Thinking of applying to Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) for the 2026 Primary 1 intake?
As a 2025 applicant, it’s essential to analyze trends from recent years to gauge your chances and refine your strategy. ACS is a prestigious boys’ school with varying balloting risks depending on distance and citizenship status.
This guide breaks down the latest admission ratios, highlights balloting patterns from 2022 to 2024, and offers actionable tips to optimize your application based on proximity and phase of entry.
Admission Odds (2022-2024 Data)
Applicant-to-Vacancy Ratios
This metric measures competitiveness:
- Example 1: 20 applicants for 10 spots → 20 ÷ 10 = 2.0:1 (2 applicants per spot).
- Example 2: 15 applicants for 20 spots → 15 ÷ 20 = 0.75:1 (no balloting needed).
| Phase | 2022 Ratio | 2023 Ratio | 2024 Ratio | Balloting History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 0.34:1 | 0.45:1 | 0.41:1 | Never balloted |
| 2A(1) | 0.81:1 | 0.85:1 | 0.74:1 | SC>2km (2022 only) |
| 2B | 1.96:1 | 1.96:1 | 1.17:1 | Always SC<1km |
| 2C | 1.25:1 | 1.28:1 | 1.25:1 | SC<1km (2022-23), SC>2km (2024) |
Your Winning Strategy
1. By Priority Group
SC <1km:
- ✅ Phase 1/2A(1): Guaranteed admission.
- ⚠️ 2B: 60% chance | 2C: 80% chance.
SC 1-2km:
- ✅ 2A(1): Guaranteed admission.
- ❌ 2B/2C: Low chance (prepare for balleting).
SC >2km:
- ✅ 2A(1): Guaranteed admission.
- 🎲 2C: Emerging balloting risk (2024 trend).
PR Applicants:
- ❌ No vacancies since 2022.
2. Pro Tips
- Distance Hack: Relocate within 1km before registration.
- Phase Priority: Target Phase 1 → 2A(1) → 2B → 2C in order.
- Backup Plan: Critical for 2B/2C applicants.
2025 Prediction
- Phase 1/2A(1): Safest bets.
- 2B: Likely competitive (balleting expected).
- 2C: May extend SC>2km balleting trend.
Key Terminology Explained
Priority Groups
ACS prioritizes applicants based on:
- Citizenship Status:
- Singapore Citizens (SC)
- Permanent Residents (PR)
- Distance from School:
- <1km (highest priority)
- 1-2km
- >2km (lowest priority)
Note: Our analysis starts from 2022, when Phase 2C vacancies doubled from 20 to 40 spots, significantly impacting admission dynamics.