Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Parentology

Commencing Primary 1 (P1) Enrolment 2024

Embarking on your child’s P1 educational journey is a significant milestone. Here’s how you can streamline the process through understanding and navigating the P1 registration procedures.

The P1 Registration Exercise for 2025, will be updated by May 2024, open to both Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Explore more about the registration phases and the steps involved in the process.

Understanding P1 Enrolment Enrolling in Primary 1 is a crucial step towards mainstream primary education in the subsequent year. It’s not just a legal requirement for Singapore Citizens (SC), but also a process that encompasses Permanent Residents (PR) and international students.

In this journey, there are several aspects you may need to consider:

 

1. Understanding the Key Phases and Dates

The P1 registration process unfolds in multiple stages. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the applicable phases for your child’s registration and be aware of the key dates involved.

Process Overview The P1 registration is divided into several phases, from Phase 1 to 2C Supplementary, which applies to children who are Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR).

International students are required to complete a two-step process before proceeding with Phase 3 registration. More information on this process can be found here.

Key Considerations for SC and PR Children

One School, One Registration

You can register your child for only one school during any phase. Duplicate registrations are not entertained, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) will only consider the most recent submission made within the phase.

 

Amendments within the Same Phase

To make any changes, the same parent who initially registered the child will need to cancel the existing registration and submit a new one on the P1 Registration Portal within the same phase. The MOE will acknowledge your most recent submission within that phase.

 

Unsuccessful Registration

Should your registration not succeed within a phase, you can proceed to register your child during the next eligible phase. If unsuccessful in Phase 2C Supplementary, your child will be allocated to a school that has vacancies.

 

Withdrawal of Secured P1 Place

If you wish to withdraw a P1 place secured earlier, the parent who initiated the registration must successfully withdraw through the P1 Registration Portal before registering for another school in the next eligible phase. If not, there won’t be any further registrations, and your child will remain in the initial school.

It is strongly advised parents to discuss their preferred schools well in advance and make informed decisions prior to registration. This precautionary step will help avoid any future amendments or withdrawals, thereby preventing potential delays or missing out on a registration phase, and ultimately ensuring your child gains admission to the school of your choice.

 

Understanding the Registration Phases for Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR)

When it comes to registering your child, you’ll be eligible to partake in a phase if you satisfy at least one of the requirements specific to that phase.

 

Discover how to register and determine your child’s eligible registration phase.

Parents of SC and PR children can establish which phases your child qualifies for by answering a few queries. More details can be found here.

 

Prior to Registration

Selecting the Right School Choosing the ideal school for your child is a balancing act, taking into account their unique requirements and your personal expectations. Understand the key factors when deciding on a school and how its distance from your home may be relevant. • Steps to Select a School • How to Determine the Right Primary School • Selecting a school requires a balance between your child’s needs and your preferences.

Familiarize yourself with these aspects before finalizing your choice. • Primary school years lay the groundwork for your child’s academic journey. Reflect on the following five points when considering a primary school:

 

Tailoring to Your Child’s Interests

Every school has distinct programs and co-curricular activities. Choose a school that aligns with your child’s interests in sports, arts, or music and will foster their potential.

 

Consideration of Travel Time and School’s Proximity

Choosing a nearby school minimizes travel time and costs. A shorter commute results in more rest for your child and gives them more time and energy for their hobbies.

 

Understanding Mother Tongue Languages (MTL)

Learning an MTL enhances your child’s ability to communicate in that language, deepens their cultural understanding, and helps them connect with broader communities globally. The national curriculum includes three MTLs: Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Use the SchoolFinder tool to research the MTLs each school provides.

 

Grasping the School Culture

Visiting the school’s open house offers a glimpse of the school’s environment and learning ethos. Engaging with students, teachers, and the principal can provide additional insights about the school.

 

Addressing Special Educational Needs

If your child has special educational needs, it’s beneficial to select a school that offers customized support for their learning. Find out more about resources for children with special educational needs here.

 

Considerations for Registration

Address Use The address you use for Primary 1 (P1) registration, which is your home address, will be used to determine the Home-School Distance (HSD). This distance could be an important factor when selecting a school. The address should be the official residential address reflected on your NRIC, which will be used to determine the priority of admission based on HSD, where necessary.

The HSD calculation will be based on the shortest distance from a point on the school’s boundary to the registrant’s official residential address.

 

Priority Based on Home-School Distance

The HSD priority system is designed for the benefit and convenience of the child. The family is expected to stay at the registered address throughout the child’s primary education.

