Getting your child into a top primary school in Singapore is highly competitive—so much so that even being a parent volunteer (PV) doesn’t guarantee a spot. Many popular schools require balloting in Phase 2B, meaning parents who put in the mandatory 40 hours of service still face uncertainty.
Important Note: Not all popular schools accept parent volunteers! Some elite institutions like Catholic High School (Primary) and CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School reserve their Phase 2B vacancies for other priority groups (e.g., Catholics or church members) instead of PV applicants.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ Which elite schools had balloting for parent volunteers in Phase 2B
✅ Why some top schools don’t accept PVs at all
✅ What parents can do to improve their chances
Why Do Some Schools Ballot Even for Parent Volunteers?
Under Singapore’s Primary 1 (P1) registration system, Phase 2B gives priority to:
- Children of parent volunteers (where applicable)
- Members of the school’s affiliated organizations (e.g., churches, clans)
- Active community leaders
However, when applicants exceed vacancies, balloting occurs—even among PVs. The priority order is:
- Singapore Citizens (SC) living <1 km
- SC 1-2 km
- SC >2 km
- Permanent Residents (PR) in the same distance order
If there are more PV applicants than spots within the same priority group (e.g., SC <1 km), a ballot decides who gets in.
Popular Schools That Do NOT Accept Parent Volunteers
Some top schools exclude PVs entirely from Phase 2B, reserving spots for other groups:
| School | Phase 2B Priority Group |
|---|---|
| Catholic High (Primary) | Catholics (affiliated with the church) |
| CHIJ St. Nicholas | Catholics & CHIJ alumni |
| St. Joseph’s Institution Junior | Catholic applicants |
| Maris Stella High (Primary) | Catholic & alumni-linked applicants |
Why? These schools prioritize religious affiliation or alumni connections over parent volunteering.
Top Schools That Required Phase 2B Balloting (Parent Volunteers)
These schools had more parent volunteer applicants than spots, forcing balloting in the latest P1 registration:
Most Competitive (High Demand, Few Spots)
| School | Applicants (Vacancies) | Balloting Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Tao Nan | 62 (31) | SC <1 km |
| Nanyang | 50 (20) | SC <1 km |
| Ai Tong | 53 (20) | SC <1 km |
| Methodist Girls’ | 50 (25) | SC >2 km* |
(Rare case where even applicants beyond 2km faced balloting)
Moderately Competitive
| School | Applicants (Vacancies) | Balloting Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Nan Hua | 39 (20) | SC <1 km |
| Rulang | 37 (20) | SC <1 km |
| Henry Park | 27 (21) | SC <1 km |
| Pei Chun Public | 30 (27) | SC <1 km |
Less Competitive (But Still Balloted)
| School | Applicants (Vacancies) | Balloting Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Rosyth | 29 (20) | SC <1 km |
| Red Swastika | 23 (20) | SC <2 km |
| South View | 21 (20) | SC <2 km |
| Poi Ching | 35 (38) | SC <1 km |
No Balloting Needed (Safe Choices for PVs)
- Temasek Primary (9 applicants for 20 spots)
- Yu Neng Primary (13 applicants for 20 spots)
Why Are These Schools So Competitive?
- Strong Academic Reputation
- Schools like Nanyang, Tao Nan, and Ai Tong consistently rank among Singapore’s top primary schools.
- High Alumni & Community Demand
- Many parents prioritize these schools due to family tradition or networking opportunities.
What Can Parents Do to Secure a Spot?
1. Move Within 1km (If Possible)
- SC <1 km has the highest priority. Use OneMap (https://www.onemap.gov.sg) to check distances.
2. Apply for Parent Volunteering Early
- Some schools (e.g., Tao Nan, Nanyang) have long PV waiting lists—register as soon as applications open.
3. Consider Less Competitive Alternatives
- Schools like Temasek and Yu Neng had spare Phase 2B spots—good backups if avoiding balloting is crucial.
4. Explore Religious/Affiliation-Based Schools
- If you qualify (e.g., Catholic), apply to Catholic High or CHIJ St. Nicholas via their Phase 2B criteria.
5. Prepare for Phase 2C (General Registration)
- If unsuccessful in Phase 2B, strategize for Phase 2C, where distance plays a bigger role.
Final Thoughts
Even with parent volunteering, securing a spot in elite primary schools is challenging. If your target school is highly competitive, relocating closer or having backup options is essential.
Did your child get into a school through Phase 2B? Share your experience below!