Choosing the right primary school for your child is an important decision that can shape their early learning experience and emotional development. In Singapore, the Primary 1 (P1) registration process is structured and competitive, with several phases based on family ties, school proximity, and other criteria.
As a parent, understanding how the system works and preparing early can reduce stress and help you make confident, informed choices. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting a school that suits your child’s needs to understanding registration phases, distance priority, and recent changes that affect your chances.
This guide is for parents who are preparing to register their child for Primary 1 (P1) in Singapore. It explains how to choose the right school, understand the registration phases, and prepare all the necessary documents.
What is Primary 1 and Why It Matters
Primary 1 is the first year of compulsory education in Singapore. All Singapore Citizen (SC) and Permanent Resident (PR) children must be registered to start Primary 1 in the year they turn seven.
Registration usually takes place the year before, around July to August. International students (non-SC, non-PR) will register later in Phase 3.
Understanding Your Child
Before choosing a school, ask yourself:
- Is my child shy or outgoing?
- Does my child learn better with structure or more freedom?
- Does my child have special learning needs?
- How does my child handle new environments or stress?
Understanding your child helps you choose a school where they will be comfortable, happy, and motivated to learn.
e.g. If your child is interested in STEM, several primary schools in Singapore offer strong programs to nurture this passion. Schools like Nanyang, Rulang, and Henry Park are known for their academic strength and active participation in science and robotics competitions. Nan Chiau partners with universities for hands-on science projects, while Radin Mas focuses on environmental science through its Applied Learning Program. Kong Hwa offers STEM activities alongside bilingual education, and Frontier provides modern facilities with a focus on innovation and technology. These schools also provide a good foundation for Direct School Admission (DSA) into top secondary schools with strong STEM focus, such as NUS High, SST, or RI.
What to Consider When Choosing a Primary School
Distance from Home
Distance is very important. Children who live nearer to the school get priority when there are more applicants than available places.
The priority is based on the walking distance between the home and the school gate:
- Within 1 kilometre – highest priority
- Between 1 and 2 kilometres – next priority
- More than 2 kilometres – lowest priority
- You can check the distance using the OneMap SchoolQuery tool on the government website.
Tip: If you’re considering a popular school, being within 1 km gives you the best chance of getting in.
School Culture and Programmes
All schools follow the national curriculum, but each school has its own focus. Ask these questions:
- Does the school focus more on academics, arts, sports, or values?
- Does the school offer Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL)?
- Are there special programmes like robotics, music, or environmental activities?
- Is the school co-educational (both boys and girls) or single-gender?
You can learn about each school’s culture by visiting their website, attending open houses, and reading the MOE SchoolFinder.
Family Connections
Having a connection to the school gives your child priority in earlier registration phases. These include:
- A sibling currently studying at the school
- A parent or sibling who graduated from the school
- A parent who is working in the school
- A parent who has done official volunteer work
- A parent who is part of a church, clan, or grassroots group linked to the school
Tip: Family ties can help reduce stress and increase chances of getting a place, especially in popular schools.
Student Care and Transport
If both parents work full-time, you may need student care after school hours. Some schools have on-site Student Care Centres (SCCs), while others may work with external centres that pick up children from school. Check:
- Whether the school has an SCC
- How long the SCC stays open
- Whether there is a waiting list
- School bus routes and fees
You can find nearby Student Care Centres on the Ministry of Social and Family Development website. For school transport, check your child’s school website for the appointed bus operator and fare details. Fares vary based on route distance, bus size, and number of students, with smaller buses generally costing more due to added safety features and shorter travel times.
Environment and Teaching Style
Visit open houses or school websites to get a feel of each school. Look for:
- How teachers speak to students
- Whether children look happy and engaged
- The school’s values and approach to discipline
- Class size and facilities like libraries and play areas
Tip: If you can, bring your child along to see how they respond to the school’s environment.
Phases of Primary 1 Registration
All children register through the MOE Primary 1 Registration Exercise. There are six phases. Your child will register in the first phase they qualify for. You cannot register again in a later phase if you do not get in.
Phase 1: Sibling Already in School
Who qualifies:
- Child has a sibling currently studying in the school.
How to register: Online registration portal.
Outcome: Guaranteed place. No balloting needed.
Phase 2A: Alumni, MOE Kindergarten, or Parent Working at School
Who qualifies:
- Parent or sibling is an alumni of the school
- Parent is working in the school
- Child attended the MOE Kindergarten located within the school
Outcome: High chance of getting in. Balloting only if places are limited.
Documents needed: Alumni proof (PSLE cert or testimonial), employer letter, or KCare attendance letter.
Phase 2B: Volunteers and Community Ties
Who qualifies:
- Parent has done at least 40 hours of volunteer work for the school before 30 June the year before registration
- Parent is part of a religious group, clan, or grassroots organisation linked to the school
Outcome: Priority access. But still subject to balloting if oversubscribed.
Important: Not all schools accept volunteers. Apply at least 1–2 years early if interested.
Phase 2C: General Public
Who qualifies: All children who do not qualify for Phases 1, 2A, or 2B.
How selection is done (if oversubscribed):
- Children living within 1 km
- Children living between 1 and 2 km
- Children living beyond 2 km
Outcome: Most common phase for first-time applicants. Balloting is common in popular schools.
Tip: Have a few backup schools in mind, especially ones within 1 km.
Phase 2C Supplementary
Who qualifies: Children who did not get a place in Phase 2C.
Outcome: Second chance to apply to schools with leftover places.
Tip: Choose schools with enough spaces remaining. These are often in less crowded neighbourhoods.
Phase 3: International Students
Who qualifies: Children who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Step 1: Submit “Indication of Interest” in June via the MOE website
Step 2: MOE will inform parents in October if a place is available
Outcome: Very limited places. Citizens and PRs always have priority.
Documents Required for Registration
You will need:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Both parents’ NRICs or PR documents
- Proof of address (utility bill, HDB statement, or tenancy agreement)
- Additional documents for special phases (alumni certificate, volunteer letter, etc.)
Make sure your address is updated in your NRIC and official before 30 June of the registration year. Late address updates may not be accepted.
What Happens After You Get a Place
After the registration process, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will inform you of the school your child has been successfully placed in. Following that, the school will send you details about the orientation programme to help your child get familiar with the new environment. You will also receive a list of items to purchase, such as textbooks, uniforms, and other school supplies.
If you require student care services, it’s important to contact the centre as early as possible to secure a spot, especially since places can be limited.
Tips for Parents
Start preparing early by visiting school open houses, talking to other parents, and researching online to gather as much information as possible. Rather than focusing only on popular or highly ranked schools, aim to find one that is a good fit for your child’s personality, learning style, and needs.
Remember that not getting into your top choice school is not the end of the world, as many children do well and flourish in schools that may not have a prestigious name. Stay open-minded and flexible throughout the process, as what matters most in the long run is the support and encouragement your child receives at home.
