School Placement: Primary Schools
Overview
Returning Singaporeans (RS) may seek admission to our primary schools at anytime of the year. Returning Singaporeans are however encouraged to seek admission in the first half of the year, as the school year is from January to November each year.
Returning Singaporeans seeking primary school admission generally fall into the following groups:
- Returning Singaporeans eligible for Primary One Registration
- Primary school admission for Returning Singaporeans on Leave of Absence Scheme (LOA)
- Primary school admission for Returning Singaporeans not on Leave of Absence Scheme (LOA)
Returning Singaporeans Eligible for Primary One Registration
Parents with Returning Singaporean children who are due to enter Primary One are encouraged to register their children while abroad during the Primary One Registration Exercise. Application form and details of the registration procedure are available at the Primary One Registration: Information for Overseas Singaporeans webpage. Upon securing a place and if the family is not due to return when the child is due to start Primary One, parents may apply to keep a place for the child under the Leave of Absence Scheme (LOA) at the registered school.
The Primary One Registration Exercise Application Forms can also be obtained from the Singapore Embassies, High Commissions and Clubs overseas.
Primary School Admission for Returning Singaporeans on Leave of Absence Scheme (LOA)
Returning Singaporeans who are on the LOA can rejoin their former schools immediately upon their return.
Primary School Admission for Returning Singaporeans Not on Leave of Absence Scheme (LOA)
Returning Singaporeans who are not on the LOA and are seeking primary school admission may either apply to their preferred schools directly or approach MOE for assistance. This admission route is generally available throughout the year, subject to school operations e.g. examination periods.
Generally, Returning Singaporeans seeking admission to primary schools will be placed at the level appropriate for their age, subject to available vacancies. Returning Singaporeans do not have to sit for entrance tests for admission to primary schools. However, the school may conduct assessment tests after admission to ascertain the child’s current attainment level and provide the appropriate assistance to help the child settle back into the school.
Returning Singaporeans applying to MOE for assistance can submit the online Application Form for School Placement. MOE would offer the Returning Singaporeans a place in a primary school nearest to their home (with vacancies at the level appropriate to their age cohort). Applicants can choose not to take up the places offered by MOE. If so, they can approach other primary schools directly to seek admission with them. MOE will be happy to provide information on vacancies in the schools they are interested in.
Returning Singaporeans seeking MOE’s assistance for school placement are advised to submit their requests for school placement at least three months in advance (but not earlier than three months before the intended date of school admission as schools would not be able to confirm their vacancies).
Returning Singaporeans seeking primary school placement can follow the above procedures if they want to be admitted to schools between January and November. Applications for admission after mid-Nov would be considered in mid-Dec of each year. This is due to the conduct of the Student Transfer Exercise for Primary Schools (STEPS) during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for Primary School Placement.