The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a significant milestone for students and parents alike. In 2025, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore is continuing to implement refinements to the PSLE scoring system introduced in 2021. These changes aim to provide a fairer and more holistic assessment of students’ abilities, while reducing excessive academic pressure.
What is the PSLE Achievement Level (AL) Scoring System?
Under the revised scoring system, letter grades are replaced by Achievement Levels (ALs), ranging from AL1 (best) to AL8 (lowest). Each subject is scored individually, and a student’s total PSLE score is the sum of the ALs for English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science. The best possible score is 4, and the worst is 32.
Why Was the PSLE Scoring System Changed?
MOE revised the system to move away from bell-curve-based rankings. The AL system rewards students based on their actual level of achievement rather than relative performance, which helps reduce competition and stress. This approach also aligns with the goal of holistic education and supports varied learning pathways in secondary school.
How Will Secondary School Placement Be Affected?
Placement into secondary schools will now rely on the PSLE Score and a set of tie-breakers: citizenship, choice order of schools, and computerized balloting. This encourages parents and students to prioritize school preferences rather than chasing after marginal score differences.
Mother Tongue Language Exemptions and Impact
Students who are exempted from taking the Mother Tongue Language (MTL) will receive an assigned MTL score based on their performance in the remaining subjects. This ensures fairness in scoring while still recognizing the unique needs of these students.
Subject-Based Banding (SBB) and its Integration
From 2024 onwards, all secondary schools will implement Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). PSLE scores still determine admission into Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) courses, but subject offerings are now more flexible, allowing students to take subjects at appropriate levels based on strengths rather than stream labels.
Real Example: How the AL System Impacts a Student's Journey
For instance, a student scoring AL2 for English, AL3 for Mathematics, AL2 for Science, and AL4 for Mother Tongue will have a PSLE Score of 11. This would make the student eligible for most Express stream secondary schools, with a good chance at top-tier institutions. Compared to the old T-score system, this is more straightforward and focuses on individual subject mastery.
Support Resources for Parents
MOE and schools provide numerous resources, including webinars, infographics, and briefings to help parents understand the new PSLE landscape. Parents are encouraged to attend school briefings and stay updated on school websites and the MOE portal.
Final Thoughts
The changes to the PSLE scoring system reflect Singapore’s shift towards a more balanced, student-centric education system. As a parent, it’s important to focus on your child's individual strengths, support their learning journey, and make informed decisions for their next step. The new system makes room for more varied definitions of success—and that’s a good thing.