Planning to apply to Catholic High School for the 2026 Primary 1 intake? As a 2025 applicant, understanding past admission trends is key to formulating a winning strategy. Catholic High is a prestigious all-boys school with competitive phases, especially for those living beyond 1km.
This guide analyzes the latest admission ratios (2022–2024), highlights balloting patterns, and provides actionable tips tailored to your priority group.
Balloting Priority Codes
Before diving into the trends, here’s a quick reference for the priority groups used in admissions:
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| SC<1 | Singapore Citizens living <1km |
| SC1-2 | Singapore Citizens living 1-2km |
| SC>2 | Singapore Citizens living >2km |
| PR<1 | Permanent Residents living <1km |
| PR1-2 | Permanent Residents living 1-2km |
| PR>2 | Permanent Residents living >2km |
| # | Special cases (context-dependent) |
Admission Odds (2022–2024 Data)
Applicant-to-Vacancy Ratios
How competitive is your phase?
- Example 1: 20 applicants for 10 vacancies → 20 ÷ 10 = 2.0:1 (2 applicants per spot, balloting required).
- Example 2: 15 applicants for 20 vacancies → 15 ÷ 20 = 0.75:1 (no balloting needed).
| Phase | 2022 Ratio | 2023 Ratio | 2024 Ratio | Balloting History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 0.39:1 | 0.36:1 | 0.39:1 | Never balloted |
| 2A(1) | 1.35:1 | 1.16:1 | 1.19:1 | SC>2 (2022, 2024) |
| 2B | 2.15:1 | 1.45:1 | 1.90:1 | Always SC<1 |
| 2C | 1.70:1 | 1.30:1 | 1.17:1 | SC<1 (all years) |
Your Winning Strategy
1. By Priority Group
SC<1 (Singapore Citizens <1km):
✅ Phase 1/2A(1): Guaranteed admission.
⚠️ 2B/2C: Competitive but historically prioritized (SC<1 always ballots).
SC1-2 (Singapore Citizens 1–2km):
✅ 2A(1): Safe in 2023 (1.16:1); slight risk in other years.
❌ 2B/2C: Low chance (balloting for SC<1 only).
SC>2 (Singapore Citizens >2km):
🎲 2A(1): Balloted in 2022 & 2024 (apply early).
❌ 2B/2C: No vacancies.
PR Applicants (PR<1, PR1-2, PR>2):
❌ No vacancies since 2022.
2. Pro Tips
- Distance Matters: Relocate within 1km (SC<1) for 2B/2C advantage.
- Phase Priority: Target Phase 1 → 2A(1) first. 2B/2C require backup plans.
- Monitor Trends: 2B ratios fluctuate—apply early if eligible.
2025 Prediction
- Phase 1/2A(1): Safest for citizens (but 2A(1) may ballot SC>2).
- 2B: Will remain highly competitive (SC<1 only).
- 2C: Stable ratios, but demand may rise.