Singapore Primary School Ranking 2023

*Updated according to MOE data on vacancies and balloting

In the fast-paced world of education, keeping tabs on the ranking of primary schools in Singapore is of paramount importance for parents and educators alike. The year 2023 brings new insights into the performance of these institutions. 

This article delves into the Singapore primary school ranking for 2023, shedding light on the factors that influence these rankings and what they mean for students and their families.

Understanding school rankings

The significance of rankings

School rankings serve as a vital tool for parents looking to make informed decisions about their child's education. These rankings provide an overview of a school's performance, helping parents identify institutions that align with their educational goals.

Methodology behind rankings

These rankings are based on various factors, including academic performance, teacher-to-student ratios, extracurricular activities, and parent satisfaction. Together, they contribute to a school's overall subscription rate, a common and widely accepted metric that parents use to infer the quality of a school.

Key components

Breaking down the ranking criteria, we find that academic performance, measured through standardised test scores, carries substantial weight. Additionally, factors such as the quality of teachers and available resources also play pivotal roles.

The top-ranked primary schools

Top 5 primary schools

1. Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 155%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 85%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 112%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, a Christian mission school, offers a unique 'Character and Citizenship Education (CCE)' programme to nurture well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. Guided by six core values— Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Teamwork, Loyalty, and Resilience — the institution also offers diverse Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) options such as track and field, table tennis, wushu, rhythmic gymnastics, and more. Through these varied activities, the aim is to cultivate students' all-round development. However, do note that the school only offers Chinese as a second language. So, this may not be the right choice for parents who want their children to study Malay, Tamil, or other language options.

2. Gongshang Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 97%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 138%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Established in the year 1920, this school had very humble beginnings. It used to be a night school for young Chinese migrants who wished to upskill and succeed in life. Today, the school places strong value on Asian traditions and culture, while ensuring that its students learn innovation and creativity. The aim of the school is to develop all students into active learners, confident leaders, and gracious citizens. Gongshang Primary School offers Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as second languages and also offers excellent Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) options such as Infocomm technology (computing), environmental science, handbell and string ensemble, modern dance, and more.

3. Rosyth School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 55%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 20%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 205%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Rosyth School believes there's more to education than academics. It emphasises the importance of students mastering 21st-century skills, achieved by instilling 'I-care' values: Integrity, Care, GrAtitude, Respect & Resilience and Entrepreneurial Spirit. The school offers Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and Punjabi as second languages and provides a variety of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) such as debate, drama, international chess, robotics, comics and illustration, and more.

4. Riverside Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 53%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 43%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Riverside Primary School provides high-quality and affordable education to all students. The dedicated teachers passionately believe in unlocking the potential of each child through proper guidance. The school offers all three mother tongue options: Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, and also provides a diverse range of 15 Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) for students to engage in.

5. Red Swastika School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 47%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 30%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 93%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Founded by the World Red Swastika Society in the year 1951, Red Swastika School aims to transform society with high-quality education. Students of this school are affectionately called '卍慈的孩子' and are encouraged to be caring and innovative leaders of the society. The school offers over 15 CCA activities like badminton, track and field, modern and Chinese dance, and more. This school only offers Chinese as a second language option.

Continuing excellence: More top primary schools

6. Punggol Green Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 44%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 127%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Established in 2013, Punggol Green Primary School is a relatively new institution that has swiftly made its mark. In recent years, this school has distinguished itself by prioritising the development of a robust curriculum that aims to maximise the potential of every student who enters its doors.

7. Nan Hua Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 44%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 90%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 378%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Nan Hua Primary School is dedicated to cultivating leaders with strong character and a heart for service. With a selection of 20 Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) options, students have the opportunity to explore various interests. However, parents are to note that the school provides Chinese Language as the only second language option.

8. Princess Elizabeth Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 43%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 405%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Princess Elizabeth Primary School fosters comprehensive development in its students, emphasising the ASPIRE values. The school provides Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as second language options, enriching the educational experience for all.

9. Westwood Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 39%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 63%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Much like the interconnected roots of redwood trees that support each other's growth, Westwood Primary School imparts the importance of building robust relationships for personal development. The school provides instruction in all three major mother tongue languages (Chinese, Tamil, and Malay) and offers a selection of 8 Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) such as football, wushu, choir, and more.

