Education Minister Desmond Lee announced in Parliament on October 7, 2026 that there will be a no-transitional period for the MOE P1 Registration 2027 changes. The move follows suggestions by some MPs for families to be given more time to make residential, childcare and schooling arrangements. The changes aim to increase access to popular primary schools and allow for increased mixing of pupils from different backgrounds.
What Changes in P1 Registration 2027?
More Phase 2C places
The majority of schools will have 60 places in Phase 2C, rising to 40 in the 2027 P1 registration exercise. Those schools with less than 180 Primary 1 places will continue to set aside 40 places. Children who have no prior association with the school are welcome to attend Phase 2C.
Two-track system at 12 schools
A new two-track system (Phase 2C) will be introduced at 12 schools. The reserved places will be allocated to children within 2km and children beyond 2km.
The normal home-school distance priority will not be in effect within each track. This change especially applies to schools located in neighbourhoods that have relatively low rates of public housing.
Why Is There No Transition Period?
Some MPs said that families had already taken big decisions under the old P1 registration system, such as where to stay. But it would be better for more families if the changes were put in place earlier, Desmond Lee said.
For parents, the 2027 P1 registration rules should be used as the framework with which to plan, not as a reason to hope for temporary exemptions.
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FAQs
When do the new P1 rules start?
They apply from the 2027 P1 registration exercise, for children entering Primary 1 in 2028.
Will Phase 2B change?
No. Phase 2B remains at 20 reserved places.
Does the two-track system apply to every school?
No. It applies to 12 selected schools.
