It’s a uniquely Singaporean obsession: school rankings. Even at the primary school level—when kids are just 6 or 7 years old—parents start eyeing the “top” schools. But let’s be honest: primary school rankings are all crap. Unlike secondary schools where clear indicators like Cut-Off Points (COP) help us distinguish between Raffles Institution and neighborhood schools, primary school comparisons are built on murky and outdated assumptions.
Yet many still chase “popular” schools. Here’s why the obsession persists, and why it’s time we moved on.
🚩 3 Reasons Why Primary School Rankings Are Misleading
1. GEP Is No Longer Exclusive
In the past, schools like Raffles Girls’ Primary, Rosyth, Nanyang, and Tao Nan were considered elite because they hosted the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). But with MOE’s 2024 shift to bring high-ability support to all schools, this distinction is disappearing. A child with potential will now be nurtured anywhere—not just in “GEP schools.”
2. PSLE Top Scorers Came From Everywhere
In the golden age of publishing top PSLE scorers (pre-2012), schools that produced these high performers earned an almost mythical status among parents. Names like Rosyth, Raffles Girls’ Primary, and Nanyang appeared often, making them synonymous with excellence.
Let’s look at a snapshot of past top scorers and their schools:
- 2011 – Yasmin Ziqin (Rulang Primary) – 283
- 2010 – Alex Tan Kian Hye (Rosyth) – 282
Also from Tao Nan, Coral, and Rosyth - 2009 – Alex Tan again (Rosyth) – 277
Others from Tao Nan, Coral, Red Swastika - 2008 – Wee Yen Jean (Nanyang Primary)
Also: Catholic High, Nanyang (again) - 2007 – Natasha Nabila (St. Hilda’s Primary) – 294 (highest in 17 years!)
- 2006 – Rebecca Margaret (Raffles Girls’ Primary) – 281
Others from Tampines and Northland - 2005 – Adil Hakeem (Rosyth School)
This pattern shows something important:
- Top scorers came from both elite and neighborhood schools.
- But Rosyth, RGS Primary, Tao Nan, and Nanyang appeared repeatedly, building a brand around academic excellence.
- Even when MOE stopped announcing top scorers in 2012, these schools remained in demand due to their historical track record and perception of grooming high-achievers.
Despite the Ministry’s effort to shift focus away from grades, legacy reputations live on, reinforced by word of mouth, alumni performance, and even resale flat prices in their vicinity.
These schools are now seen as “feeder schools” into top secondary schools or Integrated Programme tracks—even if that link is far less deterministic than most believe.
3. Higher Chinese ≠ Higher Achievement
Some schools—especially SAP schools like Tao Nan or Ai Tong—offer Higher Chinese from Primary 1, which can intimidate or attract, depending on the parent’s priorities. While it may suggest academic rigor, offering HCL does not equate to overall school quality. It reflects demographic intake and a school’s language policy, not its ability to nurture well-rounded children.
4. High Phase 2C Demand ≠ High Quality
Many parents use the Phase 2C applicant-to-vacancy ratio as a proxy for school ranking. The logic goes: if a school is oversubscribed in Phase 2C, it must be “good.” But this is completely misleading.
Take Princess Elizabeth Primary as an example. It’s consistently oversubscribed during Phase 2C, but this isn’t because of some hidden academic edge. It’s simply because it’s located in a newer residential estate (Jurong East) where there’s a higher concentration of young families. It’s a matter of supply and demand—not prestige or quality.
Similarly, schools in mature estates may appear “less popular” because of lower competition, not because they’re worse.
💡 Why the Ranking Obsession Is Flawed
While legacy schools may have a good track record, this doesn’t mean they’re automatically the best choice for every child. The reality is:
- Tuition and enrichment culture heavily skew results.
- Parental involvement and resources play a huge role in academic outcomes.
- Every child is different—some thrive in high-pressure environments; others need more nurturing.
Plus, MOE’s shift to Subject-Based Banding and Full SBB aims to reduce high-stakes sorting from young.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Choose Fit Over Fame
Instead of asking “What’s the #1 primary school?”, a better question is:
“What school environment will help my child enjoy learning, build confidence, and grow in character?”
Historical PSLE performance may tell you where the school has been, but it won’t tell you where your child will go.
So, ignore the “top 10” lists. Visit schools. Talk to parents. Meet teachers. The best school is the one where your child feels safe, encouraged, and inspired.