Primary 1 Registration 2026: Dates, Phases, Balloting and Distance Rules in Singapore

Key dates and timeline for the 2026 intake

MOE administers P1 Registration for children entering Primary 1 in 2026 during 2025 (typically mid-year). The exact dates and phase windows are announced closer to the exercise.

Expected announcement window: Q2–Q3 2025

• MOE typically releases the schedule, phase dates, and balloting windows in Q2–Q3 (around mid-year).
• Watch for MOE circulars and announcements; mainstream media such as The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia usually publish summaries when dates go live.

Where to check official dates (MOE.gov.sg P1 Registration)

• Authoritative source for dates, phases, and rules: MOE P1 Registration page.
• School-specific information (vacancies, announcements): Individual school pages linked from MOE’s site.

For updates from us once MOE announces the schedule, check: P1 registration dates 2025 (for 2026 cohort)

Typical sequence of phases and balloting windows

Below is a typical high-level sequence. Exact dates vary each year—always follow MOE’s official calendar.

For an at-a-glance timeline by phase with updates, see: P1 registration phases explained (Phase 1, 2A, 2B, 2C)

Registration phases explained: Phase 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C Supplementary

MOE’s multi-phase structure prioritises certain groups while ensuring access for the general public via reserved places in Phases 2B and 2C. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Phase 1: siblings’ guaranteed placement

• For children with a sibling currently studying at the school.
• School confirms sibling status and eligibility.
• No balloting; all eligible Phase 1 applications are placed. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Phase 2A: alumni and affiliations

• For children with specific school-based links (e.g., parent alumni, sometimes staff/committee affiliations) as defined by MOE and the school. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]
• If applications exceed available places, balloting may occur with priority rules (e.g., Singapore Citizens over Permanent Residents; distance categories applied as tie-breakers).

Phase 2B: community/volunteer routes and reserved places

• For children whose parents have certain community, grassroots, or religious affiliations with the school, including recognised parent volunteer schemes where applicable, subject to MOE and school criteria. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]
• MOE reserves a minimum number of places for Phase 2B across all schools to support access; exact numbers and implementation details are confirmed annually by MOE. [Citation needed if quoting specific figures]
• Oversubscription leads to balloting within MOE’s priority framework.

Learn more: Phase 2B guide: eligibility, volunteer routes and reserved places

Phase 2C: general applicants and reserved places

• Open to any child who has not secured a place in earlier phases and wishes to apply to a school with remaining vacancies.
• MOE reserves a minimum number of places for Phase 2C across all schools to ensure broader access; exact numbers are announced annually. [Citation needed if quoting specific figures]
• Home–school distance and SC/PR status are key in balloting when oversubscribed.

Strategy support: Phase 2C strategy and managing vacancies

Phase 2C Supplementary: additional chance for unplaced applicants

• For children who remain unplaced after Phase 2C.
• Parents apply to schools with remaining vacancies.
• If still unplaced after Phase 2C Supplementary, MOE will post SC/PR applicants to a nearby school with available places. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Full breakdown: P1 registration phases explained (Phase 1, 2A, 2B, 2C)

Balloting and tie-breakers: how vacancies are allocated

When applications exceed available places within a phase, balloting is conducted based on MOE’s rules and priority order. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

SC vs PR priority within phases

• Singapore Citizens (SC) have priority over Permanent Residents (PR) within each phase.
• If a phase is oversubscribed by SCs alone, PRs in that phase will not be considered for that school’s places during that phase. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

When balloting occurs and how it’s conducted

• Balloting occurs when the number of eligible applications in a phase exceeds the number of places available for that phase.
• The school (under MOE’s process) conducts the ballot; results are typically published shortly after the phase closes. Always refer to MOE’s announced timelines. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Tie-breakers and home–school distance ordering

Most phases that go into balloting use home–school distance as a tie-breaker. The distance categories generally follow:

