The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a major milestone for students in Singapore. It marks the end of primary education and plays a big role in shaping a student’s secondary school journey.

In recent years, the PSLE scoring system has changed. The old T-score has been replaced by the AL PSLE system, which focuses more on a student’s individual performance than comparing scores across the cohort.

What Is the PSLE Score?

The PSLE score refers to the total score a student receives after taking the four core subjects in the PSLE – English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science. Each subject is graded under the Achievement Levels (ALs), which replaced the previous T-score system.

Instead of ranking students based on their relative performance, the PSLE score under the AL system focuses on how well each student has mastered the subject content.

What Does AL PSLE Mean?

AL stands for Achievement Level. In the AL PSLE system, each subject is graded from AL1 to AL8, with AL1 being the highest and AL8 the lowest. The grades are based on raw marks and are not curved or adjusted based on how others perform.

Here’s a quick look at the grading scale:

• AL1: 90 – 100

• AL2: 85 – 89

• AL3: 80 – 84

• AL4: 75 – 79

• AL5: 65 – 74

• AL6: 45 – 64

• AL7: 20 – 44

• AL8: 0 – 19

Each student’s PSLE score is the sum of their ALs for the four subjects. The best possible score is 4 (if a student scores AL1 in all four subjects), and the worst possible score is 32.

Why Was the AL PSLE System Introduced?

The Ministry of Education introduced the AL PSLE system to reduce the pressure of competition among students. Under the old T-score system, even small differences in marks could affect school posting outcomes. Now, with broader scoring bands, the focus is more on individual mastery rather than comparison with peers.

This shift encourages:

• Holistic learning

• Reduced academic stress

• More meaningful education experience.

How the PSLE Score Affects Secondary School Posting

The total PSLE score plays a key role in determining which secondary school a student can be posted to. Secondary schools will have cut-off points based on past intake scores, and students are placed according to their AL PSLE score and school choice order.

If two or more students have the same PSLE score, tie-breakers include:

1. Citizenship status

2. School choice order

3. Computerised balloting

Because of this, planning the list of schools based on realistic PSLE score expectations is crucial for parents and students.

How to Interpret Your Child’s PSLE Score

Once results are released, it’s important to look beyond just the numbers. Understanding what the AL PSLE result says about your child’s strengths and areas for improvement can help with secondary school subject selection and future learning goals.

For example:

• A score of 12 (e.g., AL3 in all subjects) suggests good mastery across the board.

• A score of 20 or above may mean your child needs more support in one or more subjects, and that’s perfectly okay.

The AL PSLE system allows educators and parents to focus on how each child learns best instead of only chasing top scores.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for AL PSLE

Supporting your child for the PSLE isn’t just about drilling exam questions. A balanced approach is more effective.

Here are some useful tips:

• Focus on daily revision routines, not last-minute cramming

• Use practice papers to understand question patterns

• Encourage reading for English and Mother Tongue subjects

• Work on exam time management and answer structuring

• Use past AL PSLE marking schemes to understand how marks are awarded

Also, teach your child to take breaks, eat well, and stay active. A healthy body supports a focused mind.

How Does AL PSLE Support Future Education Planning?

One big benefit of the AL PSLE system is that it helps students identify their learning profiles early. This insight supports future subject combinations and even helps guide career awareness in the long run.

Whether a child moves on to an Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) stream, the goal remains the same: to develop lifelong learning skills.

Final Thoughts

The PSLE score and AL PSLE system might seem overwhelming at first, especially for first-time parents. But once you understand how the scoring works, it becomes a powerful tool to help guide your child’s education path.

Always remember:

• A child’s PSLE score is not the end goal, but a stepping stone

• The AL PSLE system values learning progress more than perfection

• Support, encouragement, and belief in your child’s potential make all the difference

Every student has a unique learning journey. Celebrate progress, and use the new scoring system to your child’s advantage. With the right mindset, preparation, and guidance, your child will not just score well—but thrive beyond PSLE.