Planning to apply to Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) for the 2026 Primary 1 intake? This popular girls’ school shows consistent demand, especially in Phase 2C. Our analysis of 2022-2024 data reveals key patterns to optimize your application strategy.
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: 100 applicants for 50 spots → 100 ÷ 50 = 2.0:1 (balloting).
- Low ratio (50 applicants for 100 spots → 0.5:1): No balloting (fewer applicants than spots).
| Phase | 2022 Ratio | 2023 Ratio | 2024 Ratio | Balloting History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 0.38:1 | 0.30:1 | 0.36:1 | Never balloted |
| 2A(1) | 0.53:1 | 0.48:1 | 0.45:1 | Never balloted |
| 2B | 1.15:1 | 0.76:1 | 0.76:1 | SC>2km (2022) |
| 2C | 1.36:1 | 1.17:1 | 1.35:1 | SC<1km (all years) |
Ratios calculated as Applied ÷ Vacancy
Your Winning Strategy
By Priority Group
SC <1km:
- ✅ Phase 1/2A(1): Guaranteed admission
- ⚠️ 2B: Competitive (balloted in 2022)
- ⚠️ 2C: Consistently balloted (prepare backup)
SC 1-2km:
- ✅ Phase 1/2A(1): Safe admission
- ✅ 2B: Generally safe (0.76:1 in 2023-2024)
- ❌ 2C: No vacancies (priority given to <1km)
SC >2km:
- ✅ Phase 1/2A(1): Safe admission
- 🎲 2B: Balloted in 2022 (0.76:1 recent years)
- ❌ 2C: No vacancies
PR Applicants:
- ❌ No vacancies since 2022
Key Observations
- Phase 2C is Most Competitive: Consistently requires balloting for <1km applicants
- 2B Volatility: Showed balloting in 2022 but became less competitive recently
- Distance Critical for 2C: <1km priority dominates Phase 2C admissions
Pro Tips
- Early Phase Advantage:
- Phase 1 and 2A(1) offer guaranteed spots if eligible
- 2B has become less competitive recently (0.76:1 ratio)
- Distance Planning:
- <1km status provides significant advantage in 2C
- Consider relocating if targeting 2C admission
- Monitor 2B Trends:
- While currently favorable, 2B could become competitive again
- Have a backup plan if applying in 2B
2025 Prediction
- Phase 1/2A(1): Will continue to have surplus vacancies
- 2B: May see increased competition if ratios return to 2022 levels
- 2C: Will remain competitive for <1km applicants
- Distance Priority: <1km remains crucial for 2C success
Key Terminology
Priority Groups:
- Citizenship: Singapore Citizens (SC) > Permanent Residents (PR)
- Distance: <1km → 1-2km → >2km (most relevant for Phase 2C)
*Note: Total vacancies have remained steady at 270 spots annually, with Phase 2C consistently offering 80-103 spots.*
With careful planning and phase selection, your daughter’s admission to PLMGS (Primary) is within reach!