- 38 schools in Singapore saw an overflow in Primary 1 Phase 2A registrations this year.
- Princess Elizabeth Primary School emerged as the most oversubscribed.
- Balloting is needed when application numbers go over the spaces available.
Singapore’s Primary 1 registration process sees a remarkable oversubscription in 38 schools.
The Oversubscription Situation
Primary 1 registration in Singapore has hit a peak this year, with many schools facing high demand.
Parents trying to get a seat for their child found Princess Elizabeth Primary School most wanted.
The Bukit Batok school had a shocking 142 hopefuls for just 45 spaces.
Shuqun Primary and Gongshang Primary were also among the popular choices, adding to the tough race.
This high sign-up rate means balloting is needed, a process brought in by the Ministry of Education.
- Princess Elizabeth Pri School had three times more applicants than available spaces.
- 196 applicants tried for Gongshang Primary School, with only 84 places to offer.
- Priority is given to those living within 1km of the school, in line with the Ministry’s rules.
The Balloting Process Explained
As reported by Channel NewsAsia, the balloting process follows a set of rules.
“Balloting is conducted when the number of applicants exceeds the number of vacancies,” clarified the source.
Only 3 out of 38 overflowing schools will not need balloting.
The rest of the 35 schools will go to the ballot boxes, leaving luck to decide the children’s futures.
The Education Ministry makes sure the process is fair and clear throughout this tense time.
| School Name | Applicants to Vacancies Ratio |
|---|---|
| Princess Elizabeth Pri School | 142 applicants for 45 spaces |
| Shuqun Pri School | 115 applicants for 49 spots |
| Gongshang Pri School | 196 applicants for 84 spaces |
What Comes Next for Parents and Children
Parents now face a tense wait to find out if their child gets a wanted school spot.
With balloting now used, the registration phases become more important than ever.
Sibling priority and living close to schools play big roles in this tough landscape.
For many, this time marks a chapter of hopeful starts in their children’s learning journey.
As worried parents wait for results, the Singapore education system keeps its high standards.
