If you're a parent — or planning to become one near a popular primary school — this year's Primary 1 registration numbers deserve your attention.
According to MOE data released on Wednesday (Aug 5), 79 of 179 primary schools accepting students in Phase 2C are oversubscribed. Of those with more applicants than vacancies, 73 will go to the ballot.
Phase 2C is the most competitive phase — open to all children, with 40 places reserved in each primary school. For property buyers, it's a direct signal about which school zones carry the strongest demand.
179 primary schools accepted students in Phase 2C · 79 oversubscribed (nearly half) · 73 going to ballot.
Most oversubscribed: Princess Elizabeth Primary (Bukit Batok) — 159 applicants for 40 places. Northland Primary (Yishun) — 141 applicants for 42 places. Nan Hua Primary, Chongfu School and Rosyth School completed the top five.
Balloting happens when applicants exceed vacancies. Priority admission order:
The 1km advantage is decisive — that's why "within 1km of a popular school" has historically commanded a premium in Singapore property. This year's data confirms the pattern hasn't changed.
There's another layer: MOE earlier cut the Primary 1 intake for most schools this year in view of significantly falling student cohort sizes from 2027.
Smaller cohorts mean fewer places — even as demand for popular schools stays intense. The net effect: oversubscription pressure concentrates in the schools parents most want.
This is where the property angle gets interesting. Loyang Valley Residences is within 1km of Pasir Ris Primary School, providing a Phase 1 registration advantage for Singapore Citizens — and in Phase 2C, the 1km group always comes first.
For families who live within 1km of Pasir Ris Primary, the registration process starts from the strongest possible position at every ballot phase. And with the Cross Island Line's Loyang MRT (CR3) expected to open in 2030, the area's family appeal — schools, coastline and connectivity — keeps growing.
School proximity isn't a marketing line — it's a registration mechanic. In a year where 73 schools are balloting, living within 1km of a strong school removes the biggest uncertainty in the entire process. And that translates into durable resale demand for the project down the line.
What is Phase 2C in P1 registration?
Phase 2C is open to all children and is considered the most competitive phase. Forty places in each primary school are reserved for this phase. This year, 79 of 179 schools were oversubscribed and 73 went to ballot.
Why does living within 1km of a school matter?
Balloting priority starts with Singapore Citizens living within 1km of the school, then 1–2km, then beyond 2km, followed by permanent residents in the same distance groups. The 1km group always gets priority when spaces are limited.
How close is Loyang Valley Residences to Pasir Ris Primary School?
The project is within 1km of Pasir Ris Primary School, giving Singapore Citizen families a Phase 1 registration advantage and the strongest position in later ballot phases.
Are there fewer P1 places this year?
Yes — 1,460 fewer spots overall in 2026 compared to 2025. Of 179 primary schools, 61 cut their intake while 12 increased spaces, reflecting smaller student cohorts ahead.
Whether it is a brand-new launch or a well-located resale, let us make sense of the market together.
Register Interest WhatsApp Jet LeeSource: CNA — Primary 1 registration: Nearly half of all primary schools oversubscribed in Phase 2C · MOE data via CNA, Aug 5 2026.