Best Primary Schools in Singapore
Our Primary School Ranking Based on Average Subscription Rate
We’ve compiled a ranking of primary schools in Singapore, reflecting their average subscription rates. This data provides a unique perspective on the popularity and demand for these schools among parents. However, it’s important to note that subscription rates may not fully represent the quality of education, facilities, or overall student experience at these institutions. The rankings are based on averages and do not account for individual circumstances, such as specific educational needs or other factors that might influence a parent’s decision.
Singapore Primary School Ranking in 2025
Question & Answers
Does the School Offer Gifted Education Programme (GEP)?
This is an important consideration if your child shows signs of intellectual giftedness. In Primary 3, students are invited to take a series of selection tests designed to identify highly advanced learners for the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). The GEP is a specialized program that runs from Primary 4 to Primary 6, offering an enriched curriculum tailored to the needs of gifted learners. However, it is worth noting that the GEP does not extend into secondary school, meaning students transition into mainstream secondary education after completing the program.
If you have had your child professionally assessed and believe they have a strong chance of being selected for the GEP, it may be beneficial to consider enrolling them in a school that offers the program. This decision can help ease potential transition challenges in the upper primary years, as your child would already be familiar with the school environment, teaching staff, and available resources. Moreover, being in a GEP school from the start allows your child to build relationships with peers who may also join the program, fostering a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
Does the School Offer Special Assistance Plan (SAP) Programme?
The Special Assistance Program (SAP) is specifically designed to provide extra support to students who exhibita exceptional talent in specific areas such as language, academics, or other developmental skills. The program aims to identify and nurture these talents by offering a range of tailored resources and expert guidance. This personalized support ensures that students receive the attention they need to thrive in their areas of strength.
In addition to one-on-one support, students in the SAP benefit from an enriched curriculum. This curriculum is more rigorous and diverse than the standard program, incorporating advanced lessons and specialized learning activities that challenge and inspire students to push their boundaries. As a result, students are provided with numerous opportunities to grow, whether through academic pursuits or personal development initiatives, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Through this program, students are not only given the chance to excel in their talents but also equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in future academic and professional endeavors. The SAP helps ensure that talented students are given the right foundation to flourish and make the most of their abilities.
Is the School Co-ed or Single-Sex?
Singapore’s education system is predominantly co-educational, with most schools catering to both genders. At the primary level, 86.8% of schools are co-educational, while boys’ and girls’ schools make up only a small percentage. Similarly, at the secondary level, co-educational schools account for 81.8%, with single-sex schools comprising the remainder.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has prioritized opening co-educational schools to meet community needs and ensure balanced access for both genders. Recent changes include Maris Stella High School (Primary) becoming co-ed by 2027 and Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) following suit by 2030.
Research on academic performance between single-sex and co-educational schools shows mixed results. While single-sex schools may boost confidence and leadership skills, particularly for girls, these schools are often selective, meaning their students may already be high achievers.
As Singapore continues to prioritize inclusivity, co-educational schools dominate the landscape, reflecting evolving societal needs and demographic shifts.
What Are the School’s Talent Areas?
If your child has a particular passion or talent, such as in sports, STEM, or the arts, and is considering the Direct School Admission (DSA) pathway for secondary school, enrolling them in a primary school with a strong talent development programme may be beneficial.
Several primary schools in Singapore offer special programs designed to nurture specific talents or cater to different learning needs. These programs often focus on areas like the arts, sports, leadership, and academic enrichment. Here’s a list of some primary schools in Singapore that offer special programs:
Specialized Sports and Arts Programs
Several schools focus on talent development in sports and the arts, often as part of the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme. These programs typically involve partnerships with sports organizations or arts institutions.
- Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) – Offers a strong arts program, including performing arts and music.
- St. Hilda’s Primary School – Focuses on sports and offers a robust physical education program.
- Nanyang Primary School – Known for its emphasis on both the arts and STEM programs.
- Raffles Girls’ Primary School – Offers a comprehensive performing arts curriculum and artistic development.
Bilingualism and Language Programs
Some schools offer bilingual or language programs to foster proficiency in more than one language, with a focus on both academic and cultural fluency.
- Tao Nan School – Known for its strong Chinese language program.
- St. Anthony’s Canossian Primary School – Focuses on bilingualism in both English and Chinese.
STEM and Robotics Programs
These schools offer strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs, including robotics, coding, and technology-based activities.
- Henry Park Primary School – Well-known for its STEM curriculum and robotics programs.
- Rosyth School – Offers a specialized focus on science, technology, and mathematics.
- Ngee Ann Primary School – Focuses on STEM-related activities and offers a robotics program.
