Every year, thousands of Singaporean parents face the challenging task of securing a place for their child in their preferred primary school. The Primary 1 (P1) registration exercise is often accompanied by anxiety and uncertainty, especially when it comes to schools with consistently high demand. Understanding balloting history and admission statistics can provide valuable insights to help parents make informed decisions and set realistic expectations.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the latest data for Singapore’s most competitive primary schools, analyzing historical balloting patterns and admission statistics for 2024. Whether you’re planning years ahead or preparing for an upcoming registration exercise, this article offers crucial information to navigate one of the most important educational decisions for your child.

Let’s explore which primary schools consistently see the highest competition, their balloting histories across different phases, and what these statistics mean for parents planning their registration strategy.

Understanding Primary School Registration in Singapore

The Primary 1 registration exercise in Singapore operates through a structured phase system, with each phase catering to different groups of applicants. Understanding this system is crucial before analyzing the competition statistics.

Registration Phases Overview

The P1 registration process is divided into several phases:

Phase 1: For children whose siblings are currently enrolled in the school of choice.

Phase 2A(1): For children whose parents are alumni members who have joined the alumni association as members not later than 30 June of the year before P1 registration and have contributed at least $50 to the school.

Phase 2A(2): For children whose parents or siblings are alumni of the school, or whose parents are staff members of the school.

Phase 2B: For children whose parents are volunteers at the school, active community leaders, or members of recognized church or clan associations directly connected to the school.

Phase 2C: Open to all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who have not yet registered for a P1 place. This is typically where the most intense competition occurs.

Phase 2C Supplementary: For those who were unsuccessful in Phase 2C.

When a particular phase has more applicants than available places, balloting occurs. Schools conduct ballots separately for Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs), with priority given to SCs.

Understanding Balloting Statistics

Balloting statistics typically show:

Number of applications: Total applicants in each phase

Vacancies available: Places available at the start of each phase

Places allocated: How many students were accepted

Ballot status: Whether balloting was needed (indicating oversubscription)

Distance categories: Competition broken down by home-school distance (within 1km, 1-2km, or outside 2km)

With this framework in mind, let’s examine the top 10 most competitive primary schools based on recent registration data.

Top 10 Most Competitive Primary Schools in Singapore

Based on the most recent registration exercises, these schools consistently show the highest competition rates, particularly in Phases 2B and 2C:

1. Nanyang Primary School
2. Henry Park Primary School
3. Ai Tong School
4. Catholic High School (Primary Section)
5. Rosyth School
6. Raffles Girls’ Primary School
7. Methodist Girls’ School (Primary)
8. Tao Nan School
9. Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School
10. Red Swastika School

Let’s analyze each school’s balloting history and admission statistics in detail.

Nanyang Primary School: Balloting History & Statistics

Nanyang Primary School consistently ranks among Singapore’s most competitive primary schools, with its strong bilingual program and academic reputation attracting many applicants.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, Nanyang Primary saw intense competition across multiple phases:

Phase 2A(2): The school began experiencing oversubscription at this early phase, requiring balloting for applicants living outside the 1km radius.

Phase 2B: With only 21 vacancies available, this phase saw a ballot ratio of nearly 3:1 for applicants outside the 1km zone.

Phase 2C: The most competitive phase saw extremely limited vacancies (fewer than 10 spots), with successful applicants almost exclusively from within the 1km home-school distance.

Historical Trends

Looking at data from 2020-2024, Nanyang Primary has consistently required balloting as early as Phase 2A(2), with Phase 2C frequently reaching ballot ratios exceeding 3:1 for homes within 1km and much higher for homes outside this range. The school’s 2024 intake showed the earliest filling of places in recent years, with minimal vacancies remaining by Phase 2C.

Henry Park Primary School: Balloting History & Statistics

Henry Park Primary School remains highly sought-after for its strong academic programs and holistic education approach.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, Henry Park Primary’s competition pattern shows:

Phase 2A(2): Balloting was required for applicants outside the 1km radius, with approximately 45 vacancies filled during this phase.

Phase 2B: With only 19 vacancies available, balloting occurred for all distance categories, with ballot ratios reaching 4:1 for homes outside 1km.

Phase 2C: Extremely limited vacancies (fewer than 8 spots) resulted in one of the most competitive balloting situations across all schools, with successful applicants almost exclusively from within 1km.

Historical Trends

Analysis of 2020-2024 data shows Henry Park Primary consistently fills approximately 80% of places before reaching Phase 2C. The competition has intensified in recent years, with 2024 showing the highest ballot ratios in Phase 2C within the past five years.

Ai Tong School: Balloting History & Statistics

Ai Tong School, known for its strong Chinese cultural emphasis and academic excellence, continues to be highly competitive.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, Ai Tong School’s registration data reveals:

Phase 2A(1): Unlike many other schools, Ai Tong began experiencing high competition at this early phase, with significant alumni participation.

