Primary One Registration: Frequently Asked Questions
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Age Requirement
Q1: What is the age requirement for children due for registration for admission to P1 in 2009?
A1: The registration this year is for children born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2003 (both dates inclusive). Those born between 2 Jan 2000 and 1 Jan 2002 (both dates inclusive) and have not registered previously can also register.
Q2: My child is born on 2 Jan 2003 or in the month of Jan 2003, can he / she be registered for admission to P1 in 2009?
A2: No. The Ministry adheres strictly to the policy of admitting children to P1 when they are 6 or 6+ as on 1st Jan of the year of admission.
Compulsory Education
Q3: Where can I get more information on Compulsory Education?
A3: You may visit the Compulsory Education webpage for more information on Compulsory Education.
Q4: My child was born on 1 Jan 2003 . I understand that I have a choice of registering him this year or next year. Is this correct?
A4: Under the Compulsory Education Act, children born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2003 (both dates inclusive) have to be registered in the 2008 Primary One Registration Exercise for admission to Primary One in 2009. If you wish to defer your child’s entry into Primary One, you would have to write in to the Compulsory Education Unit
Q5: Where can I get a copy of the deferment form?
A5: The copy of the form can be printed from the Compulsory Education website.
Q6: I have registered my child for P1 but now find that he may have difficulty in coping. Can I hold the school place for him and let him start a year later?
A6: No. Holding of places is not allowed. You should, after obtaining approval from the Compulsory Education Unit for the child’s deferment, withdraw the child’s application from the school.
If the child had not started school at all at P1 level, you would then have to register the child again at the next registration exercise.
If the child had started school, then you should approach schools directly to get your child re-admitted the following year. This can be done anytime after the Primary One Registration Exercise.
Primary One Initiatives
Q7: How would the class size reduction for Primary 1 this year benefit my child?
A7: The reduction in class size eases the transition for Primary 1 students from pre-school, where class size is typically under 30. More individualised attention can also help lay a good foundation in literacy and numeracy. Moreover, with a smaller class size, teachers would be better positioned to cater to students with different abilities.
Q8: What is “partial single session”? What are the advantages of this configuration?
A8: Partial single session means that Primary 3 to Primary 6 will operate in one session, with Primary 1 and Primary 2 in the other session. It is implemented to open up possibilities for better teaching and learning by making more time and space available to Primary 3 to Primary 6 students. By having only Primary 1 and Primary 2 in one session, the freed-up classroom resources can be used for enrichment programmes or CCA for P3-P6 students.
Q9: When will the class size reduction and partial single session be implemented in our schools?
A9: All government schools will reduce their class size for Primary 1, from 2005 onwards, and for Primary 2, 2006 onwards. They will also transit to a single session for Primary 3-6 over the next 10 years. Government-aided schools have some flexibility in deciding on the phasing of the implementation of these initiatives.
Q10: Why is full single session not introduced now?
A10: The capacity to introduce full single session is dependent on the availability of physical resources. Given the current resource constraints, and the fact that upper primary pupils are able to benefit more than lower primary pupils from after-school activities, it is more practical to implement partial single session at this point in time.
Registration Procedures
Q11: What are the registration procedures?
A11:Parents registering their children under Phase 1 are not required to go to the school as applications will be done through the older sibling in the school. The registration of a child under Phase 2A(1) to Phase 3 is to be done by the parent or by a person authorised by the parent in writing. You may download the Letter of Authorisation (44kb .pdf) here.
The registration process involves the completion of a simple application form. The school will then register the child, issue an acknowledgement slip and at a later date inform the parents by post of the result of registration.
Q12: I am currently working overseas and need to register my child for entry into P1 in 2009. How do I go about it?
A12: Parents who wish to register their children at the Primary One Registration Exercise can download the relevant application form. Completed forms should be faxed to MOE with photocopies of the relevant documents. MOE will assist in their registration. Alternatively, parents may also authorise a proxy in Singapore to register their child in a school on their behalf. You may download the Letter of Authorisation (44kb .pdf).
Q13: What can I do if my child is not able to return to Singapore in time to start the new school term?
A13: If you are unable to return by Jan 2009, you could contact the Principal of the school your child has been successfully registered and apply for Leave of Absence. A school place will be available for the child when he returns provided the Leave of Absence is renewed every year. Based on his performance in the school’s placement test, he will be placed in a level and class best suited to his needs.
Q14: What are the documents required at the time of registration?
A14: At the time of registration, you have to bring original copies of relevant documents.
For Singapore Citizens
If your child is a Singapore Citizen, documents required for registration are:
- child’s Singapore Birth Certificate
- child’s immunisation certificate
- both the parents’ NRIC.
- statutory declaration if it is to be used.
- if you are registering under Phase 2A(1), Phase 2A(2) or Phase 2B, you need to produce documents to prove your eligibility
- if the parent authorises another person to register on his behalf, an authorisation letter (44kb .pdf) is required.
