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Primary 1 registration 2024: Dates, eligibility, and step-by-step process
Primary 1 registration for admission in 2024 will begin on July 4, and it is an important milestone for parents and young children in Singapore. This process is crucial for securing a spot in primary school, and parents need to understand the details and steps involved. The registration process aims to be fair and transparent, considering factors like distance from the school and sibling enrolment. This article provides a complete guide to Primary 1 registration in 2024, including important dates, eligibility criteria, registration phases, and frequently asked questions.
Click here for important dates and the registration process for Primary 1 admission in 2025.
Eligibility criteria
For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
To be eligible for Primary 1 registration in 2024, the child must be a Singapore citizen or a Permanent Resident. The child must also be born between January 2, 2017, and January 1, 2018. Parents should ensure that their child meets these criteria before proceeding with the registration process.
For foreigners
International students (IS) are eligible to participate in Phase 3 of the P1 Registration Exercise, which occurs after all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have already been assigned a spot during the earlier phases.
Before Phase 3, students need to complete a two-step process:
- They must submit an online indication of interest form, which will be available from 9 am on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, until 4:30 pm on Monday, June 5, 2023. Failure to submit this form will result in ineligibility to register during Phase 3 of the P1 Registration Exercise.
- In October, we will send an email notification to inform whether your child has been offered a P1 placement and provide instructions on how to register during Phase 3 with the designated school if a place is offered.
Phases of Primary 1 registration
Primary 1 registration is divided into several phases to manage the demand for school places.
The phases include:
- Phase 1: For children with siblings studying in the school of choice. You can apply for this phase even if your elder child is on LOA (Leave of absence) from the school.
- Phase 2A(1): For children whose parents are alumni members of the school.
- Phase 2A(2): For children whose parents or siblings are former students of the school.
- Phase 2B: For children whose parents have joined the school's Parent Support Group (PSG) before the application.
- Phase 2C: For children who are not eligible for the earlier phases.
- Phase 2C(S): For children who are not allocated a school during Phase 2C.
Key dates to remember
Parents need to be aware of the key dates associated with the Primary 1 registration process. The registration exercise for admission in 2024 starts on July 4 and lasts for several weeks.
Specific dates for each phase of registration:
Phase 1:
Phase 2A:
Phase 2B:
Phase 2C:
Phase 2C(S):
Documents required for registration
When registering for Primary 1 admission, parents need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- The child's birth certificate or entry permit/dependent pass.
- The child's Singapore citizenship certificate or Singapore pink or blue NRIC.
- Both parents' NRIC/passport/entry permit/dependent pass.
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or official letter) to establish the child's residential address.
Online registration process
Primary 1 registration is primarily conducted online. Parents should visit the MOE website during the registration period and follow the instructions provided. They will need to create an account, fill in the necessary details, and submit the required documents. It is crucial to ensure accuracy and completeness during the online registration process.
Balloting and priorities
If the number of applicants exceeds the available vacancies in a particular phase, balloting may be conducted. Balloting is a random selection process where children are allocated places based on a computer-generated sequence. Priorities are given to certain categories, such as children with siblings already studying in the school or whose parents are alumni members. Parents need to be familiar with the balloting and priority criteria for their preferred school.
Important considerations for parents
During the Primary 1 registration process, parents should consider the following:
- Research and understand the primary schools in their vicinity.
- Take note of the schools' historical balloting statistics.
- Visit the schools during open houses or seek more information from the school's website.
- Discuss and prioritise their choices based on factors such as school ethos, academic programs, and proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I miss the registration period?
Can I apply for registration at multiple schools?
No. You can only register for one school per phase. If parents register their child for multiple schools, MOE will consider the latest submission as the final one.
What happens if my child is not allocated a school during the registration process?
If your child is not allocated a school during the Primary 1 registration exercise, you can participate in the Phase 2C(S) Supplementary Exercise, where the remaining vacancies are balloted. In case the child fails to get admission after 2C(S), they will be admitted to another school that has a vacancy.
Can I transfer my child to another school after successful registration?
The parent who initially registered the child must successfully withdraw their placement through the P1 Registration Portal before proceeding to register the child for another school during their next eligible phase. Failing to do so will result in the Ministry of Education (MOE) not processing any subsequent registrations, and your child will continue to remain enrolled in the school where they had previously secured a place.
Are there any changes to the Primary 1 registration process for 2024?
As of the time of writing, there have been no announced changes to the Primary 1 registration process for 2024. Parents should stay updated by referring to the MOE website or official announcements.
What if my child has special needs? Can I still apply to a public school?
All conventional primary schools are equipped with resources to assist students who have mild special educational needs.
Students with mild special educational needs, possessing the cognitive capacity to engage with the national curriculum and learn within large group environments, have the option to enrol in mainstream schools via the P1 Registration Exercise.
For children with moderate-to-severe special educational needs or those requiring greater support, it is recommended to apply to a special education (SPED) school. If an application has been made to a SPED school, participation in the P1 Registration Exercise is not necessary.