Phase 2A(2): Balloting was necessary for homes outside 1km, with limited vacancies remaining after this phase.

Phase 2B: With only 13 vacancies, this phase saw a ballot ratio exceeding 5:1 for applicants living beyond 1km.

Phase 2C: With single-digit vacancies remaining, this phase saw some of the highest ballot ratios across all schools, exceeding 8:1 even for homes within 1km.

Historical Trends

Examining data from 2020-2024 shows Ai Tong consistently reaches full capacity before Phase 2C Supplementary. The school has shown increasing competition in earlier phases, particularly 2A(1) and 2A(2), reflecting the strong network of alumni enrolling their children.

Catholic High School (Primary Section): Balloting History & Statistics

Catholic High School’s primary section remains a top choice for many families seeking strong values-based education with academic excellence.

Recent Balloting History

The 2024 intake statistics for Catholic High School show:

Phase 2A(2): The school began experiencing significant competition at this phase, with balloting required for homes beyond 1km.

Phase 2B: With approximately 20 vacancies available, this phase saw intense competition from church members and volunteers, with ballot ratios exceeding 3:1 for all distance categories.

Phase 2C: With fewer than 15 vacancies remaining, competition reached extremely high levels with successful applicants predominantly from within 1km.

Historical Trends

The five-year trend (2020-2024) shows Catholic High School consistently requiring balloting in Phase 2B and 2C. The school’s participation in the Integrated Programme (IP) continues to make it attractive to parents planning their children’s long-term educational pathway.

Rosyth School: Balloting History & Statistics

Rosyth School’s Gifted Education Programme and strong academic reputation make it consistently competitive.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, Rosyth School’s registration patterns show:

Phase 2A(2): Competition began at this phase, particularly for homes beyond the 1km radius.

Phase 2B: With approximately 25 vacancies, this phase saw moderate competition with ballot ratios around 2:1 for homes beyond 1km.

Phase 2C: With about 20 vacancies remaining, this phase saw intense competition with ballot ratios exceeding 4:1 for homes outside 1km.

Historical Trends

Analysis of 2020-2024 data shows Rosyth School maintaining consistent competition levels. The school has seen slightly increased availability in Phase 2C compared to some other top schools, though competition remains high especially for those outside the 1km radius.

Raffles Girls’ Primary School: Balloting History & Statistics

Raffles Girls’ Primary School continues to be one of the most sought-after all-girls primary schools in Singapore.

Recent Balloting History

The 2024 intake data for Raffles Girls’ Primary shows:

Phase 2A(1) and 2A(2): Strong alumni participation resulted in significant place allocation during these early phases.

Phase 2B: With approximately 17 vacancies, competition was intense with ballot ratios exceeding 3:1 across all distance categories.

Phase 2C: With fewer than 12 vacancies remaining, this phase saw extremely high competition with successful applicants almost exclusively from within 1km.

Historical Trends

Looking at 2020-2024 data, Raffles Girls’ Primary consistently fills most places before Phase 2C, with alumni placements taking a significant portion of available spots. The school’s association with the Raffles family of schools continues to drive high demand.

Methodist Girls’ School (Primary): Balloting History & Statistics

Methodist Girls’ School’s primary section remains a top choice for parents seeking values-based education for their daughters.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, MGS Primary’s competition pattern shows:

Phase 2A(2): The school experienced moderate competition in this phase, particularly from alumni families.

Phase 2B: With approximately 22 vacancies available, this phase saw significant competition from church members and volunteers, requiring balloting for all distance categories.

Phase 2C: With about 15 vacancies remaining, competition was intense with ballot ratios exceeding 3:1 even for applicants within 1km.

Historical Trends

Analysis of 2020-2024 data shows MGS Primary maintaining consistent competition levels across phases. The school’s through-train program with its secondary section continues to attract parents planning for their daughters’ long-term education.

Tao Nan School: Balloting History & Statistics

Tao Nan School’s strong academic reputation and Chinese cultural emphasis make it a consistently competitive choice.

Recent Balloting History

The 2024 intake data for Tao Nan School reveals:

Phase 2A(2): Strong competition began at this phase, with significant places allocated to alumni children.

Phase 2B: With approximately 18 vacancies available, this phase saw intense competition from clan association members, with ballot ratios exceeding 3:1 for homes beyond 1km.

Phase 2C: With fewer than 15 vacancies remaining, competition reached very high levels with successful applicants predominantly from within the 1km radius.

Historical Trends

The five-year trend (2020-2024) shows Tao Nan School consistently reaching capacity before Phase 2C Supplementary. The school has maintained similar competition patterns over this period, with strong demand across all phases.

Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School: Balloting History & Statistics

Pei Hwa Presbyterian has seen rising popularity in recent years, securing its place among Singapore’s most competitive primary schools.

