 7 | 15 |
White Sands | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 2 | 12 |
Xishan | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 34 | 107 |
Zhenghua | SC within 1km needs to ballot | 18 | 37 |
Concord | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 48 | 69 |
Evergreen | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 21 | 28 |
Lakeside | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 26 | 35 |
Peiying | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 51 | 89 |
Tampines North | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 130 | 160 |
Yishun | SC 1-2km needs to ballot | 68 | 74 |
Queenstown | No balloting. Offered only to SC residing within 2km of the school. | 23 | 33 |
De La Salle | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 9 | 10 |
Fernvale | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 66 | 69 |
Geylang Methodist | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 44 | 48 |
Ngee Ann | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 23 | 34 |
St. Gabriel’s | SC outside 2km needs to ballot | 20 | 34 |
Kheng Cheng | No balloting. Offered to all SC. | 34 | 38 |
Yio Chu Kang | PR within 1km needs to ballot | 101 | 108 |
Bukit View | PR within 1km all admitted, no leftover for further ballot | 173 | 178 |
CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel | PR within 2km all admitted, no leftover for further ballot | 64 | 65 |
Source: Ministry of Education Singapore | Last updated: 2025
How to Maximise Your Child’s Chances
If securing a place in a school of your choice for your child is your goal, consider these strategies:
- Plan Your Residence Early: From the above data, it is clear that proximity gives you a huge advantage in every phase from 2A onwards. Hence, if you are planning to move closer to the school e.g. within 1km, ensure that this is done by the time the P1 Registration Exercise begins. Your address which needs to be reflected on your NRIC will be used from the start of the P1 Registration Exercise for at least 30 months.
MOE has strict checks to ensure a minimum residency period and your child will be transferred to another school with vacancies. - Consider Alternative Schools: While certain schools are more attractive and popular, other schools may be a better fit for your child and still provide strong academic and holistic programmes.
- Stay Updated: Monitor MOE’s updates on vacancies, balloting trends, and any changes to the registration process.
Conclusion
P1 registration requires careful planning to give your child the best possible chance of securing a spot in your desired school. Whether you are considering moving within 1km of the school or 2km of the school, understanding the phases, balloting rules, and strategic preparation will be key.
Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the best decision for your child’s education journey!
Give Your Child a Strong Start with Lil’ but Mighty!
P1 registration is just the beginning of your child’s learning journey. Ensure they have the right foundation with our specialised P1 programme, designed to build confidence, essential English skills, and a love for learning. Let us support your child in making a smooth and successful transition to primary school. Find out more about our P1 programme today! 🚀