Singapore Primary 1 Registration 2026: Complete P1 Vacancy Changes Guide

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced significant changes to Primary 1 (P1) vacancies for the 2026 registration exercise, with 61 schools reducing capacity while only 12 schools increased their available seats.

Overall, Singapore will offer 38,548 Primary 1 places in 2026, down from 40,008 in 2025—a reduction of 1,460 seats (-3.65%).

This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly which schools are affected and what it means for parents planning their P1 registration strategy. These adjustments are part of MOE's response to Singapore's shrinking birth rate, aimed at reducing the need for school mergers and relocations in the future.

Key Findings: 2026 P1 Vacancy Changes

The changes range from Clementi Primary School's dramatic 80-seat reduction to Maris Stella High School's impressive 60-seat increase, representing the most significant capacity adjustments in recent years.

Complete List of All Schools with Capacity Increases

What This Means for Parents

Maris Stella High School leads with a 60-seat increase (22% growth), the largest expansion among all primary schools. This Catholic boys' school has consistently been popular, and this increase may slightly ease balloting pressure in Phase 2C.

East Region schools like Tampines Primary (+40), Gongshang Primary (+40), and Chongzheng Primary (+40) are seeing significant capacity boosts, likely reflecting continued residential development in the Tampines area.

West Region sees Pioneer Primary adding 30 seats, now offering 380 P1 places—making it one of the largest intakes island-wide.

Complete List of All Schools with Capacity Reductions

Regional Analysis of Decreases

West Region is heavily affected:

• Clementi Primary School leads with an 80-seat reduction (25% decrease)
• Jurong Primary School, Lianhua Primary, and Pei Tong Primary each cut 40 seats
• Multiple schools reduce by 30 seats

North Region also sees significant cuts:

• Fernvale Primary School reduces by 40 seats
• Tampines North Primary drops from 320 to 280 places
• Multiple Sengkang and Yishun schools decrease by 20-30 seats

Popular SAP Schools are not immune:

• Nanyang Primary School reduced by 30 seats (still offers 360 places)
• Tao Nan School cut by 30 seats (330 places remaining)
• Both schools remain highly competitive despite reductions

Complete List of All Schools with Same Capacity

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Understanding MOE's Strategy

According to the Ministry of Education, these vacancy adjustments are directly linked to Singapore's declining birth rate. The government is proactively managing school capacity to:

1. Prevent Future School Mergers - By rightsizing capacity now
2. Optimize Resource Allocation - Better teacher-to-student ratios
3. Maintain School Viability - Ensuring sustainable enrollment
4. Balance Regional Demand - Based on neighborhood demographics

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Key Takeaways for P1 Registration 2026

✅ Plan Early: With 61 schools reducing capacity, competition is tighter

✅ Know Your Phase: Registration phase matters more than ever

✅ Have Backups: Prepare 2-3 alternative schools in your zone

✅ Consider Geography: Living within 1km gives priority

✅ Stay Informed: Check MOE announcements regularly

✅ Parent Volunteering: Consider early if targeting reduced-capacity schools

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Start Planning Now

Use our School Finder Tool to:

• Search schools by zone and town
• Compare balloting history
• Check school details and programs
• Filter by distance for priority advantage

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