For Singapore Permanent Residents
If your child is a Singapore Permanent Resident, documents required for registration are:
- child’s entry or re-entry permit
- child’s immunisation certificate
- both the parents’ NRIC or entry or re-entry permits
- statutory declaration if it is to be used.
- if you are registering under Phase 2A(1), Phase 2A(2) or Phase 2B, you need to produce documents to prove your eligibility.
- if the parent authorises another person to register on his behalf, an authorisation letter (44kb .pdf) is required.
For International Students:
- child’s Birth Certificate
- child’s passport and dependent’s pass (if any)
- parents’ travel document/Singapore NRIC/Entry or Re-entry Permit/Employment Pass / Work Permit.
- if the parent authorises another person to register on his behalf, an authorisation letter (44kb .pdf) is required.
Q15: What are the registration hours in the school?
A15: The registration will be held between Monday 30 June 2008 and Thursday 28 August 2008 according to the scheduled dates of registration for different phases. Schools will conduct registration from 8.00 am to 11.00 am and from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Q16: Can I register my child in more than one school?
A16: No. At any particular phase you can only register your child in one school. Our computer system will be able to detect duplicate application. However, schools will allow parents to withdraw their registration in order that they can register their child in another school.
Dates and Phases
Q17: What are the dates and phases of registration and the dates of balloting if the schools are required to conduct balloting?
A17: The dates and phases of registration as well as the dates of announcement of result which are the same as dates of balloting are listed here.
Balloting
Q18: What are the guidelines to be used for balloting when the number of applications exceed the number of vacancies from Phase 2A1 to Phase 2C(Supplementary)?
A18: Balloting will be conducted within the school premises and priority will be given in the following order:
- children living within 1 kilometre of the school of choice.
- children living between 1-2 kilometres of the school of choice.
- children living outside 2 kilometres of the school of choice.
If the number of children in category (1) is less than the number of vacancies, all these children should be allocated places without balloting. If after allocation of places to these children and places are still available, priority will be given to those in category (2). If places are still available after category (2) has been considered, children in category (3) will be considered.
If the number of children under the category being considered is more than the vacancies available, balloting will be conducted for them only.
Q19: I have purchased a yet-to-be completed property and should be moving in after the property is completed, can I make use of the new home address for the purpose of registration?
A19: Yes. The new home address can be used provided that you are able to produce evidence from the relevant authority that you have committed to the purchase of this property. In the case of private property, parents must produce the original copy of the Sales and Purchase Agreement. The date of commitment by the developer in T.O.P (Temporary Occupation Permit) must not be later than 31 Dec 2010.In the case of HDB flat, the document issued by the HDB. Parents must move into the new property within two years of the child’s entry into Primary One otherwise the child will be transferred out of the school.
Q20: How will I know the schools which are required to conduct balloting?
A20: The Ministry will announce through Teletext (Channel 8, page 720), and the Primary One Registration Balloting webpage, the schools which will be conducting balloting for a particular phase.
Q21: Must I be at the school to witness the balloting?
A21: No. It is not necessary as the school will inform you of the outcome of the registration by post.
Proximity of Home to School
Q22: My house is more than 2km from the school I intend to register my child. Can I still register my child at the school?
A22: Yes, you can register your child at any school of your choice. However if there are more applications than vacancies, then balloting will be conducted. Balloting will be conducted according to the following order of priority:
- Children living within 1km of the school;
- Children living between 1km-2km of the school;
- Children living outside 2km of the school.
Q23: How can I find out the actual distance between my school of choice and my residence?
A23: Parents may check with the schools directly on the distance between their home and the schools after 18 June 2008. Alternatively, parents may visit Singapore Land Authority’s Integrated Land Information Service for a list of schools within 1km and 2km of your address. This is not an MOE website and is maintained by the Singapore Land Authority. Parents would have to pay for the use of this service.
Q24: Some schools are holding at temporary locations while their buildings are undergoing PRIME. In this case, which site does MOE use to determine the distance between the school and any given address?
A24: The school’s permanent location will be used to determine the distance. You may check with the school for more details and confirmation.
Q25: If a school has to move, which site will be used as the reference point to determine distance from my home for the Primary 1 registration?
A25: If the school relocates because of a merger or because it has a new site, the new site of the school will be used to determine the distance. This is provided the expected date of completion of the new school building falls between 1 July of the current year to 30 June of the following year.
If the school moves to a holding school while waiting for its present site to be upgraded or rebuilt, the present site and not the holding site of the school will be used to determine the distance.
Statutory Declaration
Q26: My child is being looked after by the foster parent, can we make use of the foster parent’s address for the purpose of registration?
A26: A Statutory Declaration is required if the address of a foster parent is used. The use of the address of a foster parent is permitted if both parents are working full time at the point of making the declaration and the foster parent is not working. The foster parent must be a grandparent of the child, or a sibling of either of the child’s parents. Parents will be prosecuted in court in the event of false declaration.
Q27: How do I go about making the Statutory Declaration?
