Planning to apply to Poi Ching School for the 2026 Primary 1 intake? As a popular SAP school in Singapore, admission is competitive, especially in later phases. Our analysis of 2022–2024 balloting data reveals key trends to help you strategize.
Balloting Priority Codes
Same as MOE’s standard priority categories:
- SC<1km: Singapore Citizens living <1km
- SC 1–2km: Singapore Citizens living 1–2km
- SC>2km: Singapore Citizens living >2km
- PR<1km: Permanent Residents living <1km (No vacancies since 2022)
Admission Odds (2022–2024 Data)
Applicant-to-Vacancy Ratios
*(Lower ratios = safer; >1.0 = balloting likely)*
| Phase | 2022 Ratio | 2023 Ratio | 2024 Ratio | Balloting History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 0.46:1 | 0.53:1 | 0.59:1 | Never balloted |
| 2A(1) | 0.30:1 | 0.27:1 | 0.30:1 | Never balloted |
| 2B | 0.63:1 | 1.10:1 | 0.92:1 | SC<1km (2023) |
| 2C | 1.89:1 | 2.40:1 | 2.43:1 | SC<1km (all years) |
Key Observations
- Phase 1 & 2A(1) are safest
- Consistently below 0.6:1 (no balloting history).
- 2B is moderately competitive
- Only SC<1km faced balloting in 2023 (ratio: 1.10:1).
- 2C is highly competitive
- Ratios worsened from 1.89:1 (2022) to 2.43:1 (2024).
- Only SC<1km had vacancies (balloted every year).
- No PR vacancies since 2022
- PR applicants should consider alternatives.
Your Winning Strategy
By Priority Group
✅ SC <1km
- Phase 1 & 2A(1): Safest (no balloting).
- 2B: Moderately safe (0.92:1 in 2024).
- 2C: Highly competitive—prepare backup.
⚠️ SC 1–2km
- Phase 1: Only guaranteed phase.
- 2B: No historical vacancies.
- 2C: No vacancies since 2022.
❌ SC >2km & PR Applicants
- No vacancies in any phase since 2022.
Pro Tips for 2025 Applications
- Prioritize Phase 1 or 2A(1)
- If eligible (alumni/sibling priority), apply here for guaranteed admission.
- 2B is Improving
- Ratios dropped from 1.10:1 (2023) to 0.92:1 (2024)—better chances for SC<1km.
- Avoid 2C If Possible
- Worst odds (2.43:1 in 2024). Consider other schools if distance is borderline.
- Strengthen Chinese Proficiency
- As a SAP school, language ability may influence balloting.
2025 Predictions
🔹 Phase 1 & 2A(1): Will remain non-balloted.
🔹 2B: Likely to stay safe for SC<1km (ratio <1.0).
🔹 2C: Will remain highly competitive (ratios >2:1).
Final Advice: If you’re SC<1km, prioritize Phase 1 or 2A(1). For others, consider alternative schools or improve eligibility (e.g., volunteer in 2B).
Category: History