30-Month Stay Requirement While MOE understands that some families might not be able to remain at the registered address throughout the child’s primary education, a child gaining priority admission based on distance must live at the registered address for at least 30 months from the start of the P1 Registration Exercise. In situations where the 30-month stay requirement isn’t met, MOE has the right to move the child to another school with vacancies, as the initial priority admission was based on the registered address.

 

Registration Using New Property Address

To use the address of a caregiver living within 2km of your preferred school for your child’s P1 registration, you need to make a declaration of alternative child-care arrangement. This can be done if you and your spouse are working full-time when making the declaration, and your child is under the care of a grandparent or a parent’s sibling. This declaration can only be made online, and it requires a valid Singpass with 2-Factor Authentication (Singpass 2FA). The same parent must make the declaration and submit the P1 registration.

 

Registering a Yet-to-be Completed Property

If you’ve purchased a new property that is yet to be completed, you can use its address to register your child for P1. You’ll need to commit during registration that you will move into your new property within 2 years of your child’s entry into P1. This can be done through the P1 Registration Portal, after which you should email either the Agreement For Lease (AFL) for an HDB flat, or the original Sales and Purchase agreement for a private property to the school during the phase you’re registering for.

 

30-Month Stay Requirement

If your child secures a school place through the HSD category priority, your family needs to stay at the new address for at least 30 months from the time you move into your new home. If this requirement is not met, your child may be transferred to another school with vacancies.

 

Using a Resale Property Address for Registration

If you’ve bought a resale property, you can use its address to register your child for P1. You will need to commit that you will move into your new resale property by the start of your child’s P1 academic year. After registration via the P1 Registration Portal, you should email either the printout of the resale flat status from the HDB Flat Portal for an HDB flat, or the exercised Option-To-Purchase (OTP) and buyer’s Stamp Duty Certificate for a private property to the school during the phase you’re registering for.

 

30-Month Stay Requirement

If your child secures a school place using the address of a new resale property, you must stay at the new address for at least 30 months from the start of your child’s P1 academic year. If this requirement is not met, your child may be transferred to another school with vacancies. MOE will take serious action against parents found to be providing false information during P1 registration or intentionally manipulating the system for their advantage.

The role of distance in determining priority admission is significant. If the number of applicants for your preferred primary school exceeds the available vacancies, the priority of admission will be dictated by your child’s citizenship and their Home-School Distance (HSD) category. This category is based on the address used for registration.

The sequence of priority begins with Singapore Citizens residing within 1km of the school, followed by those living between 1km and 2km, and then those residing beyond 2km. Similarly, for Permanent Residents, the priority starts with those living within 1km of the school, followed by those residing between 1km and 2km, and then those who live further than 2km away from the school.

 

2. Preparing for Registration and Understanding Balloting

Primary 1 (P1) registration unfolds over multiple stages. In preparation, it’s important to determine the phases your child is eligible for and become acquainted with the key dates. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the balloting process, as well as data from last year’s registration exercise about school vacancies and balloting.

Balloting takes place during phases 2A through 2C Supplementary of the P1 Registration Exercise when the number of applicants exceeds available spaces in the school. If this occurs, you can refer to a list of schools requiring balloting at the end of each phase to find out if your child must participate in a ballot for a position at your chosen school.

Balloting is computerized and managed centrally by the Ministry of Education (MOE), ensuring that all participants required to ballot have an equal opportunity for admission. The order of priority for admission is as follows: Singapore Citizens residing within 1km of the school have first priority, followed by citizens living between 1km and 2km from the school, and then those living beyond 2km. The same order applies to Permanent Residents.

 

Information on Vacancies and Balloting

For comprehensive insight, you can refer to the vacancies and balloting data from the 2022 P1 Registration Exercise. When choosing a primary school, we encourage you to consider institutions that can cater to your child’s learning needs and interests, and are ideally located near your home. The SchoolFinder tool is helpful in finding schools in your vicinity and understanding their specific programs.

To make an informed decision, analyzing the vacancies, applicant numbers, and balloting data from the previous year’s registration exercise is advised. Additionally, having a clear understanding of the registration phases and balloting process can be immensely beneficial.

Read here for past data to get a better idea!

 

3. Phases and Important Dates for Primary 1 Registration

The registration for Primary 1 (P1) takes place across several stages. It’s crucial to identify the phases your child is eligible for and the corresponding dates.

P1 registration unfolds over numerous phases, with phases 1 to 2C Supplementary applicable to children who are Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs). For international students, a separate 2-step procedure precedes their registration in Phase 3.

