Primary 1 Registration Priority for Community Leaders

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Education for each of the last two years (a) what is the number of Primary 1 places given to children of community leaders; (b) what is the average years of service which these community leaders have served; and (c) what is the breakdown of these community leaders belonging to People's Association, religious groups or clans, and voluntary welfare organisations respectively.

Phase 2B of the Primary 1 (P1) Registration Framework is open to children of active community leaders, parent volunteers and endorsed members of religious groups or clans that are directly connected with the school. The commitment and support from these various stakeholders help to build stronger bonds between the school and the community.

To qualify for Phase 2B priority, community leaders in the Residents' Committee, Neighbourhood Committee, Citizen's Consultative Committee, Community Club Management Committee and the Community Development Council have to serve actively for at least one year prior to the P1 registration exercise. Most of the community leaders serve more than the minimum period, and they continue to serve even after their children had gained admission into the school.

The number of children admitted in Phase 2B has remained fairly constant for the past two years at around 7% of the P1 cohort. The active community leaders scheme formed less than 1% out of the P1 cohort. The vast majority of Phase 2B places went to children of parent volunteers and endorsed members of religious groups or clans that are directly connected with the school.

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