Primary school registration in Singapore is a significant milestone for both parents and children. The process is structured into various phases to accommodate different eligibility criteria and ensure an organised registration for all. Understanding these phases and key dates is crucial for parents to navigate the process successfully. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Primary 1 (P1) registration phases for 2024.
Overview of P1 Registration
P1 registration for Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR) is divided into several phases from Phase 1 to Phase 2C Supplementary. Each phase has specific eligibility criteria and key dates. International students, on the other hand, must go through a separate two-step process before registering in Phase 3.
Important Points for SC and PR Parents
- Singpass Requirement – Parents need a valid Singpass to access the P1 Registration Portal.
- Single Registration Rule – Register your child for only one school per phase. Multiple registrations are not allowed, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider the latest submission made during any phase.
- Unsuccessful Registrations – If your registration in a phase is unsuccessful, you can register your child in the next phase they are eligible for. Should your child not secure a place by Phase 2C Supplementary, they will be posted to a school with available vacancies.
- Decision Making – Discuss and decide on your preferred school well in advance to avoid withdrawals or amendments, which can lead to delays or missing a registration phase, potentially affecting the chances of getting into the preferred school.
Image Source: iStock
Registration Phases for SCs and PRs
Phase 1
Eligibility – This phase is for children who have siblings currently studying in the primary school.
- Registration – From 9am on Tuesday, 2 July 2024 to 4.30pm on Thursday, 4 July 2024
- Result – Wednesday, 10 July 2024
All eligible Phase 1 applicants will be offered a place in the school.
Phase 2A
Eligibility – This phase caters to children who meet any of the following criteria:
- A parent or sibling is a former student of the primary school (including those who have joined the alumni association).
- A parent is a member of the School Advisory or Management Committee.
- A parent is a staff member of the primary school.
- The child is from the MOE Kindergarten under the purview of and located within the primary school.
- Registration – From 9am on Thursday, 11 July 2024 to 4.30pm on Friday, 12 July 2024
- Result – Friday, 19 July 2024
Phase 2B
Eligibility – This phase is for children whose parents meet one of the following conditions:
- A parent has joined the primary school as a parent volunteer by 1 July of the previous year and has completed at least 40 hours of voluntary service by 30 June of the registration year.
- A parent is a member endorsed by the church or clan directly connected with the primary school.
- A parent is endorsed as an active community leader.
- Registration – From 9am on Monday, 22 July 2024 to 4.30pm on Tuesday, 23 July 2024
- Result – Monday, 29 July 2024
Note – To ensure continued access to all primary schools, 20 places will be reserved in each school for Phase 2B.
Phase 2C
Eligibility – This phase is open to children who have not yet registered in a primary school.
- Registration – From 9am on Tuesday, 30 July 2024 to 4.30pm on Thursday, 1 August 2024
- Result – Tuesday, 13 August 2024
Note – To maintain open access to all primary schools, 40 places will be reserved in each school for Phase 2C. Additionally, there will be a cap on the intake of PR children in some schools to prevent a high concentration of PR children.
Phase 2C Supplementary
Eligibility – This phase is for children who have not yet registered in a primary school after Phase 2C.
- Registration – From 9am on Thursday, 15 August 2024 to 4.30pm on Friday, 16 August 2024
- Result – Tuesday, 27 August 2024
Note: Similar to Phase 2C, there will be a cap on the intake of PR children in some schools to prevent a high concentration of PR children.
Image source: iStock
The Primary 1 registration process in Singapore is designed to be systematic and fair, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to secure a place in a primary school. By understanding the phases, eligibility criteria, and key dates, parents can better prepare for this important step in their child’s education journey. Early preparation and informed decision-making are key to navigating the P1 registration smoothly.
Primary School Selection Process: Is Your Child Eligible for P1 Registration?