Advocates for reforming the Primary 1 registration system argue that the current distance-based priority is fundamentally regressive. By granting an automatic advantage to those who can afford to purchase or rent homes near elite schools, the policy creates a barrier for lower-income families. Removing this rule would be a significant step toward ensuring that school access is determined by a child's needs rather than their family's financial capacity to secure a specific address.
Beyond the issue of social mobility, the current system has created a distorted property market. Homes within the one-kilometer radius of popular schools often command a significant price premium, effectively turning school access into a luxury commodity. Decoupling school admissions from residential location would likely stabilize these property prices, making housing more affordable for a wider range of citizens and reducing the intense pressure on parents to move into specific neighborhoods.
Furthermore, a move away from distance-based priority could encourage a more diverse student body. When schools draw from a wider geographical area rather than just the immediate vicinity, they become more representative of the broader population. This shift would foster greater social integration and help break down the silos that can form when schools become exclusive enclaves for the wealthy.
Ultimately, the goal of such a reform is to restore the principle of meritocracy in the education system. By replacing the proximity rule with a more equitable allocation method, the government could ensure that every school is viewed as a quality school, reducing the 'prestige' gap that currently drives the hyper-competitive registration process.