Time to register your child for Primary 1?

If your child is born between 2 January 2018 and 1 January 2019, then yes, you should take part in this year’s primary 1 registration exercise. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide full details by May 2024, and the registration process will typically begin in July. Do note that registrations are now fully online, and that in-person registrations at individual schools will not be accepted.

As this is a milestone event for local children, many parents have already been doing some advance planning behind the scenes, in order to ensure that their children can register for ‘good’ schools. But don’t worry if you’re only starting to explore your options now — there is still time, and there are over 180 primary schools in Singapore, so there will be several choices for your child. Use our guide to open up discussions with your family, and most importantly, involve your child in choosing the school where they will spend the next six years. 

What are the Best Primary Schools in Singapore?

This is a top question from Singaporean parents, with no straightforward answers.

We’ve long moved away from using Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results to assess a school’s quality. Data relating to PSLE results is not freely available, and parents are also strongly encouraged not to share internal data with others. If you hope for your child to attain a single-digit PSLE score, the general tip is to aim to enter the top class for any school that your child enrols in — students will typically be sorted by exam performance in the upper primary years.

Currently, websites that rank primary schools rely on registration data to gauge a school’s popularity, and the assumption is that oversubscribed schools must be better in some way. However, the high demand for places could also be due to circumstantial factors such as location and the population density of a neighbourhood.

As experienced parents, what we can tell you for sure is that schools with affiliations to secondary schools have a clear advantage — they offer a safety net for their students. Some primary schools such as Anglo-Chinese School and St Joseph’s Institution Junior have affiliations to two secondary schools, ensuring that students will be able to enrol in at least one of them, no matter how they perform at the PSLE. 

If your child has had a good experience in primary school, they will likely look forward to seeing familiar faces in secondary school. Additionally, some schools like Methodist Girls’ School have both their primary and secondary schools at the same location, making the transition to Secondary 1 much more fuss-free. 

For children who are disappointed by their PSLE results, entering an affiliated secondary school can shield them from unwanted questions and judgement. This makes it easier to build their confidence based on their unique strengths. Affiliated schools are also known for their strong alumni and parent networks, which can provide much support throughout your child’s education journey.

How Do You Know if a Primary School Is Good?

The right question to ask is: Will a school be good for my child?

The reality is that you can’t know this until your child actually enrols in the school. Luck does play a part — within the same school, some children can have a wholly positive experience, while others will have frequent run-ins with teachers and classmates, to the point of affecting their mental health. 

Still, it’s important to research schools, so that you can make the best decision based on available information. To find out more about schools, you can talk to educators, parents, and current students. Ask questions such as:

• Would you send your own child there?
• If you could pick again, would you still choose this school?
• What are the biggest discipline issues?
• How has the school dealt with bullying complaints?
• What can you tell me about the PSLE performance?
• Do you feel that the school prepares students well for the PSLE?
• How is the CCA experience? Are there opportunities to represent the school?

One thing to understand is that no school can provide everything to everyone. If your child has behavioural issues or learning needs, you might prioritise an environment where your child can feel accepted and included. If your child is an exceptionally quick learner, you might want to narrow your focus to schools that offer the Gifted Education Programme for upper primary students. 

How can you identify your child’s biggest needs? Here are some suggestions:

1. Observe your child’s interests: Pay attention to the activities that your child is drawn to. This can give you insight into where their passions lie.
2. Consider social needs: Does your child thrive in a large group, or would they do better in cosier settings? The MOE provides data on the number of Primary 1 vacancies in each school — some schools have as many as 300 vacancies, while other schools have less than 200 places for new cohorts. 
3. Evaluate special needs: If your child has any learning disabilities, behavioural issues, or special needs, do refer to the MOE’s support guide before you shortlist schools. 
4. Talk to your child: Find out what they like and dislike about their school or classroom experiences thus far. 
5. Visit schools together: Many primary schools will hold their open house events between April and July. To be sure, check directly with your schools of interest for the schedule. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Primary School?

For a smooth and stress-free registration process, the first factor to consider is registration phase eligibility. For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, there are five school registration phases:

• Phase 1: For children with a sibling currently studying in the primary school.
• Phase 2A: For children with parents or siblings who are alumni, parents who work at the school or are part of the School Advisory or Management Committee, as well as children who attended affiliated MOE Kindergartens.
• Phase 2B: For children with parents who have volunteered with the school or as community leaders, or those who have religious or clan associations.
• Phases 2C and 2C Supplementary: For children who have yet to secure a school place.

If your child has a chance to register for a school in Phases 1, 2A, or 2B, this is a real advantage, and you should think twice before giving this up.

On the other hand, if you can only register your child in a school at Phase 2C, you will have to decide if it is worthwhile trying for a popular school. Taking a risk at this phase can lead to stress and disappointment, especially if balloting is a likelihood for your child. It’s best to review school balloting data for 2023 before making a decision. 

We have previously interviewed a mother whose child was unsuccessful at the ballot for a popular school in Phases 2B and 2C. She eventually registered her child in a nearby neighbourhood school at Phase 2C Supplementary. Although her experience took place several years ago, her thoughts are still relevant for the current registration process, and her story may offer reassurance if you land in the same situation. 

The second factor to think about is affiliation. It’s useful to have a safety net, and your child can also choose not to exercise their affiliation advantage after the PSLE. However, schools offer different affiliation advantages. For instance, Nanyang Primary School is a co-ed school, but it is only affiliated to Nanyang Girls’ High School, which has a rigorous admission standard. There are also schools that don’t offer any affiliation advantages yet continue to be oversubscribed, such as Henry Park Primary School and Raffles Girls’ Primary School.

The third factor to assess is co-curricular activities or CCAs, especially if you are already looking at the Direct School Admission (DSA) as an alternative entrypoint to popular secondary schools. To evaluate primary schools based on their CCA strengths, you can check their National School Games performance records, the results of the annual art and creative writing competitions held by the School of the Arts, or the rankings from other competitions such as robotics contests.

Finally, location can make a significant difference for your child’s school experience — and yours too, if you plan to spend time volunteering and supporting your child in the primary school years. Many parents juggle work and parenting responsibilities, so having a centrally located school with nearby amenities, such as a mall, can make life easier for you if you’re packing lunch for your child, or need a place to work while waiting to pick up your child after CCAs or supplementary classes. If you don’t drive, please check with your schools of interest about school bus availability and rates, or be sure to choose a school that is easily accessible via public transport.

Want to chat with other parents about choosing and evaluating primary schools? Join the conversation on KiasuParents!