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P1 Registration Phase 2C: Nearly Half of Primary Schools Oversubscribed — What It Means for Buyers

6 August 2026 · By Jet Lee · Market Update

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.

The headline numbers: 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, Chongfu and Rosyth completed the top five.

How Balloting Works — and Why 1km Matters

Balloting happens when applicants exceed vacancies. Priority admission order:

  1. Singaporeans living within 1km of the school
  2. Singaporeans living between 1km and 2km
  3. Singaporeans living further than 2km
  4. Permanent residents in the same distance groups

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.

Bigger Picture: Fewer Spots Overall

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.

Thomson Reserve & the 1km Advantage

This is where the property angle gets interesting. Thomson Reserve is within 1km of Ai Tong School — one of Singapore's most sought-after primary schools, and a name that appears in the balloting conversation year after year.

For families who live within 1km of Ai Tong, Phase 2C registration starts from the strongest possible position: Singapore Citizen children in the 1km group get first priority before anyone else. Catholic High School and CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School are also within 1–2km of the site, widening the school-belt options further.

The takeaway for Thomson Reserve buyers: 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 Buyers Should Watch

1. The 1km premium is alive and well. When a school is oversubscribed, Singapore Citizen children within 1km get first priority. Proximity to in-demand schools remains one of the most durable value drivers in Singapore property.

2. Persistent hotspots signal structural demand. Schools like Princess Elizabeth, Northland, Nan Hua and Chongfu have been oversubscribed year after year. Sustained oversubscription isn't a fluke — it's structural.

3. New launches near strong school belts benefit. Projects within 1km of popular primary schools have a measurable advantage — for registration priority, and for resale demand when families with school-aged children look for homes.

4. The next phase matters too. Phase 2C Supplementary vacancies will be updated by 1pm on Aug 11 — the next milestone to watch if you're still deciding.

Considering Thomson Reserve — or any new launch near a strong school belt?

Let's talk through the school map, the launch timeline and your family's options — no pressure, just honest analysis.

📱 WhatsApp Jet Lee

Source: CNA — Primary 1 registration: Nearly half of all primary schools oversubscribed in Phase 2C · MOE data via CNA, Aug 5 2026.