With Balloting Trends, Backup Schools & Winning Strategies
Catholic High School (Primary) stands as one of Singapore’s most prestigious SAP schools, renowned for its rigorous bilingual curriculum and strong Catholic ethos. With fierce competition for limited seats, balloting occurs every year in critical phases. This updated 2026 guide provides:
✅ Exclusive vacancy vs applicant data (2022-2024)
✅ Clear explanation of balloting categories
✅ Proven strategies to avoid balloting
✅ Best backup option – Townsville Primary (with Phase 3 vacancies!)
1. Catholic High Primary P1 Registration: The Hard Numbers
2022-2024 Vacancies vs Applicants (Shocking Balloting Trends)
| Year | Phase | Vacancies | Applicants | Balloting? | Balloting Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Phase 1 | 180 | 70 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 20 | 149 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 43 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 40 | 68 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2023 | Phase 1 | 180 | 64 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 20 | 135 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 29 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 40 | 52 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2024 | Phase 1 | 180 | 70 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 20 | 131 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 38 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 46 | 54 | Yes | SC <1km |
Key Takeaways From Data:
1️⃣ Phase 1 (Siblings): Only safe phase – 180 seats vs ~70 applicants annually
2️⃣ Phase 2A(1): Brutal competition – 130+ alumni kids fight for 20 seats (SC >2km always ballots)
3️⃣ Phase 2B/2C: Even being <1km isn’t safe – ballots every year!
4️⃣ Total Seats: Consistent at 240, with 75% allocated to early phases
2. Understanding Balloting Categories
A) SC >2km Balloting (Phase 2A Only)
- Who: Singaporean children of alumni living beyond 2km
- Why: Those within 2km get priority first
- 2024 Example: 131 applicants for 20 seats – all >2km families balloted
B) SC <1km Balloting (Phases 2B & 2C)
- Shocking Reality: Even living next door isn’t guaranteed!
- 2023 Case: 29 Phase 2B applicants (<1km) competed for 20 seats
- Distance Hierarchy:
- <1km (still ballots) → 2. 1-2km (rarely gets in) → 3. >2km (no chance)
C) No Balloting (Phase 1 Only)
- Only siblings enjoy guaranteed placement
- 2024: 70 applicants for 180 seats = 110 leftover vacancies
3. 2026 Winning Strategies (Based on Data)
For Alumni Families (Phase 2A)
✔ Move within 2km before registration (use OneMap to verify)
✔ Join Alumni Association now (takes 3-6 months processing)
✖ Don’t risk applying from >2km – 90% balloting chance
For Church/Volunteer Route (Phase 2B)
✔ Secure priest endorsement early (limited slots)
✔ No Parent volunteering
⚠ Even then: 2024 saw 38 <1km applicants for 20 seats
For General Public (Phase 2C)
✔ Must live <1km + prepare for balloting
✔ Backup plan: Townsville Primary (see Section 5)
✖ 1-2km applicants: Nearly 0% chance since 2022
5. Best Backup School: Townsville Primary
Why It’s Perfect:
📍 Just 1.5km from Catholic High (Ang Mo Kio)
🎯 Consistent Phase 3 vacancies (2023: 15 seats remaining)
📚 Good Chinese program (alternative to SAP schools)
🏫 Smaller class sizes = more teacher attention
2024 Vacancy Data:
- Phase 1: 80 seats → 60 applicants
- Phase 2C: 30 seats → 22 applicants
- Phase 3: 10 seats remaining (no balloting)
Pro Tip: If Catholic High is your dream school but you’re >2km away, consider renting a place within 1km for just 6 months during registration!