The PSLE Scoring System Since 2021: What Parents Need to Know

Last updated: 20 September 2026. Scoring information is based on MOE's published PSLE scoring and Secondary 1 posting materials.

Since 2021, the PSLE has been scored in a different way. Instead of comparing your child with other students, each subject is graded on fixed bands, and the four grades are added up to give a single PSLE Score. For parents, the important questions are what the numbers mean, how Standard and Foundation subjects are scored differently, and what this means when your child starts Secondary 1.

This guide explains the scoring system, compares Standard and Foundation subjects, and explains why students who take Foundation Math or Foundation Science may need a bridging programme if they are placed at G2 in Secondary 1.

What Changed in 2021?

Before 2021, the PSLE used the T-score, which ranked students against their peers. From 2021, MOE replaced it with Achievement Levels (AL). Each subject is graded from AL1 (best) to AL8, based on the student's own raw mark, regardless of how other students have done. This means a child is not affected by whether the cohort scored well or badly in a given year.

The PSLE Score is the sum of the four subject ALs (English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language). It ranges from 4, which is four AL1s and the best possible score, to 32. A lower score is better.

How Is Each PSLE Subject Graded?

For Standard subjects, the raw mark out of 100 decides the Achievement Level:

The top bands are narrow (five marks each) and the lower bands are wider. A few marks can therefore move a child up or down a band at the top, and it is worth knowing where your child sits.

How are Foundation subjects graded?

Foundation subjects are graded A to C instead of AL1 to AL8. For working out the PSLE Score, MOE maps them to Standard levels:

This has an important consequence: the best a student can score in a Foundation subject counts as AL6, which is worse than AL1 to AL5 in a Standard subject.

How Is the PSLE Score Used for Secondary 1 Posting?

The PSLE Score places students in a Posting Group, and this sets the level at which they start most subjects in Secondary 1. Since 2024, the Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams have been replaced by Full Subject-Based Banding, where students take subjects at G1, G2 or G3. The Posting Groups are mapped from the old score ranges:

These ranges are taken from MOE's Primary 6 briefing material. The number of the Posting Group matches the level: Posting Group 3 students take subjects at G3, the most academically demanding level, while Posting Group 2 and 1 students take most subjects at G2 and G1 respectively.

Students in Posting Group 2 or 1 can also offer English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue at a more demanding level if their PSLE Achievement Level in that subject is strong. Students can also move between levels as they progress.

Individual schools have their own PSLE score ranges each year, and MOE publishes them for each Posting Group. Please always check MOE's latest figures when choosing schools.

Worked Example: Two Students, Two PSLE Scores

Here are two example students (not real students) to show how the numbers work. Student A takes all four subjects at Standard level. Student B takes Foundation Math and Foundation Science.

Student B did well on the Foundation papers, but the best Foundation result still counts as AL6. The total of 23 places Student B in Posting Group 2, so most subjects start at G2, including Mathematics and Science. Secondary 1 assumes the full primary syllabus, and Student B has not covered every topic in it. That is the situation a bridging programme is designed for.

What if my child scores AL8 in English or Mathematics?

English Language and Mathematics carry a special condition. MOE requires students to score AL7 or better in both subjects to be posted to Posting Group 1, the lowest of the three Posting Groups (PSLE Scores of 26 to 30). A student who scores AL8 in English Language or in Mathematics is therefore not eligible for posting to a mainstream secondary school, regardless of how well they do in the other subjects.

Students who are not eligible can choose to repeat the PSLE, or apply to NorthLight School or Assumption Pathway School with a recommendation from their primary school principal. This is why English and Mathematics deserve special attention in Primary 5 and 6, whichever level the student takes.

This applies to Foundation subjects too. A Foundation Grade C counts as AL8. If a child scores Grade C (below 30 marks) in Foundation English or Foundation Mathematics, the child is not eligible for posting to a mainstream secondary school, regardless of the results in the other subjects. For Foundation English and Mathematics, a Grade B (30 to 74 marks, counted as AL7) is therefore the lowest result that keeps mainstream posting open.

