All About Pri 1 Registration for Foreigners & Phase 3

[kaya321]

Hi I’m a new member,


my son is a foreigner but we really want him to go to a good local school. He can only be accepted under phase 3. Does anyone have the results of what vacancies were left for phase 3 from last year as they’ve now taken them off the moe website in order to prepare for this year. Thanks

[ChiefKiasu]

kaya321:

Hi I'm a new member,


my son is a foreigner but we really want him to go to a good local school. He can only be accepted under phase 3. Does anyone have the results of what vacancies were left for phase 3 from last year as they've now taken them off the moe website in order to prepare for this year. Thanks

Hi kaya321, the intake for Primary one differs each year for every school, and ranges from low 100s up to 500s. By the end of Phase 2C, almost 90% of places would have been taken up, especially for the very popular school. In Phase 3, you will be competing with all the locals that failed to secure places in the earlier phases too. Most of the time, it comes down to a case-by-case basis. That's why a number of Singaporean parents try to do whatever it takes to get into the earlier phases, including doing voluntary services for the schools.

You should probably first identify the school that you have in mind, and approach the principal to register your interest in the school. He/she would be in a much better position to advise you.

Why don't you tell us which area you are staying in, and perhaps we can let you know which schools you may want to try?

[kaya321]

Hi, yes thanks I understand the process. I called up the moe for a list of the schools that had vacancies in phase 3 but I’m just worried that the list I’ve got is not correct since it was done verbally over the phone.


I’m staying in the central area and am prepared to travel a bit if need be. We’ve been looking at Bukit timah primary, Gan eng seng Primary, Stamford Primary, Quifa, Queenstown, Pei Tong, Tampines, North View, Corporation Primary and Sembawand Primary.

Any Thoughts on any of the above? Would be greatful for anything you know about these schools. Thanks

[lizawa]

I do know that River Valley Primary and Bukit Timah Primary are very popular among foreigners because they normally have vacancies left for Phase 3. River Valley Primary does not have many HDB flats around, so the competition for places is lower. AS for Bukit Timah Primary, most people will try their luck at the other popular schools around Bukit Timah area first.


For boys, St. Michael’s,now known as St Joseph Junior (near Novena MRT), could have some vacancies left at Phase 3. But I cannot be sure. I vaguely remember that it used to have many vacancies at Phase 2C. But my impression of St. Michael’s is that their Chinese standard is not very high. But the good thing is, it is affiliated to SJI.

[kaya321]

Hi, thanks…yes I believe River valley is quite good but it seems to have gone to phase 2C balloting in 2006 and 2007 so not much chance there’ll be space in phase 3. I’ve heard of SJI but again, it’s quite popular these days.


Has anyone heard anything about Gan eng seng or stamford primary?

[redrose]

Try SJI. If not,Bukit Timah Primary is a better choice.

[mysp]

Hi,

I will register my son for P1 in Aug 2010 under phase 3 as he is an international student. Would anyone recommend schools popular with international student ?
many thanks

[hquek]

mysp:

Hi,

I will register my son for P1 in Aug 2010 under phase 3 as he is an international student. Would anyone recommend schools popular with international student ?
many thanks

Not very familiar with this subject, but referring to SG public schools, I believe Tanjong Katong Pri Sch is very hot with internationals? There was some report on it. You may like to check it out.

[mysp]

thanks hquek.

any idea where I can find the report ? my family will move to Singapore around November, no idea at all which school to apply. just started reading the postings here.
when phase 2C supplementary ballot result is out on 24 Aug, only have 5 days to decide, but still many schools to consider. Mostly with few seats left but actually overall may be > 90% of seats already taken up, will not have chance to get into good school !!

anyone can recommend more schools? many thanks

[hquek]

mysp:

thanks hquek.

any idea where I can find the report ? my family will move to Singapore around November, no idea at all which school to apply. just started reading the postings here.
when phase 2C supplementary ballot result is out on 24 Aug, only have 5 days to decide, but still many schools to consider. Mostly with few seats left but actually overall may be > 90% of seats already taken up, will not have chance to get into good school !!

anyone can recommend more schools? many thanks

Honestly by phase 3, places are very limited and you won't have many choices. Pls remember that Phase 3 is first come first served - so you may want to factor in days and days of queueing (no joke, just look at the weblinks I included).

In all, all pri schools in SG are good schools - but they differ in popularity. if you insist on opting for the most popular schools, remember the accompanying stress that parents and child may have to undergo.

One more school I can think of that will sure have space is Farrer Park Pri School - this is located near Little India. But this is not a popular school, and being located in an aging district don't help.

If your child has some special talent, you may want to approach schools that specialise in that niche (like chess, swimming or whatever) and see if you can waitlist a place. I have never known schools that turn away students who can help bring glory.

some websites I found on TKPS:
http://www.mummysg.com/forums/f65/queue-continues-outside-tanjong-katong-primary-school-962/

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/296502/1/.html