Short answer: under Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB), students no longer belong to Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) streams. Instead, each subject is taken at G1, G2 or G3. For most subjects, the starting level in Secondary 1 comes from the PSLE score, and a school can later offer a more demanding level if a student is ready.

Last updated: 6 November 2026. We update this page when MOE announces changes.

If your child is heading into Secondary 1, you'll hear "G1", "G2" and "G3" instead of the old stream names. It isn't just new labels. It's a different way of placing students, and understanding it helps you support your child from day one.

The big change: banding by subject, not by stream

Under the old system, a student placed in Normal (Academic) took every subject at that level, even if they were strong in one of them. Under FSBB, each subject can be taken at a different level. A student might take Math at G3, English at G2 and Science at G2, depending on their strengths.

G1, G2 and G3 roughly line up with the old N(T), N(A) and Express levels, but the comparison only goes so far. Because levels are set subject by subject, your child's profile reflects where they are strong, rather than one label for everything.

How the starting levels are decided

After PSLE, students are placed in a Posting Group based on their PSLE score, and this sets the default level for most subjects when they start Secondary 1. As an indicative guide:

Students who do well in a particular subject at PSLE may be able to take it at a higher level from the start. For example, an AL5 or better in a Standard subject can open the option of G3, and AL6 or better in a Standard subject, or an A in a Foundation subject, can open the option of G2. Your child's school will confirm exactly what applies.

Took Foundation Math, now in G2 Math? Don't skip the bridging

This is one of the most overlooked parts of the move to Secondary 1. Some students who took Foundation Math at PSLE are placed in G2 Math. That's a real achievement, and something to celebrate.

But there's a catch. Some topics are taught in PSLE Standard Math but not in Foundation Math. Secondary 1 G2 Math assumes students already know them. These topics are not taught again in Secondary 1. A child who has never learned them starts the year already behind, often without anyone realising why the work feels so hard.

Some parents feel extra lessons aren't necessary at this point, after a long PSLE year. We understand that. But a short bridging programme that covers exactly those missing topics is what lets your child start Secondary 1 on the right foot, with confidence instead of catching up.

That's why we run a bridging programme after PSLE results at our Tampines and Hougang centres, focused on the Standard Math topics that Foundation Math students haven't covered. WhatsApp us to find out more.

Levels can change

Banding isn't fixed for the whole of secondary school. According to information schools share with parents, a school can offer a subject at a more demanding level at the start of Secondary 1, in the middle of Secondary 1, at the end of Secondary 1, or at the end of Secondary 2. Schools do not offer a more demanding level in Secondary 3 and 4, because there is too little time left to prepare for the national exams.

After Secondary 1 starts, MOE says offers are based on a holistic view of the student's performance, interests and readiness. Subject teachers give a recommendation and the school decides. So a student who works steadily can move up in the subjects where they're ready. We explain how this works in more detail in a new article soon.

It affects the exams too

From 2027, the N(T), N(A) and O-Level exams are combined into one national exam: the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC). Students sit each subject at G1, G2 or G3. So going forward, "what level is my child taking for this subject?" matters more than "what stream is my child in?" Read our parent's guide to the SEC for the exam timetable.

What this means for revision

A G3 Math student and a G2 Math student are working towards different depths of content and different exam papers, even if they're in the same class at school. Materials and tuition need to match the level your child is taking in each subject.

Common questions from parents

What do G1, G2 and G3 mean?

They are subject levels. G3 follows the O-Level standard, G2 follows N(A) and G1 follows N(T). A child can take different subjects at different levels.

Does my child need to take every subject at the same level?

No. That is the main idea of FSBB. A child might take Math at G3 and English at G2.

Can my child change level after Secondary 1 starts?

Yes, in some cases. A school can offer a more demanding level at set points in Secondary 1 and 2, based on performance, interests and readiness. The school makes the final decision.

What if my child took Foundation at PSLE?

Foundation Math students can qualify for G2 Math, but they may be missing topics taught only at Standard level. That is why we recommend a short bridging programme.

How we support this at EduReach

We teach secondary English, Math, Science and Malay at G1, G2 and G3. So if one child takes G3 Math and another takes G2 Science, each is taught at the right level, rather than in a one-size-fits-all class.

Related reading: N-Level, O-Level or SEC? A Parent's Guide to the 2027 Exams · The PSLE Scoring System Since 2021 · Secondary School Cut-Off Points 2026 Guide

Sources: MOE information on subject levels and posting groups, and the MOE parliamentary reply on progression between levels. Always confirm the latest details with MOE and your child's school.

EduReach: Empowering Every Student's Journey. We promise honest guidance you can trust for your child's future. Not sure which level fits your child? WhatsApp us at +65 8979 6136 for an honest conversation.