Standard or Foundation? Pros and Cons

From Primary 5, students can take English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue at Foundation level if their school recommends it. Foundation subjects have a narrower syllabus and a simpler paper. Here is how the two levels compare:

Standard subjects: pros

•       The full syllabus, so the move into secondary school is smoother.

•       A wider range of results (AL1 to AL8), so a strong student can reach a low PSLE Score.

Standard subjects: cons

•       A harder paper with more demanding questions, which can be stressful for a child who is struggling.

•       A student who finds the subject hard may score AL7 or AL8, which count more heavily in the total.

Foundation subjects: pros

•       A simpler paper and narrower syllabus can build confidence and reduce stress for a child who needs more support.

•       A student who would score AL7 or AL8 at Standard level can reach Grade A, which counts as AL6, on the Foundation paper.

•       More time to master core concepts properly.

Foundation subjects: cons

•       The best result counts as AL6, so the PSLE Score cannot go as low as it can with Standard subjects.

•       Topics that were not covered can leave gaps in secondary school, especially if the student is placed at a level that assumes them.

•       A higher total PSLE Score, which can affect the Posting Group and the schools a student can choose from.

•       In English and Mathematics, a Grade C (below 30 marks) counts as AL8 and means the student is not eligible for posting to a mainstream secondary school.

There is no single right answer. The best level is the one that suits your child's readiness and confidence, and your child's school will advise. A diagnostic assessment can help you see where your child stands.

Do Foundation Math and Science Students Need a Bridging Programme?

Students who took Foundation English, Math or Science at PSLE, but whose overall PSLE Score qualifies them for G3, can choose to take those subjects at the less demanding G2 level, in consultation with their school. Students in Posting Group 2 take most subjects at G2 in any case.

The concern is that the Secondary 1 G2 syllabus assumes that students have learnt the full Primary Math and Science syllabus. Foundation Math and Foundation Science do not cover some of those topics. A student who has taken Foundation subjects and starts at G2 is expected to know what was not taught, and can quickly feel lost in class.

A bridging programme closes this gap as early as possible. It covers the Math and Science topics that are not in the Foundation syllabus but that Secondary 1 builds on, so that your child can follow lessons with the rest of the class.

•       Who it is for: students who took Foundation Math or Foundation Science at PSLE and are placed at G2 in Secondary 1 (or choose G2 for those subjects).

•       What it does: teaches the topics that Foundation did not cover, and links them to Secondary 1 work.

•       When it runs: after the PSLE results are announced, so that students are ready before Secondary 1 begins.

Bridging at EduReach

EduReach runs a bridging programme at our Tampines and Hougang centres after the PSLE results are announced. It is designed for students who took Foundation Math or Foundation Science and are moving into Secondary 1.

Only our Tampines and Hougang centres offer the bridging programme. Parents and students are welcome to contact us for details after the PSLE results are announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSLE Score?

The PSLE Score is the sum of the four subject Achievement Levels (English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue), ranging from 4 (best) to 32. It is used for Secondary 1 posting.

What is a good PSLE score?

A lower score is better, and 4 is the best possible. What counts as good depends on the school and level your child is aiming for. In MOE's Primary 6 briefing material, a score of 4 to 20 is Posting Group 3, where students take most subjects at G3. Each school's own score range changes from year to year, and MOE publishes it for each Posting Group, so please check the latest figures.

What are the highest and lowest possible PSLE scores?

The best possible score is 4, which is four AL1s. The weakest is 32, which is four AL8s.

Can a student with AL8 in English or Math go to secondary school?

Not through the mainstream Secondary 1 posting. MOE requires AL7 or better in both English Language and Mathematics, so a student who scores AL8 in either subject is not eligible for posting to a mainstream secondary school, regardless of the other subjects. The student can repeat the PSLE, or apply to NorthLight School or Assumption Pathway School with a recommendation from the primary school principal.

Can a Foundation student with Grade C in English or Math go to secondary school?