Direct School Admission (DSA) Programs
The DSA pathway allows students to apply to secondary schools based on their talents, which may include sports, arts, or academic excellence. Some primary schools with strong DSA ties for secondary school placement are:
- Singapore Chinese Girls’ Primary School – Offers strong academic and arts programs.
- Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) – Known for its music and arts programs.
Talent Development Programs
- Montfort Junior School – Provides talent development in areas such as leadership, arts, and academics.
- St. Joseph’s Institution Junior – Focuses on leadership and academic enrichment programs.
If your child excels in a specific area, it may be helpful to consult their enrichment teachers for school recommendations that align with their talents.
What Sports Programme Are Available?
Several primary schools in Singapore are known for having strong sports programs, offering a variety of sporting activities and excellent training opportunities for young athletes. These schools often participate in the National School Games and provide opportunities for students to excel in areas such as track and field, football, basketball, swimming, and more. Here are some primary schools in Singapore with strong sports programs:
1. Anglo-Chinese School (Primary)
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Swimming, Track and Field
- Known for its competitive sports teams, ACS (Primary) has a strong tradition in sports, particularly in football and basketball.
2. St. Hilda’s Primary School
- Sports Focus: Football, Netball, Basketball, Track and Field
- St. Hilda’s has an excellent reputation in sports, especially for its active participation in various competitions across different sports.
3. Nanyang Primary School
- Sports Focus: Track and Field, Swimming, Football, Basketball
- Nanyang Primary has a well-established sports program, offering training in a variety of sports, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and individual performance.
4. Henry Park Primary School
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Badminton
- Known for its extensive sports offerings, Henry Park Primary excels in track and field events and other team sports such as football and basketball.
5. Rosyth School
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field
- Rosyth School is recognized for its focus on sports excellence, especially in team sports like football and basketball.
6. Catholic High School (Primary)
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Badminton
- Catholic High is known for its competitive sports teams and strong sports culture, fostering a competitive spirit in students from a young age.
7. Maris Stella High School (Primary)
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Swimming
- Maris Stella has a strong emphasis on developing student athletes through its sports programs and frequently performs well in the National School Games.
8. Geylang Methodist School (Primary)
- Sports Focus: Track and Field, Basketball, Football, Volleyball
- Geylang Methodist offers a wide range of sports activities and is known for its strong performance in athletics and team sports.
9. Montfort Junior School
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Volleyball
- Montfort Junior has a reputation for being sports-oriented, with an emphasis on football and basketball. It has a solid track record in the National School Games.
10. Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary)
- Sports Focus: Netball, Volleyball, Track and Field
- Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School offers a strong sports program, particularly excelling in netball and volleyball.
11. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School
- Sports Focus: Football, Basketball, Track and Field
- Kuo Chuan is known for its solid sports development program, particularly in football and athletics.
These schools not only provide structured training but also encourage students to participate in various inter-school competitions, helping to foster their sporting talents and teamwork skills. If sports development is a priority for your child, these schools could be excellent choices to consider.
How to Check if the School is Easily Accessible?
Consider the convenience of the school’s location, especially if your child will be travelling independently. If they plan to be involved in after-school activities, leadership roles, or school teams, accessibility becomes even more important.
Using the OneMap tool, you can search for schools within a 1km or 1-2km radius from your home or a nearby MRT station. For reference, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cover 1km on foot at a moderate pace.
Minimising your child’s commute can have significant benefits, such as more time for rest or extra-curricular activities. Imagine if your child could walk to school or take a short train ride, avoiding major roads or unpredictable weather. However, balancing this convenience with other factors that matter to your family is key.
About the Parent Volunteer (PV) Scheme
The Parent Volunteer (PV) Scheme allows parents of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents to volunteer at their child’s school. In exchange, parents are eligible to register their child for Phase 2B of the Primary One (P1) Registration Exercise. While many schools offer some version of the PV scheme, it is not always popular due to limited vacancies.
To participate, parents must apply to become a PV in the year before their child’s Primary One registration. They are required to complete between 40 to 70 hours of voluntary service (depending on the school) by June 30 of the registration year. Some schools may also require an interview as part of the selection process. Since each school runs the scheme differently and the details may change annually, it is important to check the specific school’s website for up-to-date information.
The scheme offers several benefits, allowing parents to contribute to the school in ways that align with its goals. By fulfilling the volunteer hours, parents become eligible to register their child for Phase 2B of the Primary One Registration Exercise.
To apply, parents must submit an online application. Schools will then assess applicants based on how they can contribute to the school’s objectives and may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview. After completing the required volunteer hours, schools may send an acknowledgment letter confirming participation.
