Every year, Phase 2C of the Primary One (P1) registration in Singapore sees intense competition among parents vying for limited vacancies in popular schools. With Phase 2C balloting 2024 expected to be highly competitive, understanding the latest vacancies and balloting data is crucial for parents making informed decisions.
In this blog, we analyze the top 50 most competitive primary schools based on their 2022–2024 Phase 2C applicant-to-vacancy ratios, highlighting which schools required balloting in 2024 and the most oversubscribed categories.
Understanding Phase 2C Competition
Phase 2C is the most competitive registration phase because:
✅ Open to all Singaporean children (regardless of alumni connections)
✅ Limited vacancies remaining after earlier phases (2A, 2B)
✅ High demand for popular schools near residential areas
Key terms:
- SC<1: Singaporean Citizens within 1km (most competitive)
- SC1-2: Singaporean Citizens 1–2km
- PR<1: Permanent Residents within 1km
- Balloting: Occurs when applicants exceed vacancies
Top 50 Phase 2C Primary Schools by Competitiveness
- Avg. Vacancies : 2024, 2023, 2022 average vacancies
- Avg. Applicants : 2024, 2023, 2022 average applicants
Rank | School | Avg. Ratio | Avg. Vacancies | Avg. Applicants | Balloting in 2024 (Worst Category) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Princess Elizabeth | 5.90 | 48 | 283 | SC<1: 283 vs 48 |
2 | Nan Hua | 4.00 | 40 | 160 | SC<1: 160 vs 40 |
3 | St. Hilda’s | 3.15 | 41 | 129 | SC<1: 129 vs 41 |
4 | Rulang | 2.88 | 40 | 115 | SC<1: 115 vs 40 |
5 | South View | 2.95 | 43 | 127 | SC<1: 127 vs 43 |
6 | Nan Chiau | 2.81 | 88 | 247 | SC<1: 247 vs 88 |
7 | Holy Innocents’ | 2.40 | 40 | 96 | SC<1: 96 vs 40 |
8 | Nanyang | 1.98 | 40 | 79 | SC<1: 79 vs 40 |
9 | CHIJ (Toa Payoh) | 2.02 | 41 | 83 | SC<1: 83 vs 41 |
10 | Ai Tong | 2.02 | 42.67 | 86 | SC<1: 94 vs 41 |
11 | Catholic High | 1.75 | 40 | 70 | SC<1: 54 vs 40 |
12 | Chongzheng | 1.69 | 72 | 122 | SC1-2: 122 vs 72 |
13 | Kong Hwa | 1.93 | 57 | 110 | SC<1: 110 vs 57 |
14 | Tao Nan | 1.56 | 55 | 86 | SC<1: 86 vs 55 |
15 | Henry Park | 1.54 | 41 | 63 | SC<1: 63 vs 41 |
16 | Pei Hwa Presbyterian | 1.61 | 41 | 66 | SC<1: 66 vs 41 |
17 | Gongshang | 1.48 | 67 | 99 | SC<1: 99 vs 67 |
18 | CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ | 1.50 | 40 | 60 | SC<1: 60 vs 40 |
19 | Red Swastika | 1.50 | 42 | 63 | SC<1: 63 vs 42 |
20 | Methodist Girls’ | 1.28 | 50 | 64 | SC<1: 64 vs 50 |
21 | Maha Bodhi | 1.26 | 76 | 96 | SC1-2: 96 vs 76 |
22 | Singapore Chinese Girls’ | 1.53 | 40 | 61 | SC<1: 61 vs 40 |
23 | Pei Chun Public | 1.18 | 57 | 67 | SC<1: 67 vs 57 |
24 | Kuo Chuan Presbyterian | 1.13 | 67 | 76 | SC<1: 76 vs 67 |
25 | CHIJ (Katong) | 1.07 | 44 | 47 | SC<1: 47 vs 44 |
26 | Raffles Girls’ | 1.25 | 100 | 125 | SC>2: 183 vs 135 |
27 | St. Joseph’s Institution Junior | 1.23 | 82 | 101 | SC>2: 101 vs 86 |
28 | Temasek | 1.29 | 90 | 116 | SC1-2: 80 vs 51 |
