We Are Family!: Singapore’s P1 registration changes - Does living near a school still give you an advantage?

Singapore will introduce changes to the Primary 1 registration system from 2027. Most primary schools will increase the number of places reserved under Phase 2C from 40 to 60, while 12 schools will adopt a new two-track balloting system for children living within and beyond 2km of the school.

What are these changes intended to achieve, and will living near a school continue to offer families an advantage?

On We Are Family!: Let’s Talk, Singapore, Dr Nur Diyanah Binte Anwar, Lecturer with the Humanities and Social Studies Education Department at the National Institute of Education, discusses what the revised system could mean for families.

The conversation examines access to popular schools, social mixing, school choice and how parents may respond to the new arrangements. Dr Nur Diyanah also considers whether changes to Primary 1 registration can help create a more equitable school system by widening access beyond residential proximity.

Listen to the interview on Money 89.3FM here.