Confused by the new PSLE scoring system? Here’s one mum’s take after going through it with her child— plus tips to help you feel a little less lost.
P.S.L.E, the four letter word that sends shivers down your spine. It is the very first major exam in your child’s educational journey and it’ll determine where and how they spend their secondary school years after primary school. While it is important, it is not the only thing that shapes their life. Consider too, their interests, passions, and mental wellbeing. Yet as parents, we just want the best for our children.
The new PSLE scoring system, introduced in 2021, has redefined how we do our best for our children. MOE made major changes to the PSLE scoring system with swapping out the T-score for Achievement Levels (AL), the removal of the different streams in 2024, and a whole new secondary school experience under the Subject-Based Banding (SBB). It is overwhelming for parents and we ask “how do we prepare and support our kids for something we are unfamiliar with?”
Those were my exact thoughts when my child sat for his PSLE. He belonged to the first batch that went through both the new PSLE scoring system and the SBB. Two years on, with more clarity and less panic, let me break it down for you.
Please save these important PSLE dates:
- PSLE starts from 13 August – 1 October 2025
- Marking exercise for PSLE 13 October – 15 October 2025
- Tentative release of results between 24 – 26 November 2025
(Secondary 1 posting process runs for 7 days, starting from the day when the PSLE results are released)
What is the new PSLE scoring system all about?
In short, gone are the days of the three-digit T-scores; students will now receive PSLE AL scores ranging from four to 32. There is no pass or fail. This new PSLE scoring system is meant to take the pressure of PSLE down a notch, by shifting the focus from comparison to individual performance. Which is to say that the previous system didn’t offer a true reflection of the students’ individual strengths and weaknesses. While the new system does that and supports the purpose of PSLE as a “useful checkpoint to gauge your child’s understanding of key concepts and academic strengths.”
All about the ALs
ALs or Achievement Levels are scores of one to eight that students will receive based on their raw marks. Each AL score represents a range of marks. For example, a student with 95 marks will receive an AL1, and a student with 50 marks will receive an AL6 score (see table for more details). The total PSLE score is then the sum of the ALs from the four subjects, with four being the best possible score and 32 the highest possible score. If you grew up with the A1, A2 … grading system of the past, you’ll find the ALs vaguely familiar.
However, things are a little different for Foundation subjects. Students will receive grades from AL A to C, which maps to AL 6 to 8 of the standard scoring. For those taking Higher Mother Tongue languages, grading moves from Distinction (DI), Merit (ME), Pass (PA), to Ungraded (UG).
It’s not rocket science but it pays to be sure, you can add up the scores using MOE’s PSLE Score calculator.
If you notice, the upper ALs have a narrower raw marks range compared to the middle to lower ALs. As MOE explains, this ensures high achievers are differentiated closely, while giving broader grading flexibility to diverse learners, as a way to support both excellence and inclusivity.
Why change? How does it benefit the students?
The previous T-score system ranked students by comparing their scores against their peers, meaning every mark, right down to the decimal points, counted. The new PSLE scoring system grades each subject on broad brands (from AL 1 to AL 8) based on raw marks. This shifts the focus from competition with others to a more student-centric approach to better reflect students’ progress. The change is intended to ease the mounting academic pressure by recognising every child’s strengths and potential, and to help parents see more than the tiny grade gaps.
What do some parents think?
I spoke with a few parents to learn their thoughts and this is what I found. Many parents found this new system “unfair” as it makes it harder for their children to score. The larger range from the middle and lower ALs means students have to score much higher to move the bar. While high-achieving children have to make every mark count because just 1 mark can push them down to the next AL. But there are also parents who see this as a blessing because it “makes it easier for their children to pass.” Technically, there is no pass or fail in this new system, but what these parents mean by “pass” is to meet the 50% mark. In the new PSLE scoring system, whether children score 45 marks or 50 marks, they still fall into the AL 6 range, in that sense, it is easier for their children to score at least an AL 6.
How does secondary school posting work with the new PSLE scoring system?
Like before, the PSLE cut-off points (COP) with various schools, still apply. A very helpful tool to use is MOE’s School Finder, where you can get an idea of what the COP are. But take note that these are indicative, it may change based on past year’s grades and student choices (aka demand and supply).
Besides the PSLE scores, students may also apply to a school through Direct School Admission Programmes (DSA). This is an additional pathway allowing students to pursue their interests and talents with the secondary school of choice. If your child is offered a school through DSA, you would not have to take part in the Secondary 1 posting process.
What happens when there are two students with the same PSLE score and only one spot left in the school?
The school will then have to decide through citizenship (priority for citizens) and students’ school choices (is the school the student’s first or second choice?). The last tie-breaker will be a computerised ballot.
Other than the COP, make sure to look at what courses, electives, and CCAs the schools offer, research a little about their culture, attend their open house, and consider distance from home. Ranking your school choices matters if there is a tie, so rank them wisely.
Other things to note for the Secondary 1 posting process
On the day when the PSLE results are released, the S1 Internet System (S1-IS) will open for online submission. You’ll have seven days to submit your child’s preferred school choices (six schools). The posting results will be released at a later time (sometime in December, may be a little rush to buy books and uniforms) via the same online portal, SMS, and through your child’s primary school. Bookmark MOE’s posting process page for updates.
Plan ahead: Decide on your child’s preferred school before you receive the PSLE results
It’s crucial to decide on your child’s preferred school ahead of time because you won’t have much time to do so after you receive the PSLE results. Locate the preferred secondary schools and attend the open houses where you get a glimpse into the school culture. It’s also a great time to chat with the teachers and meet the current students, they’ll tell you a lot.
After that, have a conversation with your child and stay open to their preferences and choices. Help them understand their strengths, talents, and passions and most importantly, remember this is their journey, not yours. Manage your expectations without projecting them onto your child. The family bonds are more important than any school assessment!
You’ve got this, Moms and Dads! Have some thoughts about the new PSLE scoring system? Share your comments with us on Instagram.
