Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), or ACS Primary, is one of the most sought-after primary schools in Singapore. Known for its rich Methodist heritage and academic excellence, it’s no surprise that many parents are keen to secure a spot for their child.
In this guide, we break down the Primary 1 (P1) registration process, analyse the competitiveness of various registration phases, and explore your best strategies for gaining admission to ACS Primary.
ACS Primary P1 Registration Trend (2022 & 2023)
Here’s a snapshot of the Phase 2A, 2B, and 2C application trends over the last two years:
| Year | Phase | Vacancies | Applicants | Oversubscribed? | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2A | 118 | 95 | No | 100% |
| 2022 | 2B | 28 | 55 | Yes | ~51% |
| 2022 | 2C | 55 | 69 | Yes | ~80% |
| 2023 | 2A | 124 | 106 | No | 100% |
| 2023 | 2B | 26 | 51 | Yes | ~51% |
| 2023 | 2C | 53 | 68 | Yes | ~78% |
As seen above, Phase 2A has not required balloting in recent years, while Phase 2B and 2C are consistently oversubscribed.
Securing a Spot in Phase 2B
Phase 2B is one of the more competitive registration phases. It is reserved for:
- Parents who are Methodist Church members
- Active community leaders endorsed by grassroots organizations
Option 1: Methodist Church Membership
ACS Primary is a Methodist school. If you are an official member of a Methodist church in Singapore, you can register your child under Phase 2B. Here are the requirements:
- Membership must be verified and official.
- Obtain a letter of certification from your Methodist church.
- Submit it during the P1 registration period.
- To improve balloting chances, live within 1km of the school.
Option 2: Active Community Leadership
To qualify as an active community leader:
- Volunteer at your local Residents’ Committee (RC) for a minimum of 3 years.
- Secure an endorsement letter from your MP.
- You can only apply to schools within 2km of your home.
- As with church membership, residing within 1km significantly boosts your chances due to the priority ballot system.
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) is under the Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
Note: ACS Primary does not accept Parent Volunteers (PVs).
Securing a Spot in Phase 2C
Phase 2C is open to all Singaporean children who have not secured a place in earlier phases. Admission here depends heavily on proximity to the school.
Key Strategy: Stay Within 1km
Because Phase 2C always requires balloting, your best bet is to reside within 1km of ACS Primary. The closer you live, the better your ballot priority.
Nearby Residential Options
Living near ACS Primary comes at a premium. Here are some condos within 1km, with recent average price per square foot (PSF):
| Condo Name | PSF Range (S$) |
| The Atelier | 2,665 – 3,396 |
| Klimt Cairnhill | 3,408 – 3,716 |
| Sanctuary @ Newton | ~2,841 |
| Cairnhill 16 | ~2,667 |
| Pullman Residences Newton | 2,867 – 3,387 |
| Resale condos (avg) | ~2,165 |
For those seeking affordability, resale condos within 1km are more cost-effective than new launches.
Final Thoughts
Getting into ACS Primary is competitive, especially in Phase 2B and 2C. With strategic planning, such as securing church membership, serving as an active community leader, or relocating within 1km, parents can improve their odds.
While history shows that vacancies are tight and balloting is likely, being well-informed and prepared can make a meaningful difference. If ACS Primary is your dream school, now is the time to start planning.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available data and trends. For the latest updates and regulations, always refer to the MOE P1 registration site.