Choosing the right primary school in Bishan can be challenging, especially with competitive admission rates. Based on 2022-2024 enrollment data, we analyze the top 3 schools, their historical ballot trends, and strategic tips to secure a spot in the 2026 intake.
Our Ranking Methodology
We evaluated schools based on:
✅ Admission competitiveness (applicants vs. vacancies)
✅ Ballot frequency (which phases require balloting)
✅ Priority schemes (SC>2, SC<1, etc.)
✅ 3-year trends (increasing/decreasing demand)
(Vacancies vs Applicants clearly labeled as Vacancies(Applicants))
1. Ai Tong School
Historical Ballot Requirements
| Phase | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Ballot History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A | 110 (149) | 126 (120) | 108 (141) | Ballot every year (SC>2 priority) |
| 2B | 20 (48) | 22 (56) | 20 (53) | Ballot every year (SC<1 priority) |
| 2C | 42 (86) | 45 (78) | 41 (94) | Ballot every year (SC<1 priority) |
Key Findings:
- Phase 2A: 110 vacancies vs 149 applicants (2022) shows severe oversubscription
- Priority Impact: Even when vacancies > applicants (2023 2A: 126v120), SC>2 triggers balloting
- Worst Odds: Phase 2B averages only 20 vacancies for 52 applicants annually
2. Catholic High School
Corrected Ballot Analysis
| Phase | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A | 110 (149) | 116 (135) | 110 (131) | Ballot every year (SC>2 exhausts all slots) |
| 2B | 20 (43) | 20 (29) | 20 (38) | Always ballots for SC<1 (MOE reserves all 20 for SC<1 first) |
| 2C | 40 (68) | 40 (52) | 46 (54) | Always ballots for SC<1 (1.3-1.7x oversubscription) |
Critical Clarifications:
- Phase 2B 2023: Though 29 applicants for 20 vacancies seems safe, all 20 are reserved for SC<1 first → guaranteed ballot
- Phase 2C: Never had vacancies after SC<1 allocation (2022: 40v68 = 1.7x demand)
3. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian
Volatility Alert
| Phase | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A | 77 (45) | 92 (57) | 66 (72) | Safe in 2022-23 2024 borderline (72v66) |
| 2B | 31 (54) | 32 (36) | 21 (30) | Balloted in 2022 (SC1-2 priority) |
| 2C | 67 (86) | 67 (76) | 44 (76) | Balloted in 2022 & 2024 |
Strategic Insight:
- Phase 2A: Only safe option (0% ballot rate 2022-23)
- Phase 2C: 76 applicants for 44 spots (2024) → 1.7x oversubscription
Key Admission Trends (2022-2024)
📌 Ai Tong & Catholic High:
- 100% ballot rate in all phases for SC<1 applicants.
- No “safe” phase without alumni/volunteer priority.
📌 Kuo Chuan:
- Only school where Phase 2A had vacancies (2022-23).
- Phase 2C becoming riskier (balloted twice in 3 years).
📌 SC<1 Reality Check:
- Even if total applicants < vacancies, MOE reserves spots for SC<1 first → ballot still happens.
Category: Region