Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2022.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Education (a) for primary schools that required balloting in 2021 and 2022, since the changes to the Primary 1 Registration Framework, what is the change in number and proportion of students who have obtained a place in a primary school residing (i) within one kilometre and (ii) within two kilometres of their residential address; and (b) what is the Government's assessment of the effectiveness of the change in the registration framework in achieving its stated objectives.
Starting from the 2022 Primary 1 Registration Exercise, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has doubled the number of Phase 2C reserved places from 20 to 40, so that more children can be enrolled in a school near their homes. This is in the educational interest of the child and for the convenience of the family. The posting outcomes for this year's exercise are in line with this policy intent and we will continue to monitor the outcomes of future Primary 1 Registration Exercises closely.
For primary schools that were oversubscribed in Phase 2A, 2B or 2C in both the 2021 and 2022 Primary 1 Registration Exercises, more students who reside nearer to these schools were admitted. Within one kilometre of these schools, about 1,300 more students were admitted in 2022 than in 2021. Within two kilometres of these schools, about 1,100 more students were admitted in 2022 compared to 2021. In terms of proportion, this translates to 7% more students who obtained a place within one kilometre, and 6% more students who obtained a place within two kilometres. About 98% of Primary 1 registrants were able to obtain a place in a primary school of their choice or within two kilometres of their residence in 2021 and 2022.
PAPERCUTS