MS HO Sulin ('Review volunteer priority for P1 places', May 25) suggested that the priority given to parent volunteers during the Primary 1 registration exercise be reviewed, and Mr Calvin Ng ('Priority scheme may widen income gap', May 27) opined that the Primary 1 registration framework was advantageous to higher-income families who could make monetary donations to schools.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) would like to state unequivocally that the buying of school places is not allowed. All school principals are aware that under no circumstances are they to solicit or accept donations in exchange for school places.

The current Primary 1 registration framework aims to provide children with school places according to a set of transparent criteria, guided by educational goals that serve the interest of the child.

MOE recognises that proximity is an important consideration for parents, so that a young child does not have to travel a long distance to go to school. However, proximity is not the sole deciding criteria.

Phase 1 of the registration exercise gives priority to parents who already have a child studying at the school of choice as this is convenient for parents, allows older siblings to help the younger child and builds school ties. Phase 2 recognises the contributions and ties that parents have with schools and communities.

For schools to thrive, key stakeholders - such as former students, members of the school advisory committees and parent volunteers - are critical as they help build up and strengthen the school's tradition and ethos, and support its students.

However, none of them is guaranteed a place for his child as admission is dependent on the demand for and availability of school places.

MOE strives to enable all students, regardless of their family background and circumstances, to achieve their full potential. All our schools are well- resourced with good teachers, suitable facilities and sufficient funding for school programmes. MOE is also enhancing financial support for students through the Edusave Scheme and school-based financial assistance schemes, so that no student will be denied useful educational programmes because of his financial situation.

Lim Huay Chih (Ms)
Director, School Planning and Placement
Ministry of Education

This article was first published in The Straits Times.