 

When it comes to SC and PR children, please remember that:

• You should register your child for only one school during any given phase, as multiple registrations will not be accepted. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider only your most recent submission made during the phase.
• If you need to make changes within the same phase, the same parent who registered the child must remove their prior registration and resubmit a new one on the P1 Registration Portal before the phase ends. Again, MOE will consider only your most recent submission.
• If your registration during a phase is unsuccessful, you may register your child in the next phase they are eligible for. If your child doesn’t succeed in securing a place in Phase 2C Supplementary, they will be assigned to a school that has available vacancies.
• If you wish to withdraw from a P1 place secured in a previous phase, the same parent who registered the child must successfully withdraw their placement via the P1 Registration Portal before registering for another school in the next eligible phase. If this procedure isn’t followed, MOE won’t process any subsequent registration and your child will remain in the school where they initially secured a spot.

We strongly encourage parents to discuss and decide on your school of choice before submitting your registration. This practice helps to avoid potential withdrawals or amendments, which could result in delays or missing a registration phase, thereby jeopardizing the chance to secure a place in your preferred school.

 

SC and PR Child Registration Stages

As long as you meet at least one of the criteria for a particular phase, you may proceed with online registration of your child in that phase. They are:

• 1
• 2A
• 2B
• 2C
• 2C Supplementary

Phase 1

This phase is reserved for children who already have a sibling attending the preferred primary school.

 

2023 Key Dates:

Registration begins: 9am on Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Registration ends: 4.30pm on Wednesday, 5 July 2023

Result announcement: Tuesday, 11 July 2023

All applicants who are eligible for Phase 1 will secure a spot.

For 2024 Key dates, they will be updated by May 2024, so do remember to check out then. Do note the above is based on 2023’s registration process for 2024 Primary 1.

 

For Phase 2A, the child should be:

• A child of a former student or a sibling of the primary school, including members of the school’s alumni association.
• A child of a member of the School Advisory or Management Committee
• A child of a staff member of the primary school.
• From the MOE Kindergarten within the primary school.

 

Past 2023 Key Dates (For Reference):

Registration period: 9am on Wednesday, 12 July 2023 to 4.30pm on Friday, 14 July 2023

Result announcement: Friday, 21 July 2023

 

Phase 2B is applicable for children:

• Whose parent has served as a parent volunteer in the primary school for a minimum of 40 hours from 1 July of the year before P1 registration to 30 June of the P1 registration year.
• Whose parent is a member endorsed by the church or clan directly associated with the primary school.
• Whose parent is an endorsed active community leader.

 

Past 2023 Key Dates (For Reference):

Registration opens: 9am on Monday, 24 July 2023

Registration closes: 4.30pm on Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Results day: Monday, 31 July 2023

Note: 20 spots will be reserved in each primary school for Phase 2B to ensure continued access to all primary schools. For registration, community leaders endorsed as active can only register their child for schools within a 2km radius of their residential address in Phase 2B.

 

For Phase 2C

For children who haven’t been registered in a primary school are eligible.

 

2023 Key Dates:

Registration starts: 9am on Tuesday, 1 August 2023 Registration ends: 4.30pm on Thursday, 3 August 2023 Results are out: Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Note: 40 seats in every primary school will be reserved for Phase 2C to maintain open access. A few schools will limit PR children intake to prevent over concentration.

 

Phase 2C Supplementary

For children not registered in a primary school even after Phase 2C.

 

2023 Key Dates (For Reference) :

Registration opens: 9am on Thursday, 17 August 2023

Registration ends: 4.30pm on Friday, 18 August 2023

Results will be available: Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Note: The intake of PR children will be limited in a few schools to avoid over concentration.

 

Understanding the Restriction on Permanent Resident (PR) Admissions in Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary

Get to know more about the limitations on the enrollment of Permanent Resident (PR) children in some institutions during the Primary 1 (P1) Registration Exercise. The purpose of these restrictions is:

• To avoid an excessive number of PR children in our primary schools.
• To foster a better environment for interaction between Singapore Citizen (SC) children and PR children.
• To help PR children assimilate better into Singapore.

These limitations, ranging from 25% to 30% of the school’s intended P1 intake, only apply in Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary.

It’s important to note that these caps do not affect the precedence given to SC children over PR children. If the number of applicants exceeds the available slots in any registration phase, SC children will still be prioritized over PR children and admitted first.

