Primary 1 Registration: Understanding School Vacancies in 2025

If you are like me, you are getting ready for your child to start Primary 1 next year.

It is important to understand school vacancies and the registration process.

Let me share what I have learned and my thoughts on this.

School Vacancies and the Registration Process

For the 2024 Primary 1 Registration Exercise, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is reserving 20 places in each primary school for Phase 2B and 40 places for Phase 2C.

This means that every school starts with 60 spots set aside. One-third of any remaining vacancies after Phase 2A will go to Phase 2B, and two-thirds will go to Phase 2C.

Why does this matter?

These reserved places ensure that all schools remain accessible even in later phases of registration, giving every child a fair chance.

Reserved Places and PR Caps

To keep things balanced, especially in schools with high demand, the MOE has also put a cap on the number of Permanent Resident (PR) children in Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary.

This move helps prevent any single school from having too many PR students, promoting a more diverse student population.

Changes in School Vacancies: What is New?

Comparing the vacancies between 2023 and 2024, some schools have seen significant changes. 

Here are a few examples:

Schools with Increased Vacancies:

• Changkat Primary School: +60 vacancies
• Fuhua Primary School: +60 vacancies
• Teck Whye Primary School: +60 vacancies
• Yuhua Primary School: +60 vacancies
• Fernvale Primary School: +40 vacancies
• Northoaks Primary School: +30 vacancies
• Meridian Primary School: +30 vacancies

Schools with Decreased Vacancies:

• Bedok Green Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Concord Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Endeavour Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Marsiling Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Mayflower Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Greenridge Primary School: -30 vacancies
• West Spring Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Xinmin Primary School: -30 vacancies
• Greendale Primary School: -40 vacancies
• Qifa Primary School: -40 vacancies
• Shuqun Primary School: -40 vacancies
• Telok Kurau Primary School: -40 vacancies
• Temasek Primary School: -40 vacancies
• St. Anthony's Canossian Primary School: -60 vacancies
• Xingnan Primary School: -60 vacancies

Why the Changes?

Increased Vacancies:

1. Population Growth: Some areas have more new housing developments, meaning more children needing school spots.
2. School Expansion: Schools may have added new facilities or classrooms, allowing them to take in more students.

Decreased Vacancies:

1. Shifts in Demographics: Families might be moving away from certain areas, leading to less demand in those schools.
2. Policy Adjustments: Schools may change their intake based on past trends and future projections to better manage resources and class sizes.

What Parents Need to Know

Registration Phases

• Phase 1: Siblings of current students.
• Phase 2A(1): Children of alumni or those with school affiliations.
• Phase 2A(2): Children of staff or siblings of alumni.
• Phase 2B: Parents who are volunteers, have church or clan ties, or are active community leaders.
• Phase 2C: Children with no prior connections to the school.

Distance Matters

Proximity to the school gives your child a better chance of admission.

Priority is given to those within 1km, followed by 2km, and then those living further away.

Balloting

If the number of applicants exceeds the vacancies in any phase, a ballot will be held.

Be prepared for this and consider having a few backup options.

Tips for a Smooth Registration

1. Do Your Homework: Research schools early to understand their culture, values, and what they offer.
2. Visit Schools: Attend open houses and talk to staff to get a feel for the environment.
3. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on MOE announcements and registration updates.

Last year, my friend went through the registration process. 

She was very anxious, but her thorough research and visits to the schools made all the difference.

She found a school that matched her values and her child's needs.

What about you?

Have you started visiting schools yet?

It is a journey, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding one.

Thanks for reading, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!