SINGAPORE – The Primary 1 intake for most primary schools will be gradually reduced over the next few years, starting with the 2026 registration exercise, in view of falling cohort sizes in the coming years.
“This will minimise the need for school mergers or relocations, and maintain a good geographical spread of primary schools for students across Singapore,” the Ministry of Education (MOE) said in a statement on April 29.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, MOE said it regularly reviews national and regional demand and supply trends, and adjusts the Primary 1 intakes of schools in response to changing demographics and new housing developments. The ministry added that with Singapore’s birth rates declining over the years, there will be a corresponding fall in demand for school places.
There were about 38,100, 37,800 and 38,200 P1 pupils in 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively. About 36,800 children are expected to register for admission to primary schools in 2027. Registration for the 2027 school year will be from June 30 to Oct 30, 2026.
“P1 intakes of schools will need to be adjusted to align with the demographic changes and population shifts in the areas where the schools are located,” said MOE.
The ministry added that each school will continue to have sufficient scale to provide pupils with a range of development and learning opportunities, such as varied CCA choices. While demand for places in certain schools may exceed vacancies based on parental choices, MOE said there will be sufficient P1 places across the system and in each geographical area for all Singapore citizen and permanent resident children.
Primary 1 form class sizes will not change, said the ministry, with current classes in government and government-aided schools typically comprising around 30 pupils.
Though it was announced in March that MOE is reviewing the P1 registration framework, the ministry said the 2026 registration exercise will not be affected, and details of the review will be announced when ready.
