Nanyang Primary School, Singapore’s premier SAP school in Bukit Timah, is renowned for its exceptional bilingual program and academic excellence. With only 390 annual vacancies, competition is intense across all registration phases. This guide breaks down the latest admission trends and reveals proven strategies to secure a coveted spot.
1. Nanyang Primary P1 Registration: The Hard Numbers (2022-2024)
Vacancies vs Applicants (Balloting Trends)
| Year | Phase | Vacancies | Applicants | Balloting? | Balloting Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Phase 1 | 330 | 175 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 156 | 185 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 37 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 41 | 89 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2023 | Phase 1 | 330 | 182 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 149 | 171 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 43 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 44 | 76 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2024 | Phase 1 | 330 | 172 | No | – |
| 2A(1) | 159 | 203 | Yes | SC >2km | |
| 2B | 20 | 50 | Yes | SC <1km | |
| 2C | 40 | 79 | Yes | SC <1km |
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Phase 1 (Siblings): Only safe phase – 330 seats vs 172-182 applicants (no balloting)
🔹 Phase 2A(1): Extremely competitive – balloted every year (203 vs 159 seats in 2024)
🔹 Phase 2B: Most volatile – 50 applicants for just 20 seats in 2024
🔹 Phase 2C: Consistently competitive – 79 applicants for 40 seats in 2024
🔹 Total Intake: Fixed at 390 students annually
2. Understanding Nanyang’s Balloting Patterns
A) Phase 2A(1) (Alumni/Staff Children)
- SC >2km always ballots (203 vs 159 seats in 2024)
- Priority: Children of alumni get absolute priority
- 2024 rejection rate: 22% for >2km applicants
B) Phase 2B (Volunteers/Community Leaders)
- <1km balloting every year
- 2024: 50 applicants for 20 seats (60% rejection rate)
- Must: Complete 40+ volunteer hours
C) Phase 2C (Public)
- <1km families face 50% rejection rate
- 1-2km applicants: Virtually no chance since 2022
3. 2026 Admission Strategies
For Alumni Families (Phase 2A1)
✔ Move within 2km to avoid SC >2km balloting
⚠ Even alumni children face 20% rejection risk
For Volunteers (Phase 2B)
✔ Start volunteering 2 years early
✖ <1km still risky – 2024 had 60% rejection rate
For Public (Phase 2C)
✔ Must live <1km + prepare for balloting
✖ >1km applicants: No recorded success since 2020