Neighbourhood schools now require balloting

Hi Mr Tan,
You said "parents have the choice to ignore these competitive requirements and send their child to a nearby school, i.e.instead of competing for the "good" schools.". I wish to update you on the P1 registration today. Many so-called non-famous schools (eg. in Woodlands, Sembawang) require balloting nowadays. This is due to the fact that PRs enjoy the same priority as citizens for P1 registration. As S'pore PR is easily obtainable, this is tantamount to giving foreigners equal standing as citizens for P1 registration. The recent amendment to give citizens an extra ballot slip is just cosmetic. A PR whose sibling is already studying in the school will get priority over citizens without one. Is this fair?

The P1 registration priority system is very convoluted for a reason. It allows many well connected parents to obtain backdoor entry to famous schools without a soul noticing. I have come across such cases before. It is ironic that this government prides itself as being meritocratic!


TY