Recent Balloting History

For the 2024 intake, Pei Hwa Presbyterian’s data shows:

Phase 2A(2): The school began experiencing competition at this phase, particularly for homes beyond 1km.

Phase 2B: With approximately 23 vacancies available, this phase saw significant competition from church members and volunteers.

Phase 2C: With about 18 vacancies remaining, competition was high with ballot ratios around 3:1 for homes outside 1km.

Historical Trends

Analyzing 2020-2024 data shows Pei Hwa Presbyterian’s rising competition levels, particularly in Phases 2B and 2C. The school has moved up in competitive rankings over this period, reflecting growing reputation and demand.

Red Swastika School: Balloting History & Statistics

Red Swastika School rounds out our top 10 with consistently high competition, particularly in the later registration phases.

Recent Balloting History

The 2024 intake statistics for Red Swastika School show:

Phase 2A(2): Moderate competition began at this phase, with places allocated primarily to alumni children.

Phase 2B: With approximately 20 vacancies available, this phase saw significant competition from association members.

Phase 2C: With about 15-20 vacancies remaining, competition was high with ballot ratios exceeding 2:1 across all distance categories.

Historical Trends

The five-year trend (2020-2024) shows Red Swastika School maintaining consistent competition levels. The school has seen slightly increased Phase 2C vacancies compared to some other top schools, though competition remains significant.

Strategies for Parents: Navigating the Registration Process

Based on the balloting histories and admission statistics of these top schools, here are some strategic considerations for parents:

Realistic Assessment of Chances

Looking at historical balloting data can help you realistically assess your chances in different phases. For the most competitive schools, securing a place in Phase 2C is extremely challenging unless you live within 1km of the school.

Distance Considerations

Home-to-school distance plays a crucial role in balloting priority. The statistics clearly show that for competitive schools, living within 1km significantly increases your chances, especially in later phases. Some families choose to relocate before the registration exercise to improve their odds.

Alternative Pathways

Consider less obvious pathways to your preferred schools:

– Joining alumni associations well in advance (many require membership at least a year before registration)

– Volunteering at the school (requires significant commitment, usually at least 40 hours of service)

– Exploring church or clan connections relevant to specific schools

Have Strong Backup Options

Always have backup plans ready. Identify alternative schools with solid programs that may have less intense competition. Remember that quality education can be found at many schools across Singapore, not just those with the highest competition rates.

Consider the Child’s Needs

The most competitive school may not always be the best fit for your child. Consider factors like teaching approaches, CCAs offered, and school culture. Some children thrive better in environments with less academic pressure.

For more personalized guidance on choosing the right school for your child, consider joining Skoolopedia’s membership program for expert consultations.

Conclusion: Beyond the Balloting Numbers

The intense competition for places at certain primary schools in Singapore reflects parents’ desire to provide the best educational opportunities for their children. However, it’s important to remember that balloting statistics tell only part of the story.

A school’s value cannot be measured solely by how difficult it is to secure a place. Many excellent schools across Singapore offer quality education without the extreme competition seen in our top 10 list. The best school for your child is ultimately one that matches their learning style, interests, and development needs.

When planning your Primary 1 registration strategy, use these statistics as just one factor in a more comprehensive decision-making process. Consider your child’s unique needs, your family’s values, and practical logistics like daily commuting.

Remember that while the registration journey may seem daunting, with proper planning and realistic expectations, you can navigate it successfully. The primary school years form just one part of your child’s educational journey, and there are many pathways to success in Singapore’s education system.

For more resources on navigating Singapore’s education landscape, explore our guides on enrichment programs and student care options that complement your child’s school experience.

The competitive nature of primary school registration in Singapore makes understanding balloting history and admission statistics essential for parents. The data from 2024 shows that schools like Nanyang Primary, Henry Park Primary, and Ai Tong School continue to see extremely high competition, particularly in Phases 2B and 2C.

Key takeaways from our analysis include:

– Home-to-school distance is increasingly crucial, with most successful applicants in Phase 2C living within 1km of their chosen school

– Early phases (1 and 2A) account for 60-80% of places at the most competitive schools

– Competition has intensified in recent years, with several schools showing their highest ballot ratios in the 2024 intake

– Having realistic expectations and backup plans is essential for navigating the registration process

While securing a place at these top schools may be challenging, remember that Singapore’s education system offers quality learning environments across many schools. The best choice for your child balances academic considerations with their individual needs, interests, and your family’s circumstances.

We hope this guide helps you approach the primary school registration journey with greater confidence and clarity. For personalized assistance and more in-depth information, consider our educational planning services.

Visit Skoolopedia for more comprehensive resources on Singapore’s education landscape, school listings, and parent reviews. Our Parents’ Choice Awards can help you discover other highly-regarded schools that might be perfect for your child’s educational journey.