10. St. Hilda's Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 36%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 100%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 251%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

St. Hilda’s Primary School is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning community, with the aim of nurturing committed citizens possessing a global perspective and admirable godly character. The school offers the main mother tongue languages—Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—and a diverse array of 16 Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) for both boys and girls.

11. Catholic High School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 35%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 115%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 70%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Catholic High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Singapore. Established in the year 1935, this school has consistently lived up to its reputation as one of the leading primary schools in the country. The school's legacy is deeply rooted in its Catholic traditions, fostering values of integrity, compassion, and service among its students. What sets Catholic High School apart is its exceptional academic programs. 

Parents should note that this school only offers Chinese as a second language option, and it offers Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) such as basketball, softball, table tennis, wushu etc.

12. Ai Tong School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 33%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 140%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 105%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

In the past two decades, students from Ai Tong School have distinguished themselves by excelling in both academic and non-academic pursuits. The school provides diverse Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) choices, including Guzheng ensemble, Chinese dance, robotics, track and field, and more. However, it's worth noting that Ai Tong School exclusively offers Chinese as the second language option.

13. Oasis Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 31%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 33%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Teachers at Oasis Primary School are dedicated to providing the best resources to cultivate 'young minds into good habits.' The curriculum is crafted to offer a comprehensive education that empowers students. The school presents Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as second language options, and the Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are designed to enhance students' self-awareness, self-management, understanding of others, relationship skills, and decision-making skills.

14. Frontier Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 31%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 85%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Frontier Primary School is committed to establishing robust fundamentals for future learning. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, adaptability, and a passion for leadership. The school provides options for students to learn any of the three major mother tongue languages: Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Additionally, unique Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) such as design and innovation, rock climbing, and student leadership are offered to enrich the students' experiences.

15. Methodist Girl's School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 29%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 295%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 75%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Methodist Girl's School, often referred to as MGS, stands proudly as one of Singapore's premier educational institutions. With a rich history spanning decades, MGS has consistently maintained a stellar reputation for academic excellence and character development. This institution is renowned for its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, emphasising not only academic achievement but also moral values and community engagement. At MGS, students benefit from a supportive learning environment and a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about empowering the next generation. It's no surprise that Methodist Girl's School consistently ranks among the top primary schools in Singapore, making it a top choice for parents seeking a holistic and quality education for their children.

16. Henry Park Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 28%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 38%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 100%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Henry Park School holds the belief that every student is a capable learner and can excel in life with the appropriate support. Consequently, dedicated teachers at the school work tirelessly to create an optimal learning environment. In addition to offering Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as second language options, the school provides a diverse range of 17 Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) including badminton, netball, football, and more.

17. Temasek Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 27%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 202%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

At Temasek Primary School, students are taught to be responsible and versatile leaders, committed to lifelong learning. The school provides all three major mother tongue languages as second language options and offers 14 CCAs to support students' overall development.

18. West Spring Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 26%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 71%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

Fuelled by 3 strategic thrusts, Character Excellence, Learning Excellence, and Staff Excellence, West Spring Primary School inspires students to pursue their passions with confidence. The school provides second language options in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, and offers distinctive CCAs such as the photo and video society, mind sports club, outdoor activities club, and more.

19. Punggol View Primary School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 26%
Phase 2B: All applicants were successfully admitted.
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 21%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

At Punggol View Primary School, teachers aspire for every student to grow into a confident learner and an active citizen. They instil the values of doing the right thing and making the best effort in all situations. For second language, the school provides options in Tamil, Malay, and Chinese, and offers more than 7 CCAs to enrich students' experiences.

20. CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School

Phase 2A: Oversubscribed by 24%
Phase 2B: Oversubscribed by 130%
Phase 2C: Oversubscribed by 57.5%
All school vacancies were filled by Phase 2C.

As a Catholic mission SAP school, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School provides a distinctive educational experience to its students. The school emphasises a forward-looking perspective while maintaining a strong connection to culture and tradition. The school provides a diverse selection of more than 14 Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and offers Chinese as the exclusive second language option.

School rankings & additional details

For those curious about the exact count of vacancies and applicants per school, this table offers the details you're looking for.

Please note that all eligible applicants were offered a spot in phase 1 for each of these schools.

In conclusion, the Singapore primary school ranking for 2023 offers valuable insights into the educational landscape. It provides a snapshot of schools' performances, helping parents make informed decisions. Keep in mind that while rankings are essential, they should be just one factor in your decision-making process. Consider your child's unique needs and aspirations when choosing a primary school.