Novena Primary Schools

Cleris's take

ACJS has balloted in Phase 2B and 2C every year — nine ballot entries across the data window, and Phase 2A also came under pressure in 2024. If you're relying on Phase 2C, the 1km ring around Barker Road — Chancery Lane, Suffolk Road, lower Thomson Road — is the realistic starting point for your address strategy, and even then a ballot is likely. This school fills to capacity without exception.

Cleris's take

ACS Primary draws consistent Phase 2B and 2C demand — it's a SAP mission school where Methodist family affiliation is the Phase 2B lever. For families without that connection who are relying on Phase 2C, the 1km address around Barker Road is the most important variable. If you're buying in Novena specifically with this school in mind, that decision and your property search are the same conversation.

Cleris's take

SCGS Primary has balloted in Phase 2A, 2B, and 2C every year — even the most priority-connected families have faced competition. If you have a daughter and are relying on Phase 2C, you need to be within 1km around Dunearn Road, Watten, and Chancery Hill, and should expect a ballot most years. This is one of the few schools where proximity and affiliation both need to be in place.

Cleris's take

SJI Junior has balloted in Phase 2B and 2C every year, and the direct pipeline to SJI secondary drives structural demand — this isn't demand that cycles in and out. In 2025, Phase 2C drew 115 applicants for 78 spots with balloting in the 1–2km band. If you're buying in the Novena area with a son and SJI is your goal, the 1km ring is your floor and Phase 2B affiliation is worth pursuing alongside proximity.

Cleris's take

River Valley has balloted in three of four years at SC1-2 or SC<1, with only 2025 going uncontested. It's a school that sits on the edge of consistently high demand — if you're buying near Novena or the Orchard corridor, being within 1km gives you the strongest footing, and the trajectory suggests that buffer is becoming more valuable.