• Within 1km
• Between 1–2km
• More than 2km

Priority order in balloting commonly follows this sequence (illustrative, subject to MOE rules each year):

1. Singapore Citizen within 1km
2. Singapore Citizen 1–2km
3. Singapore Citizen >2km
4. Permanent Resident within 1km
5. Permanent Resident 1–2km
6. Permanent Resident >2km

Important: The above ordering is a general guide. Check the MOE page each year for definitive tie-breakers by phase. Balloting may differ slightly by phase depending on reserved places and the distribution of applicants. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

More examples: Balloting rules and tie-breakers

Home–school distance and address rules (1km/2km, OneMap, 30 months)

Distance often determines your child’s balloting priority in oversubscribed phases. MOE uses official geospatial determination to classify distance bands. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

How distance categories are determined

• Distance is measured via MOE’s official method and tools (OneMap) from the registered residential address to the school. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]
• Categories: within 1km, 1–2km, and >2km.
• Schools do not use third-party apps for official distance determination.

Verifying distance using OneMap

Use OneMap (the government map service) to check if your home falls within the 1km or 2km radius.

Quick steps:

1. Go to OneMap SchoolQuery: https://www.onemap.gov.sg/main/v2/schoolquery
2. Search for the primary school.
3. Use the radius/analytic overlays (1km, 2km) to verify your address.
4. Cross-check your building entry/stack where relevant.
5. Keep screenshots or notes for your own reference (MOE will verify distance officially).

Handy resource: Check home–school distance with OneMap

Using a new address and the 30-month residency rule

MOE’s address rules ensure fair use of distance priority:

• If using a recently changed address for priority, you must provide valid proof (e.g., NRIC address, HDB/tenancy documents).
• Families are typically expected to reside at the declared address for a minimum period (commonly 30 months) from a specified reference date set by MOE each year. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration — Address rules]
• MOE conducts compliance checks; misuse can lead to consequences including loss of priority.

Address compliance checklist:

• Confirm the reference date and 30-month requirement on MOE’s P1 Registration page for 2026.
• Ensure your NRIC (or relevant documents) reflect the address by the MOE-stipulated deadline.
• If renting, prepare a tenancy agreement that meets MOE’s requirements.
• Keep utility bills and other proof handy in case of verification.
• Do not use addresses where you do not genuinely reside.

Deep dive: MOE address and 30-month residency rule

Eligibility and special groups (SC/PR, SPED, international students)

Mainstream P1 vs SPED placement

• This guide focuses on mainstream Primary 1 Registration.
• Children who require Special Education (SPED) placement follow a separate process. If you are unsure about mainstream suitability, consult MOE’s guidance and relevant professionals. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Learn more: SPED vs mainstream P1 placement

International students via the ISAE

• Foreigners who are not SC/PR do not participate in the standard P1 phases.
• They may apply via the International Students Admissions Exercise (ISAE), which usually occurs later and is subject to availability.
• Details and timelines are announced by MOE. [Citation: MOE — International Students]

Guide: International Students Admissions Exercise (ISAE)

School-specific affiliation considerations

• Affiliation eligibility (e.g., alumni, religious/grassroots links, parent volunteer) is defined by MOE and the school.
• Some affiliations require applications or service commitments well in advance (for Phase 2B). Always verify on the school’s website and the MOE page for the current year.

Documents checklist and how to use the P1 Registration Portal

Registration is conducted online via MOE’s Primary 1 Registration Portal (linked from MOE’s P1 Registration page). Prepare your documents early. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Birth Certificate, NRIC/FIN, proof of address and affiliation docs

Core documents (prepare digital copies):

• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s identification (if applicable)
• Parents’ NRIC/FIN (to establish SC/PR status)
• Proof of registered residential address (NRIC address, HDB/tenancy documents)
• Any school-specific affiliation or eligibility documents (alumni membership, volunteer certifications, letters from community/religious organisations, staff letters)
• Court documents if applicable (e.g., legal guardianship)

Printable version: P1 registration documents checklist

Online portal steps and key tips

Basic steps in the Primary 1 Registration Portal:

1. Access the portal via MOE’s P1 Registration page during your child’s eligible phase.
2. Log in with Singpass/credentials (as per MOE guidance).
3. Confirm child and parent particulars (SC/PR status will be reflected).
4. Select the school(s) or submit your choice as required by the phase.
5. Upload supporting documents where required.
6. Review and confirm submission before the deadline.
7. Save or print the acknowledgement receipt.