29 | Fairfield Methodist | 1.27 | 70 | 89 | SC<1: 78 vs 45 |
30 | Rosyth | 1.40 | 89 | 125 | SC<1: 139 vs 41 |
31 | Maris Stella High | 1.66 | 56 | 93 | SC<1: 101 vs 67 |
32 | Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ | 1.36 | 81 | 110 | SC<1: 139 vs 81 |
33 | St. Anthony’s Canossian | 1.08 | 122 | 131 | SC<1: 41 vs 36 |
34 | St. Gabriel’s | 1.00 | 77 | 77 | SC>2: 59 vs 52 |
35 | St. Stephen’s | 1.03 | 160 | 165 | SC<1: 58 vs 53 |
36 | Anglo-Chinese (Junior) | 1.21 | 63 | 76 | SC<1: 76 vs 63 |
37 | Anglo-Chinese (Primary) | 1.25 | 55 | 69 | SC<1: 69 vs 55 |
38 | Haig Girls’ | 1.10 | 97 | 107 | SC<1: 108 vs 97 |
39 | Radin Mas | 1.30 | 52 | 68 | SC1-2: 76 vs 52 |
40 | River Valley | 1.25 | 59 | 74 | SC1-2: 95 vs 59 |
41 | Tampines North | 1.32 | 146 | 193 | SC1-2: 47 vs 46 |
42 | Tampines | 1.18 | 86 | 102 | PR1-2: 92 vs 86 |
43 | Tanjong Katong | 1.31 | 75 | 98 | SC1-2: 104 vs 75 |
44 | Bukit Panjang | 1.42 | 65 | 92 | SC<1: 102 vs 65 |
45 | Bukit Timah | 1.38 | 129 | 178 | PR>2: 73 vs 59 |
46 | CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity | 1.11 | 104 | 115 | PR<1: 110 vs 104 |
47 | CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace | 1.05 | 117 | 123 | SC<1: 59 vs 58 |
48 | CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel | 1.02 | 80 | 82 | PR<2#: 35 vs 35 |
49 | CHIJ (Kellock) | 1.04 | 140 | 146 | SC<1: 52 vs 49 |
50 | Punggol Green | 1.27 | 56 | 71 | SC<1: 127 vs 56 |
Key Insights from Phase 2C Balloting 2024
- Most Competitive Schools
- Princess Elizabeth Primary (5.90 ratio) was the hardest to enter, with 283 applicants for just 48 spots in 2024.
- Nan Hua, St. Hilda’s, and Rulang also had ratios above 2.8, meaning nearly 3 applicants per seat.
- Balloting Trends
- SC<1 (Singaporeans within 1km) was the most oversubscribed category in 38 out of 50 schools.
- Schools with <50 Phase 2C vacancies (e.g., Catholic High, CHIJ St. Nicholas) were highly competitive.
- Schools That Avoided Balloting in 2024
- A few schools (e.g., St. Gabriel’s, St. Stephen’s) had ratios close to 1.0, meaning most applicants secured a spot.
Tips for Parents Applying in Phase 2C
- Check Historical Balloting Data
- Use past Phase 2C vacancies and balloting trends to assess chances.
- Schools with consistent ratios >1.5 are likely to ballot again.
- Consider Distance Priority
- Living within 1km significantly improves odds for oversubscribed schools.
- Have Backup Options
- Apply to less competitive schools if your preferred choice has a high ratio.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Phase 2C Registration
With Phase 2C balloting 2024 expected to remain competitive, parents should:
✔️ Research past vacancies and balloting trends
✔️ Verify home-to-school distance (1km priority matters!)
✔️ Apply strategically to maximize admission chances
For the full 50-school ranking and detailed balloting analysis, download our free Phase 2C guide [insert link].
Which school are you targeting? Let us know in the comments!