Primary 1 planning, made clear
Plan the school journey before registration opens.
Check your child's registration year, understand the phases, verify your address and distance, then compare schools using current MOE information.
Start early
Four steps to a more prepared decision
School registration and property decisions can affect one another. Check the rules before committing to a move based on school proximity.
Confirm the year
Use your child's date of birth to identify the correct registration exercise.
Check your phase
Review the eligibility criteria, dates and documents for your applicable phase.
Verify the address
Confirm whether your current, new or resale property address meets MOE conditions.
Compare schools
Consider distance, programmes, school culture, transport and realistic alternatives.
Common questions
Primary 1 registration FAQs
Open each question for a simple explanation and the relevant official source.
Can I use the address of a new or resale property?
MOE allows certain new or resale property addresses to be used if its conditions are met. Review the completion and occupancy requirements before relying on the address. Check MOE address rules.
How is home-school distance determined?
MOE calculates distance between the registered home address and school using its official method. Priority bands are within 1 km, between 1 km and 2 km, and outside 2 km. Read the distance guide.
Does living near a school guarantee a place?
No. Distance provides priority within the relevant phase, but balloting may still be required when applications exceed vacancies. Understand balloting.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
A 30-month stay requirement can apply when a child gains priority based on home-school distance. Check the exact conditions before changing address or selling the property. Review MOE conditions.
How should I choose a primary school?
Look beyond distance. Consider your child's needs, school culture, programmes, daily travel and your family's practical routine. See MOE's school selection guide.
How do parents register?
Parents generally register online using Singpass through the MOE P1 Registration Portal during the applicable phase. View registration instructions.
Official resources
Use current MOE information
These links lead directly to official pages so you can verify the latest dates, rules and procedures.
Planning a property move before P1 registration?
Property timing can affect the residential address used for registration. Review both decisions early and verify current MOE conditions before committing.
This page provides general planning information and is not an official MOE resource. Registration rules, dates and eligibility conditions may change. Always verify current information directly with the Ministry of Education.