Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) or MGS is one of Singapore’s most prestigious all-girls institutions, renowned for its holistic education and strong Christian values. As a top-tier school with only 210 annual vacancies, competition is fierce across all registration phases. This guide reveals the latest admission trends and proven strategies to secure a spot.
1. MGS Primary P1 Registration: The Hard Numbers (2022-2024)
Vacancies vs Applicants (Balloting Trends)
| Year | Phase | Vacancies | Applicants | Balloting? | Balloting Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Phase 1 | 150 | 81 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 69 | 89 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 79 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 40 | 70 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2023 | Phase 1 | 150 | 64 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 86 | 83 | No | – | |
| 2B | 21 | 38 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 43 | 63 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2024 | Phase 1 | 150 | 59 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 91 | 77 | No | – | |
| 2B | 25 | 50 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 50 | 64 | Yes | SC >2km |
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Phase 1 (Siblings): Only safe phase – 150 seats vs 59-81 applicants (no balloting)
🔹 Phase 2A(1): Volatile competition – balloted in 2022 (89 vs 69 seats)
🔹 Phase 2B: Most competitive – 50-79 applicants for just 20-25 seats
🔹 Phase 2C: 2024 saw unusual SC >2km balloting (64 vs 50 seats)
🔹 Total Intake: Fixed at 210 students annually
2. Understanding MGS Balloting Patterns
A) Phase 2A(1) (Alumni/Staff Children)
- 2022: SC >2km balloted (89 vs 69 seats)
- 2023-24: No balloting (applicants < vacancies)
- Priority: Church members get absolute priority
B) Phase 2B (Volunteers/Community Leaders)
- Brutal Reality: <1km balloting every year
- 2024: 50 applicants for 25 seats (50% chance)
- Must: Complete 40+ volunteer hours
C) Phase 2C (Public)
- 2024 Anomaly: First-time SC >2km balloting
- Typical: <1km families ballot (70% rejection rate)
3. 2026 Admission Strategies
For Church Members (Phase 2A2)
✔ Get baptized early (minimum 2 years membership)
⚠ Even siblings may ballot if oversubscribed
For Volunteers (Phase 2B)
✔ Start volunteering NOW (40-hour requirement)
✖ <1km still risky – 2024 had 50% success rate
For Public (Phase 2C)
✔ Consider moving <1km (only chance)
✖ >2km applicants: Virtually no chance