MOE reassess and disclose the list of schools with a PR children intake cap before each P1 Registration Exercise. The majority of primary schools and PR children are not impacted by this cap since their past PR admissions are considerably under the 25% to 30% limit.

At the commencement of Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary, MOE will disclose the maximum number of vacancies available for PR children at these schools on the vacancies and balloting page.

 

During Registration: A Look at Vacancies, Balloting, and Registration

Discover how to register and the necessary documentation. Updates on school vacancies and balloting status will be provided as application submissions are processed.

 

How to Register your Child for Primary 1 (P1)

Parents of Singapore Citizen (SC) and Permanent Resident (PR) children can register through the P1 Registration Portal.

Within this portal, you can:

• View your child’s eligible registration phases and schools from 9am on Tuesday, 4 July 2023. 2024 To be updated May 2024.
• Register your child during their eligible phases, from Phase 1 to 2C Supplementary.
• Check registration results on the days of result announcements. (You will also receive result notifications via SMS.)

 

P1 REGISTRATION PORTAL

You need a valid Singpass with 2-Factor Authentication (Singpass2FA) to access the P1 Registration Portal. Learn how to register for a Singpass 2FA if you don’t have one.

 

What you need to know before registering

• P1 registration is not on a first-come, first-serve basis. No priority is given to early registrants.
• Declaration for using a caregiver’s address should be done ahead of time. An online declaration of alternative child-care arrangement must be submitted and approved before registering your child for P1. This process can take a minimum of 3 working days.
• Register your child for only one school in any phase. Multiple registrations are not allowed. MOE will consider your most recent submission in that phase.
• Amendments within the same phase require the same parent who registered the child to remove their previous registration and resubmit a new registration on the P1 Registration Portal before the phase ends. MOE will consider your most recent submission in that phase. How to register During the registration period of your child’s eligible phase, log in to the P1 Registration Portal using your Singpass 2FA.

 

Only one parent is required to register.

During the process, you’ll need to declare that the other parent has given consent for the P1 registration.

In certain scenarios, you’ll be redirected to register via an online form in the P1 Registration Portal:

• If your child is due for P1 registration but their name is not listed in the portal.
• If your child is eligible for a phase or school not reflected in the portal.

Supporting documents may be needed during registration. Schools may also reach out for additional documents or clarifications.

If you need help with registration, you can always contact the school of your choice for assistance.

 

 

4. Vacancies and Balloting Updates: P1 Registration Exercise

Stay informed with the newest updates for school vacancies and balloting data during the current Primary 1 (P1) Registration Exercise.

 

School Vacancies

To guarantee continued open access to all schools in later phases, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has reserved 20 spots in each primary school during Phase 2B, and 40 spots during Phase 2C. This implies that a total of 60 reserved spots will be set aside in all schools at the onset of the P1 Registration Exercise.

In addition to these reserved places, one-third of any remaining vacancies at the end of Phase 2A will be allocated to Phase 2B, and the remaining two-thirds to Phase 2C.

Certain schools will implement a cap on the intake of Permanent Resident (PR) children during Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary to avoid an overrepresentation of PR children in the primary schools. More information about this can be found on the MOE website.

 

Receiving Results (Based on 2023 For Reference)

Understand how and when the MOE releases the registration results for each Primary 1 (P1) registration phase: For schools that necessitate balloting, the MOE will conduct centralized computerized balloting. More details about how balloting operates can be found on the MOE website.

The MOE will notify parents of the outcome through an SMS on the result announcement day of the phase the child was registered in.

Parents can also check the registration results through the P1 Registration Portal on the day of result announcement.

Phases	Date of Results Announcement
1	Tuesday, 11 July 2023
2A	Friday, 21 July 2023
2B	Monday, 31 July 2023
2C	Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Source: MOE

 

If a child’s registration in Phases 2A, 2B, or 2C is not successful, parents can register their child for the next eligible phase.

If the registration does not succeed during Phase 2C Supplementary, the child will be assigned to a school that has available spots.

 

Steps After Securing a P1 Position for Your Child

The school may potentially ask parents to furnish their child’s immunization records, a request that would preferably be carried out through email to ensure convenience and efficiency. Additionally, detailed information concerning the designated reporting day, a crucial date for parents and students alike, will be dutifully provided by the school. Furthermore, the school recognizes the interest that parents might have towards on-site student care centers; an invaluable resource that offers comprehensive services within the school premises. As such, we encourage parents to reach out for more information about these facilities.

