Most primary schools to take in fewer P1 students from 2026 due to falling cohort sizes

The Primary 1 intake for most primary schools in Singapore will be gradually reduced over the next few years, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Apr. 29.

It will apply from the 2026 P1 registration exercise, which starts on Jun. 30 for admission in 2027.

MOE regularly adjusts the intakes of selected schools in response to changing demographics and new housing developments, the ministry said in a press release.

They attributed this adjustment to the significant falling student cohort sizes in 2027 and the coming years.

Gradually reducing the Primary 1 intake will minimise the need for school mergers or relocations, and maintain a good geographical spread of primary schools for students across the country, MOE added.

The ministry will continue to review the demand for Primary 1 places based on the birth cohort sizes and planned future housing developments.

They will also ensure that there are sufficient school places for every child at both the national and regional levels.

The 2026 P1 registration exercise

The upcoming registration exercise for the 2027 school year will be from Jun. 30 to Oct. 30, 2026.

As announced in Parliament in March, MOE is currently reviewing the P1 registration framework to ensure that Singapore’s primary schools remain open to students from different backgrounds.

The 2026 P1 registration exercise will not be affected, the ministry said in the press release.

Parents can view information on school vacancies on the MOE website.

For reference, vacancies and balloting data of each school from the previous year are also available online here.

MOE encouraged parents to consider a range of schools for their children, and explore how the schools can best meet their child's learning needs, interests, and strengths.

Top images from Farrer Park Primary School's Facebook