Compulsory education

All Singapore Citizens born after 1 January 1996 and living in Singapore must attend a national primary school unless an exemption is granted. Learn more about compulsory education, exemptions and deferment to enter Primary 1.

Children who are required to undergo compulsory education must attend a national primary school regularly unless they have been granted an exemption. Find out about the different types of exemptions.

If you have valid reasons, you can apply to defer or delay your child’s entry into Primary 1 (P1) of a mainstream school, or Junior 1 (J1)/P1 of a government-funded special education (SPED) school. Find out how to apply.

If your child is residing overseas, you will need to inform MOE when your child is due for Primary 1 (P1) registration. Find out how you can inform us.