What Parents Are Saying About Popular Schools like Henry Park
A look into real parent discussions about P1 registration, popular schools, and the factors that matter most beyond the data.
Published on August 10, 2025
Recent social media discussions have revealed fascinating perspectives about Primary 1 registration in Singapore. Let's dive into what parents are actually saying about this perennial hot topic.
The "Popular School" Paradox
One parent's observation perfectly captures the conflicting emotions many face:
Life is tough. When hot schools become hotter, parents worry and whine, wanting to complain to MOE to change the system. When hot schools become lukewarm and their kids can get in without any anxiety, they worry if there's something wrong...
This sentiment reflects the interesting dilemma parents face - the desire for prestigious schools while simultaneously questioning what makes a school "good."
Henry Park Primary School: A Case Study in Changing Perceptions
The discussions about Henry Park Primary School (HPPS) have been particularly revealing. As one experienced parent noted:
HPPS is usually not super oversubscribed for 2B. Even when oversubscribed, it's just exceeding by a few applicants.
Another parent pointed out demographic factors:
It is one interesting school because of the demographics. From the very rich to people living in rental flats (coz there are rental flats in Ghim Moh). All four races there too.
The GEP Factor
The removal of the Gifted Education Programme has sparked interesting debates. As one parent observed:
No more GEP. Parents finally realised it may not be as 'atas' as it seems to be.
A GEP teacher in the discussion added valuable insight:
Not all GEP teachers teach only GEP students. With so few GEP students, how can we only teach such a small bunch of students? Of course we have to do other work right?
Looking to the Future
Some parents are taking a longer-term view. As one commenter noted:
When the new BTOs at Dover and Ghim Moh Road are up, I'm quite sure HPPS will be over-subscribed (again).
School Culture and Values
One particularly insightful comment about HPPS noted:
HPPS has always been a school that prioritizes more than just academics. Their strength is in holistic development, like character building and values-driven learning.
Competition with Other Schools
The discussions revealed interesting comparisons with other popular schools, such as Fairfield Methodist School (Primary):
Fairfield has affiliation, is a missionary school and is surrounded by HDB flats. That's the reason why it's popular. It's myopic to think it's popular ONLY because it's a GEP school.
What Parents Should Consider
Based on the discussions, key considerations emerge for parents navigating the P1 registration:
- Alignment with the school's culture and values
- Practical factors like location and demographics
- Future development plans in the surrounding area
- The school's specific approach to holistic education
The Voice of Reason
Perhaps the most valuable comment came from a parent who provided a grounding perspective:
The underlying message is don't be dictated by trends & preferences of other parents. You know your family and child best.
The conversations suggest that parents are becoming more nuanced in their school selection process, looking beyond traditional markers of prestige to find the best fit for their children. This article captures the authentic voices and concerns of parents, showing how perspectives are evolving in Singapore's education landscape.
Curious about the data? Check out Henry Park Primary School data at our website.
Note: These insights are drawn from parent discussions and should be verified against official sources for the most current information.