Question 1

Can a grandparent's address be used for P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but only if your child genuinely lives at the grandparent's address. The address must be the one on your child's records, and if you use it to gain home-school distance priority you must continue living there for at least 30 months from the start of registration.

Question 2

How is the 1km / 2km distance measured for P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

Distance is measured as a straight line ("as the crow flies") from your registered home address to a fixed reference point at the school — not by walking or driving distance.

Question 3

Does living within 1km guarantee a place in the school?

Accepted Answer

No. Living within 1km gives you the highest distance priority, but if there are more 1km applicants than vacancies, a ballot is still held among them.

Question 4

What home address is used for P1 registration distance priority?

Accepted Answer

The official residential address on your NRIC (or your child’s records) at the time of registration is used. It must be your genuine place of residence.

Question 5

How long must I stay at my address after P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

If you used home-school distance priority to gain a place, you must live at that registered address for at least 30 months from the start of the P1 registration exercise.

Question 6

What is balloting in P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

Balloting is a computerised random draw held when a phase has more applicants than vacancies. It only happens within the priority group where places run out.

Question 7

What happens if my child doesn't get a place after Phase 2C?

Accepted Answer

You can apply in Phase 2C (Supplementary) to schools that still have vacancies. If still unplaced, MOE will assign your child to a school with vacancies near your home.

Question 8

Which P1 registration phase do I qualify for?

Accepted Answer

Most families without a sibling or alumni link register in Phase 2C, which is open to all. Earlier phases (1, 2A, 2B) are for siblings, alumni/staff, and school volunteers respectively.

Question 9

Can Permanent Residents (PRs) register for P1?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PRs can register in the phase they qualify for, but Singapore Citizens are always given priority over PRs within the same phase and distance band when balloting.

Question 10

Can I apply to more than one school in P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

No. In each phase you can only register your child at one school. If unsuccessful, you try another school in the next applicable phase.

Question 11

How many volunteer hours do I need for Phase 2B?

Accepted Answer

You need to complete at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school, and you must have signed up as a volunteer before 1 July of the year before your child registers.

Question 12

When does P1 registration open in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For 2026, Phase 1 opens around 30 June, Phase 2A in early July, Phase 2B around 20 July, and Phase 2C around 28 July. Each phase runs for two to three days. Always confirm exact dates on the MOE website.

Question 13

Is P1 registration done online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. P1 registration is done through MOE’s online Primary One Registration Portal using Singpass. Some volunteer-based phases may require additional steps with the school.

Question 14

Can I change my child’s school after P1 registration?

Accepted Answer

A successful registration is binding for the phase. To change schools you would generally need to apply for a transfer through MOE after the registration exercise, subject to vacancies.

P1 Registration — Frequently Asked Questions

Address & Distance

Balloting & Odds

Phases & Eligibility

Dates & Process