Primary 1 registration for 2025: Key steps & dates
When it comes to registering your child for Primary 1 in any public school in Singapore, starting the process early is crucial.
Here's everything you need to know about the registration process, key dates, and important considerations.
Researching schools
Before diving into the registration process, it's essential to research and shortlist a few schools. Consider factors like the school's reputation, location, facilities, and educational approach. A good starting point is to visit the schools' websites and read reviews from other parents.
Home address: A key consideration
Your home address plays a significant role in the registration process. This is because the Ministry of Education (MOE) uses the Home-School Distance (HSD) to determine your eligibility for various schools. The address on your NRIC will be used for this purpose.
Home-School Distance (HSD)
HSD is calculated based on the shortest distance from any point of the school’s boundary to your official address. This distance can impact your child's admission priority.
Impact of HSD on admission
If a school has more applicants than vacancies, the admission priority is as follows:
- Singapore citizens living within 1 km of the school
- Singapore citizens living between 1 and 2 km of the school
- Singapore citizens living outside 2 km of the school
- Permanent residents living within 1 km of the school
- Permanent residents living between 1 and 2 km of the school
- Permanent residents living outside 2 km of the school
Families must reside at the registered address for at least 30 months from the start of the P1 registration exercise. For 2025 admissions, this means from 2 July 2024 to 2 January 2027.
Caregiver's address as HSD for registration
If using a caregiver's address, ensure the caregiver is a grandparent or a parent’s sibling, and both parents are working full-time. Declarations can be made online with a valid Singpass from 9 AM on 1 July 2024 to 4 PM on 1 August 2024.
P1 Registration Process
To register, you need a valid Singpass. Remember, you can only register for one school per phase. If your child is unsuccessful in one phase, you can register in the next.
Phase 1 registration
Eligibility: Children with siblings currently in primary school.
Key dates:
- Registration: 9 AM, 2 July 2024 - 4:30 PM, 4 July 2024
- Results: 10 July 2024
Phase 2A registration
Eligibility:
- Children whose parents or siblings are alumni
- Parents who are school staff or members of the School Advisory/Management Committee
- Children in MOE kindergartens
Key dates:
- Registration: 9 AM, 11 July 2024 - 4:30 PM, 12 July 2024
- Results: 19 July 2024
Phase 2B registration
Eligibility:
- Parent volunteer (minimum 40 hours by 30 June 2024)
- Endorsement by the church or clan
- Endorsement as a community leader
Key dates:
- Registration: 9 AM, 22 July 2024 - 4:30 PM, 23 July 2024
- Results: 29 July 2024
Phase 2C registration
Eligibility: All children not yet registered in primary school.
Key dates:
- Registration: 9 AM, 30 July 2024 - 4:30 PM, 1 August 2024
- Results: 13 August 2024
Phase 2C supplementary registration
Eligibility: Children not registered in primary school.
Key dates:
- Registration: 9 AM, 15 August 2024 - 4:30 PM, 16 August 2024
- Results: 27 August 2024
Registration for foreigners
Foreigners can indicate their interest from 9 AM, 28 May 2024 to 4:30 PM, 3 June 2024. Note that this does not guarantee a place.
Document requirements
You will need:
- Child’s particulars
- Passport number or FIN number
- Dependant pass, student pass, long-term visit pass, or immigration exemption order
- Parents’ particulars
- Valid email and Singapore mobile number (optional)
- Singapore address
- Sibling’s particulars (if applicable)
Upload the following documents in clear PDF or JPG format (max 1 MB):
- Birth certificate
- Passport bio-data page
- Parents’ NRIC front and back
- Marriage certificate
- Translations to English if necessary
Conclusion
Registering your child for Primary 1 in Singapore requires careful planning and adherence to specific guidelines. By understanding the process and key dates, you can ensure a smooth registration experience. Keep this guide handy and refer to it throughout the registration period.