For many parents in Singapore, the transition from preschool to primary school is a major milestone. It is also a source of significant anxiety. Often jokingly referred to as the “Great Singaporean Workout,” the Primary 1 (P1) registration exercise can feel overwhelming if you are unprepared.
The process is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and is divided into several specific phases. Each phase has its own set of eligibility criteria, priority rules, and strict deadlines.
If you are a parent of a child entering Primary 1 next year, understanding these phases is not optional—it is essential.
In this guide, we will have the Primary 1 registration phases explained clearly and simply. We will walk you through the eligibility for each phase, the critical importance of home-school distance, and the strategies you need to secure a spot for your child.
Before diving into the dates, it is crucial to understand how the system works. The registration exercise usually takes place from June to October each year.
The system is designed to prioritize children based on their connection to the school, their citizenship, and their proximity to the school.
How the Phases Work
You can only register for one phase at a time. If you are eligible for an earlier phase (like Phase 1 or 2A), you should register then.
If you are successful, your child has a spot, and you do not need to participate in later phases. If you are unsuccessful (due to oversubscription and balloting), you must register again in the next eligible phase.
The Hierarchy of Priority
When a school receives more applications than it has vacancies, balloting occurs. Priority for admission is generally given in this order:
The MOE separates applicants into different distinct phases to manage the demand. To have the Primary 1 registration phases explained properly, we need to look at who qualifies for each specific window.
Below is a breakdown of the phases. Note: Dates provided are based on the 2025 exercise as a reference. Always check the MOE website for the specific dates of the current year.
| Phase | Who is it for? | Typical Timing | Guaranteed? |
| Phase 1 | Children with a sibling currently studying in the primary school. | Early July | Yes |
| Phase 2A | Children whose parent is a former student (alumni), staff member, or member of the Advisory/Management Committee. Also for children from the MOE Kindergarten located within that primary school. | Mid-July | No (Ballot possible) |
| Phase 2B | Children whose parent is a volunteer (40+ hours), a member of an endorsed church/clan, or an active Community Leader. | Late July | No (Ballot likely) |
| Phase 2C | All eligible children who have not yet registered. This is the “open” phase for most families without prior connections. | Late July / Early Aug | No (Ballot very likely) |
| Phase 2C Supp | For children who were unsuccessful in Phase 2C. | Mid-August | No |
| Phase 3 | International Students (Non-SC / Non-PR). | Oct (Indication of Interest in May/June) | No |
This is the only phase where admission is guaranteed. If you already have a child studying in the school, their younger sibling gets a spot automatically.
Parents must still submit the online registration form during this window. Do not assume the school knows you have a younger child ready to join!
This phase combines the old Phase 2A(1) and 2A(2). It rewards long-term connections to the school.
If you are an alumnus, you must have joined the alumni association by a specific cut-off date (usually June 30 of the preceding year) or be a former student with verified records.
Children attending an MOE Kindergarten (MK) located within the primary school also qualify for this phase. This effectively gives MK students priority over the general public, a significant advantage for popular schools.
This phase is highly competitive. It is reserved for parents who have put in “sweat equity” or have specific community ties.
If you have no connections to any school, Phase 2C is your battleground. This is where “Home-School Distance” becomes the most critical factor.
This phase is purely based on where you live relative to the school. Vacancies here can be scarce for popular schools, often leading to intense balloting for those living within 1km.
Successfully navigating the Primary 1 registration phases explained above requires you to understand the fine print regarding your address and residency status.
Your priority in Phases 2A, 2B, and 2C depends heavily on the distance between your official residential address and the school.
The 30-Month Rule:
If you secure a spot based on your address (e.g., you live within 1km), you are required to reside at that address for at least 30 months from the start of the P1 Registration Exercise.
If you move out before this period ends, MOE reserves the right to transfer your child out of the school. This is strictly enforced to prevent parents from renting a place just to cheat the system.
Singapore Citizens always have priority. In Phase 2C and 2C Supplementary, admission is subject to a cap on the number of Permanent Resident (PR) children.
This cap is applied to limit the concentration of PR children in certain schools. If a school reaches its PR cap, no further PR children will be admitted, even if they live within 1km.
Relying on hearsay or what other parents tell you can be dangerous. The rules change, and distance calculations are precise. You must do your own research to verify every detail before registration begins.
Never guess your distance. Just because you can see the school from your window does not mean you are within 1km.
Use the official OneMap SchoolQuery tool provided by the Singapore Land Authority. Enter your postal code and the school’s name. It will tell you definitively if you are within 1km or 2km. This is the only distance measurement MOE accepts.
To make a smart choice, look at the balloting history of your target schools. If a school has been oversubscribed in Phase 2C for the last 5 years for those living <1km, and you live >1km away, your chances are statistically zero.
Do your own research on websites like KiasuParents or official MOE press releases from previous years. This data helps you choose a “safety school” where your chances are higher, rather than wasting your Phase 2C choice on a school you cannot get into.
Once you have identified your phase and school, the actual registration is done online via the P1 Registration Portal.
If balloting is required, you will be notified of the balloting date. In recent years, balloting is conducted centrally by MOE, and parents do not need to be physically present.
Even with the best intentions, parents often make avoidable errors.
What happens if I fail to get a spot in Phase 2C?
If you are unsuccessful in Phase 2C (usually due to balloting), you can register for Phase 2C Supplementary. If you are still unsuccessful there, MOE will post your child to a school with remaining vacancies near your home.
Can I register for multiple schools at once?
No. You can only register for one school in any given phase. If you wish to change your mind, you must withdraw your previous application before submitting a new one within the same phase.
How are vacancies distributed?
Every school reserves 20 spots for Phase 2B and 40 spots for Phase 2C. The remaining vacancies are split: 1/3 to Phase 2B and 2/3 to Phase 2C.
What if I am a PR but my child is a foreigner?
The child’s citizenship status dictates the phase. If the child is not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, they are considered an International Student and must register in Phase 3, regardless of the parents’ status.
Navigating the Primary 1 registration process requires a clear understanding of where you stand in the priority queue. By having the Primary 1 registration phases explained in detail, you can now assess your eligibility for Phases 1, 2A, 2B, or 2C with confidence.
Remember to verify your home-school distance using OneMap, check the specific dates for the current year on the MOE website, and have a backup plan in place. Preparation is the key to surviving the “Great Singaporean Workout” with your sanity intact.