Portal tips:

• Log in early in the window to avoid last-minute rush.
• Double-check your address and distance category before submission.
• Ensure your affiliation eligibility has been verified by the school (if required) before the phase opens.

Guide: How to use the P1 Registration Portal

Common errors to avoid during submission

• Submitting under the wrong phase (verify your eligibility).
• Outdated or mismatched address documents.
• Assuming volunteer or alumni status without formal confirmation.
• Missing the submission deadline (the portal closes on the dot).
• Selecting only one highly competitive school without a backup plan (where allowed).

Strategy tips for parents: choosing schools and improving your odds

A thoughtful plan can reduce stress during P1 Registration 2026.

Reading past years’ balloting trends

• Look at past balloting outcomes and cut-off patterns from reliable summaries and community discussions.
• Trends can change due to reserved places, shifting demand, and new housing developments. Treat past data as indicative, not predictive.
• Follow MOE’s vacancy updates during the phases to watch live supply/demand. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration]

Balancing sibling, alumni, and distance considerations

• Sibling priority in Phase 1 is the most straightforward path if it applies to you.
• Alumni/community routes require advance planning; confirm eligibility and deadlines well before 2025.
• Distance often decides balloting outcomes in popular schools. If you’re within 1km, your odds are usually stronger in oversubscribed phases (subject to SC/PR priority and available places).

Targeting realistic schools and contingency planning

• Create a shortlist of schools across different demand levels:
  • A “reach” option (high demand/popular),
  • A “match” option (moderate competition),
  • A “safety” option (historically less oversubscribed).
• Monitor vacancy numbers during each phase; pivot if necessary.
• Discuss transport, start times, and after-school care. “Best” school fit includes commute, culture, and child’s needs—beyond brand names.

Simple planning worksheet:

Recent MOE policy updates affecting 2026 registration

MOE’s policy direction in recent years aims to improve fairness and access.

Reserved places in Phases 2B and 2C

• MOE continues to reserve a minimum number of places across all schools for Phases 2B and 2C so that families without strong affiliations still have a realistic path to popular schools. [Citation: MOE P1 Registration; add specific reserved place figures if quoting them — citation needed]
• This influences how many seats remain available in earlier phases—always refer to MOE’s annual breakdown.

Stricter address checks and compliance

• Expect robust verification of addresses and compliance with the minimum residency period (commonly 30 months). [Citation: MOE P1 Registration — Address rules]
• Non-compliance can lead to consequences such as priority withdrawal. Always follow MOE’s address guidance for the year.

Clarifications on alumni/volunteer criteria

• Schools and MOE have tightened definitions and timelines (e.g., what counts as meaningful volunteering for Phase 2B).
• If considering these routes for 2026, engage the school early and obtain written confirmation of eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

Below are concise answers to common questions. For definitive rules, check MOE’s P1 Registration page.

Checklist: What to do now

• Track MOE announcements from Q2–Q3 2025.
• Shortlist schools (reach/match/safety) and verify your distance band for each on OneMap.
• Confirm eligibility for any Phase 2A/2B affiliations well in advance.
• Ensure your address is compliant with MOE’s 30-month rule (if relevant) and documentation is ready.
• Prepare and scan all required documents for the Primary 1 Registration Portal.
• Familiarise yourself with balloting rules and tie-breakers.
• Set calendar reminders for each phase window and document deadlines.

If you only remember one thing: the authoritative and up-to-date instructions, dates, and rules are on MOE’s P1 Registration website.