No, not through the mainstream Secondary 1 posting. A Foundation Grade C counts as AL8, so a child who scores Grade C in Foundation English or Foundation Mathematics is not eligible for posting to a mainstream secondary school, regardless of the other subjects. Options include repeating the PSLE, or applying to NorthLight School or Assumption Pathway School with a recommendation from the primary school principal.

Is the PSLE still scored with the T-score?

No. From 2021, the T-score was replaced by Achievement Levels (AL). Each subject is graded from AL1 to AL8 based on the student's own raw mark, not on how other students did.

Can a Foundation student get AL1?

No. Foundation subjects are graded A to C, and the best result, Grade A, counts as AL6. A Foundation student cannot score AL1 to AL5 in that subject.

Do Foundation subjects count in the PSLE Score?

Yes. Foundation grades A, B and C count as AL6, AL7 and AL8 when the total is worked out.

How many marks do you need for Foundation Grade A?

Grade A is 75 marks and above, Grade B is 30 to 74 marks, and Grade C is below 30 marks. Grades A, B and C count as AL6, AL7 and AL8.

Can my child take Foundation in some subjects and Standard in others?

Yes. Foundation is available in English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue, and your child's school will advise which subjects suit your child.

Is a Foundation subject a bad choice?

No. It can suit a child who needs more time and confidence with the subject. The trade-off is that the best result counts as AL6, and some secondary topics may need to be bridged.

Which Posting Group is a PSLE score of 23?

A score of 23 or 24 is Posting Group 2, where students take most subjects at G2. Scores of 21, 22 and 25 can fall into either of two groups.

Will a Foundation Math or Science student be lost in Secondary 1?

Not necessarily, but it is a risk. Secondary 1 assumes the full primary syllabus, and Foundation does not cover every topic. The risk is greatest for students who start Secondary 1 at G2, which is why we run a bridging programme.

What is a bridging programme?

A programme that teaches the topics not covered in Foundation Math or Foundation Science, so that a student who starts Secondary 1 at G2 can follow lessons.

Where and when is the bridging programme held?

At our Tampines and Hougang centres, after the PSLE results are announced. Parents and students are welcome to contact us for details.

Do you offer a trial class or diagnostic assessment?

Yes. You can arrange a trial lesson and a free diagnostic assessment to identify your child's strengths and learning gaps before deciding.

Sources and Further Information

•       MOE: PSLE Score Calculator and scoring resources

•       MOE: PSLE scoring and Full Subject-Based Banding

•       MOE: PSLE scoring changes FAQs

•       SEAB: Release of PSLE results (options for students not eligible for secondary school)

•       MOE: What are Posting Groups

•       MOE: Understanding PSLE score ranges

Explore Related EduReach Programmes

•       Primary Science in Tampines: Science tuition in Tampines

•       Math tuition in Tampines: Math tuition in Tampines

•       Math tuition in Hougang: Math tuition in Hougang

Book a Free Diagnostic Assessment

A free diagnostic assessment shows where your child is strong, where the gaps are, and what a tailored learning plan could look like.

WhatsApp: 8979 6136 (message us about Foundation and Standard subjects)

Call: 6817 6157

Schedules and fees: www.edureachsg.com/pages/schedule-fees

Website: www.edureachsg.com

Bridging programme centres

EduReach Tampines: Blk 201E Tampines Street 23, #01-122 (2nd level, above Red Dot Furniture), Singapore 527201, within walking distance of Tampines East MRT

EduReach Hougang: Midtown, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-12, Hougang Central, Singapore 533971, within walking distance of Hougang MRT and Hougang Bus Interchange

Conclusion: Know the Numbers Before You Choose

Since 2021, the PSLE has scored each subject on fixed bands, and the four grades add up to a PSLE Score from 4 to 32. Foundation subjects can build confidence, but the best result counts as AL6, and topics that were not covered may need to be bridged if your child starts Secondary 1 at G2. Talk to your child's school, and use a diagnostic assessment to decide with facts.