How PSLE Is Graded: Singapore's AL Scoring System (2026)

Since 2021, the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore has been graded using the Achievement Level (AL) scoring system, replacing the T-score that had been in place for decades. Under this system, your child's raw marks in each subject are converted into an AL band from AL1 to AL8, and the total PSLE score is simply the sum of the four subject ALs, ranging from 4 (best possible) to 32.

The shift from T-score to AL scoring is not a cosmetic change. It removes the fine-grained ranking that the old T-score produced, where a difference of a single mark could shift a child's secondary school posting outcome. The AL system groups marks into wider bands so that students who perform at similar levels receive the same score, reducing excessive competition over every mark and aligning with MOE's goal of broader, more holistic assessment.

What Is the PSLE Achievement Level (AL) Scoring System?

The PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scoring system is a banded grading framework introduced by Singapore's Ministry of Education that converts a student's raw examination marks into eight discrete achievement bands, removing the relative ranking inherent in the former T-score model. Each of the four PSLE subjects—English, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science—is graded independently on the same AL scale. The total PSLE score is the sum of the AL scores across all four subjects.

The system was designed to encourage students to focus on their own learning progress rather than on outperforming peers. It also works in tandem with Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) in secondary schools, which allows students to take subjects at different levels based on their strengths in individual subjects, not just their overall PSLE score.

How AL Bands Work: Marks to Achievement Levels

Each subject's raw mark is mapped to one of eight AL bands. The same mark ranges apply to all four standard-level PSLE subjects. Here is the full breakdown:

Standard Subject AL Bands

AL1: 90 marks and above. AL2: 85 to 89 marks. AL3: 80 to 84 marks. AL4: 75 to 79 marks. AL5: 65 to 74 marks. AL6: 45 to 64 marks. AL7: 20 to 44 marks. AL8: Below 20 marks. A student who scores 84 in English receives an AL3 for that subject; a score of 85 receives an AL2. The wider mark ranges for AL5, AL6, and AL7 mean that a student is not penalised for every single mark lost.

Foundation Subject AL Bands

For students taking Foundation-level subjects, a different AL scale applies. Foundation AL A ranges from 75 to 100 marks, Foundation AL B from 30 to 74 marks, and Foundation AL C for marks below 30. Foundation-level subjects are mapped to AL bands A (equivalent to AL6), B (equivalent to AL7), and C (equivalent to AL8) when computing the total PSLE score.

How the PSLE Score Is Calculated

The calculation is straightforward: add the AL scores from all four subjects. A student achieving AL2 in English, AL3 in Mathematics, AL2 in Science, and AL1 in Mother Tongue receives a PSLE score of 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8. Scores range from 4, representing AL1 across all four subjects, to 32, representing AL8 in every subject. Most students score between 8 and 22.

Because the AL system uses whole-number bands rather than a continuous scale, many students share the same PSLE score. When two students with identical scores compete for the same secondary school place, MOE uses tie-breakers in this order: citizenship (Singapore Citizens first), school choice order, and computerised balloting if needed.

Secondary School Posting: From PSLE Score to Posting Group

Your child's PSLE score determines their secondary school posting group. Under the Full Subject-Based Banding framework, the three posting groups are:

Posting Group 3 (PG3), mapped from the former Express stream, generally admits students with PSLE scores between 4 and 20. Posting Group 2 (PG2), mapped from Normal (Academic), generally covers scores between 21 and 25. Posting Group 1 (PG1), mapped from Normal (Technical), generally covers scores between 26 and 30, with scores above 30 requiring an alternative placement.

Within each posting group, admission to specific schools depends on that school's cut-off point (COP) from the previous year's posting exercise. The COP is simply the PSLE score of the last student admitted to that school in the previous year, and it varies annually based on demand and cohort performance.

What the PSLE Score Means for Your Child's English Preparation

English is a core PSLE subject and carries the same AL weight as Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue. A strong performance in English lifts the total PSLE score directly. More importantly, English proficiency underpins performance across the curriculum—comprehension skills tested in English Paper 2 apply when reading Science and Mathematics word problems, and oral communication skills carry into Mother Tongue and project work in secondary school.

At iWorld Learning, we focus on building the foundational English skills that PSLE demands: reading comprehension, grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, and oral fluency. Our primary school English programme follows a CEFR-aligned learning path that supports PSLE English preparation without resorting to rote drill. Lessons are conducted in small classes by internationally certified teachers, giving every student the speaking and writing practice they need to perform confidently on examination day.

FAQ

What is the difference between the old T-score and the new AL system?

The T-score compared each student's performance against their cohort and produced a fine-grained ranking with decimal-point precision. The AL system uses fixed mark bands (AL1 to AL8) so that students with similar raw marks receive identical scores. This removes the hyper-competitive element of the T-score and shifts the focus to mastering content at the appropriate level.

What is considered a good PSLE score?

A score between 4 and 10 is considered excellent and typically qualifies a student for the most sought-after secondary schools. Scores between 11 and 20 place students comfortably in the Express/PG3 posting group. Scores from 21 to 25 place students in Normal (Academic)/PG2, and scores from 26 to 30 place students in Normal (Technical)/PG1. A "good" score ultimately depends on your child's target secondary school and its expected cut-off point.

Does Foundation-level English affect the PSLE score differently?

Yes. Foundation English is graded on the Foundation AL scale (A, B, C), which maps to AL6, AL7, and AL8 respectively when computing the total PSLE score. This means the highest possible contribution from a Foundation subject is AL6, which limits the total PSLE score a student taking Foundation subjects can achieve.

How does PSLE grading affect secondary school subject choices?

Beyond the posting group, Full Subject-Based Banding allows students to take individual subjects at a more demanding or more supportive level starting from Secondary 1. For example, a student in PG2 who performed well in English at PSLE may take English at the G3 (Express) level while studying other subjects at G2. This flexibility means the PSLE AL score in each subject matters independently, not just the total.

Can my child retake the PSLE if the score is low?

The PSLE is a one-time national examination, and retaking is not an option. Students who receive scores at the higher end of the range or above 30 are offered alternative pathways, including placement in specialised schools or foundation programmes. The best strategy is thorough, consistent preparation throughout the primary school years, particularly in English, which is the medium of instruction for all subjects.

Summary

The PSLE Achievement Level scoring system grades each of the four subjects on an AL1-to-AL8 scale, with the total PSLE score being the sum of all four ALs. It replaced the T-score to reduce fine-grained competition and align with Full Subject-Based Banding in secondary education. Understanding how AL bands work, how the score is calculated, and how tie-breakers operate helps parents and students make informed decisions about secondary school choices and subject-level placements.

If you are looking for structured English support that builds the skills your child needs for PSLE success, book a consultation with iWorld Learning to learn about our primary school English programme. We offer a free trial class so your child can experience our small-group, CEFR-aligned approach before committing. Visit our why choose us page to see how our certified teachers and immersive methodology can support your child's language journey.