 

5. Commencement Of New School Journey – Things To Note For Parents

Transiting to primary school sets an exciting milestone for your child as they prepare to start their Primary 1 education.  Before your child embarks on their academic journey, certain formalities need to be completed at the school, so it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare for it.

 

Getting to Know the School is a significant step in this process

It is highly recommended for both you and your child to attend the school orientation. This engaging program includes an array of activities specifically designed to familiarize students and parents with the school environment and facilities. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to inquire about the School-based Student Care Centres (SCC) and the school transportation arrangements. It’s also a time to complete any necessary administrative forms and to purchase school uniforms and textbooks for your child. If, for any reason, you’re unable to attend the orientation, please reach out to the school to make an alternative arrangement. If your child has secured a place through the P1 registration process but is unable to return to Singapore by January to commence school, an application for a Leave of Absence (LOA) can be made.

School Expenses

Understanding school-related expenses is another critical aspect of preparing for your child’s academic journey. Information can be gathered about school fees and the different payment options available. Details about your child’s Edusave account and its uses can also be found out. More details on finance-related topics can be accessed by referring to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.

 

SSC – School Smart Card

Another important element to note is the School Smart Card (SSC). Your child will be provided with their SSC after the commencement of the school term. The school will organize a photograph session for your child for the SSC, and they will receive their SSC by the end of April. The first SSC for your child is issued free of charge. Meanwhile, until your child receives their SSC, they can continue using their child EZ-Link card for public transport. In the unfortunate event of an SSC loss, a report must be filed to TransitLink, and the card can be replaced either online or at a concession card replacement office. Please consult TransitLink for the fee associated with an SSC replacement.

 

Student Care Centres

Finally, understanding School-based Student Care Centres is essential. These centres offer a secure and conducive environment for your child to stay and learn after school. School-based SCCs offer a convenient care solution for your child where they can move from their classroom to the SCC without leaving the school premises. Each primary school has its own school-based SCC. After your child’s admission, the school can provide information on the application process and criteria for these centres. More information can also be sought during the school orientation. The charges for SCCs can vary, and detailed information can be obtained from the school or the SCC. The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComCare Student Care subsidies might be available for up to 98% fee reduction for children from low-income families. Eligibility for these subsidies can be checked. In case the school-based SCC does not have any vacancies, consider enrolling your child in a community-based SCC near your residence or your child’s school, but do remember that a school-based SCC only admits students from its own school.

 

6. The Leap from Preschool to Primary School

Your child’s progression from preschool to primary school is a significant milestone, and this transition is filled with many changes. This article will offer some insight into these changes and provide advice on how to assist your child in navigating this new stage of their educational journey.

The first step is to equip your child with a clear understanding of what primary school entails and what they can expect. This knowledge will help them to cope with a variety of changes, including adapting to a new environment, establishing a new routine and timetable, forming new relationships, understanding new rules, and knowing how to seek help in school.

 

The New School Environment

Attending the school’s open house and touring the grounds can help familiarize your child with the new environment. This will ease their apprehension and provide them a sense of comfort. If attending the open house isn’t possible, consider showing your child pictures of the school and exploring the school’s website together.

 

Adjusting to a New Routine and Timetable

As your child starts a new routine, it’s important to discuss what a typical day might look like. You can talk about things like preparing for school, socializing with peers, and setting aside time for homework. This will help your child to adjust better. Additionally, unlike preschool, primary school introduces new subjects and follows a different timetable. Guiding your child on how to pack their school bag for the day’s lessons can help them adapt to these changes slowly.

 

Forming New Relationships

Entering primary school means your child will need to establish new friendships and interact with different teachers. Have a discussion about making new friends and the significance of positive interactions with their teachers.

 

Understanding New Rules

It’s essential for your child to comprehend and adhere to ground and school rules. Clear communication about expectations is crucial, so consider speaking with your child’s teacher about what is expected of your child in class.

 

Navigating Assistance in School

Reassure your child that their teachers are there to help them whenever they need it. Encourage them to ask questions or seek help from their form teachers or school counsellors when necessary. This can significantly boost their confidence and help them adjust to their new learning environment.

The journey from preschool to primary school signifies a pivotal point in a child’s life, bringing many new experiences and challenges. By understanding these changes and supporting your child throughout, you can ensure a smoother transition into their new learning environment.

As parents, planning for your child’s education is as important as supporting their academic and social-emotional development.

This is where financial planning comes into play. Our financial advisors are on hand to guide you in creating a financial strategy that ensures your child’s educational needs are adequately covered.

Reach out to us today for a detailed discussion and let’s embark on this journey together.