Parents seeking spots for their children in Singapore’s 2026 Primary 1 registration will see 31 schools conduct ballots during Phase 2A, according to Ministry of Education (MOE) data. This phase, which ran from July 9 to July 10, is reserved for children with siblings or parents who are alumni, staff, or members of school advisory committees, as well as those from MOE kindergartens. Results for these schools are scheduled for release on July 17.
Oversubscription and Balloting Trends
Red Swastika School in Bedok currently leads in demand, with 88 applicants competing for 24 available spots. Princess Elizabeth Primary School in Bukit Batok follows with 137 applicants for 47 places, while Shuqun Primary in Jurong West reports 93 applicants for 32 spots. In these three instances, the schools will conduct ballots specifically for Singapore citizens residing within 1km of the campus.
The total number of schools requiring a ballot has decreased compared to the previous year. In 2025, 38 schools underwent a ballot, whereas in 2026, 143 schools—or 80.3 percent of those with vacancies—will not need to conduct one. Canossa Catholic Primary School reported no vacancies at all for Phase 2A.
Did You Know?
The 2025 registration cycle saw different top-tier schools in terms of demand, with Gongshang Primary, South View Primary, and Princess Elizabeth Primary ranking as the most oversubscribed at that time.
Admission Priorities and Operational Changes
When demand exceeds capacity, the MOE dictates that priority is granted based on citizenship and proximity. Singapore citizens living within 1km receive first preference, followed by those within the 1km to 2km range, and finally those living further than 2km away. Permanent residents follow the same distance-based hierarchy.
Certain schools, such as Tao Nan School and Nanyang Primary, are conducting ballots for citizens residing outside the 2km radius due to high application volumes. Conversely, some schools are oversubscribed but will not ballot. For example, Jing Shan Primary has 47 applicants for 40 spots but limits admission to Singapore citizens. Nan Hua, Valour, and Zhenghua primary schools are similarly oversubscribed but restrict remaining vacancies to citizens living within 1km.
The removal of Kranji Primary School from the 2024–2026 intake cycle, alongside the upcoming relocation of Townsville Primary and Damai Primary, reflects long-term planning by the MOE to shift school locations toward developing areas like Tengah, Sembawang, and Tampines North.
Upcoming Phase 2B Registration
Following the conclusion of Phase 2A, all 179 primary schools currently open for registration are expected to have vacancies for Phase 2B. The MOE will update vacancy numbers by 1pm on July 17. Registration for this subsequent phase, which caters to parent volunteers, endorsed church or clan members, and active community leaders, opens at 9am on July 20 and closes at 4.30pm on July 21. Results for Phase 2B are expected on July 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criteria for Phase 2A registration?
This phase is for children whose parents or siblings are former pupils, children of staff members, or children of parents serving on school advisory or management committees. Children from MOE kindergartens located within the primary school are also eligible.
How does the MOE determine who gets a spot when a school is oversubscribed?
Balloting is triggered when applications exceed vacancies. Priority is given to Singapore citizens within 1km, then 1km to 2km, then beyond 2km. Permanent residents are considered after Singapore citizens, following the same distance-based priority.
When can parents expect the results for Phase 2B?
Registration for Phase 2B concludes on July 21 at 4.30pm, with the official results set to be released on July 27.
How will these registration trends influence your planning for your child’s primary school education?
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