A27: Parents and foster parents must go to the MOE Customer Service Centre, Ministry of Education, Podium Block, 1 North Buona Vista Drive S (138675) between Monday, 30 June 2008 and Tuesday 12 August 2008 to make the Statutory Declaration. The Statutory Declaration can be made from 8 am to 4 pm, Mondays to Fridays and from 8 am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Q28: Other than the stipulated duration, can I come to the Ministry to make the Statutory Declaration earlier?
A28: No. The Statutory Declaration can only be made during the stipulated times at the Ministry.
Q29: What are the documents I need to produce for the statutory declaration?
A29: You need to produce the original copies of the following documents:
- NRIC of both parents
- NRIC of the foster parent
- birth certificate of the child being registered for admission
- documents to prove the relationship between parent and the foster parent. E.g. if the child is being looked after by the maternal grandparent, then the child’s mother must also bring along her BC to prove the relationship.
- for parents who are self-employed, please bring along supporting documents to proof their employment e.g. bizfile, CPF statements and Income Tax.
- photostated copies of passport / NRIC / overseas employment letter is required for parent(s) who are currently overseas.
- employment letters to show full-time employment where available.
Q30: What is the balloting priority for children using statutory declaration for the purpose of registration?
A30: If Statutory Declaration is used, children living with foster parents and residing within 1km of the school of choice will not be balloted together with other children residing within 1km of the school of choice. Instead they will be balloted together with children residing between 1-2km of the school of choice. Children living with foster parents between 1-2km of the school of choice will be balloted together with children residing between 1-2km of the school of choice.
Notification of Results of Registration
Q31: Are there any announcements on update of vacancy position in individual schools?
A31: Yes. Parents can find out the number of vacancy positions in individual schools on our website or from Teletext in June 2008.
Q32: When and how will I know the outcome of registration?
A32: You will be notified of the result of your registration by post, immediately after the school has conducted balloting and before commencement of the next phase of registration.
Priority Registration
Q33: Is there any restriction against my third or fourth child qualifying for the Phase 1 registration?
A33: No.
Q34: I have a second child who will be going to P1 next year. Can I register him under Phase 1 if I register him in a school that is different from his sibling’s school?
A34: No.
Q35: Can I register my child in Phase 1 in a school that is affiliated to the primary school of my elder child?
A35: No. Phase 1 is for a child whose sibling is currently studying in the school of choice.
Q36: My children from my former marriage are in my custody. I have now re-married and have a child who is to be registered for P1 this year. Can my child be considered a sibling of my elder children for the purpose of registration?
A36: Yes. If you have custody of your children from your earlier marriage, your younger child can be considered a sibling of your elder children for the purpose of registration. You would need to produce the relevant custody papers at the time of registration.
Q37: How do I qualify as an active community leader for registration at Phase 2B?
A37: Current serving executive committee members of the Residents’ Committee (RC), Neighbourhood Committee (NC), Citizen’s Consultative Committee (CCC), Community Club Management Committee (CCMC) and the Community Development Council (CDC) are eligible to register their children under Phase 2B. Please approach your Constituency Office for more information.
Q38: Can a child be considered for registration under Phase 2B on the basis that his grandparents are active community leaders?
A38: No. Only parents of the P1 going child is eligible.
Q39: How do I apply for registration as an active community leader under Phase 2B?
A39: You should check with your respective Constituency Office on the application procedures. If your application is approved, you will receive an eligibility letter issued by Peoples’ Association informing you to proceed to your school of choice on the day of registration. You have to hand this letter to the school. No other letter will be accepted by the school.
Q40: How do I know which schools are located in the constituency where I live or serve?
A40: You can view the List of Schools by Constituency.
Q41: What happens if I fail to secure a place for my child under Phase 2B as an active community leader?
A41: You may proceed to register your child at the same school or a different one under Phase 2C. However no priority at Phase 2C will be accorded.
Q42: How can I qualify as a parent volunteer for registration at Phase 2B?
A42: In order to qualify for registration at Phase 2B as a parent volunteer, you would have to be registered as a parent volunteer with the school not later than 1 July 2007 and given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June 2008 if you are registering your child in the 2008 Primary One Registration Exercise. You can approach the school of your choice directly to enquire about their parent volunteer scheme.
Q43: Can the school reject my offer to be a parent volunteer at the school?
A43: The needs of each school vary. The school Principal has the autonomy to decide on the parent volunteer the school needs.
Others
Q44: What if I am still not able to obtain a place for my child at the end of registration at Phase 2C Supplementary?
A44: There are two alternatives, you can request MOE to post your child to a school which still has vacancies after Phase 2C Supplementary or you can register your child at a school which still has vacancies at Phase 3. Registration at Phase 3 will be done on a first-come-first-served basis.
Q45: What are the new/merging schools available for the registration this year?
A45: You can view the list of new / merging / relocating schools here.
Q46: What are the schools near my home?
A46: You can view the school listing by planning area for schools near your home.