PSLE Score
AL Calculator
Understand your child's academic trajectory with our pedagogical placement predictor. Aligned to the latest MOE banding.
PSLE ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL
Scoring Reference
The PSLE uses eight Achievement Levels (AL1 to AL8) to assess student performance in each subject. The total PSLE score is the sum of ALs across all four subjects, with 4 being the best possible score and 32 the lowest. Understanding this scoring framework is the first step toward strategic exam preparation.
| Achievement Level | Raw Mark Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AL1 | 90 – 100 | Excellent mastery — minimal errors, deep conceptual understanding |
| AL2 | 85 – 89 | Very good mastery — consistent accuracy across topics |
| AL3 | 80 – 84 | Good mastery — minor gaps in advanced applications |
| AL4 | 75 – 79 | Solid mastery — comfortable with core content |
| AL5 | 65 – 74 | Adequate mastery — functional but inconsistent |
| AL6 | 45 – 64 | Partial mastery — significant gaps in understanding |
| AL7 | 20 – 44 | Limited mastery — struggles with most topics |
| AL8 | Below 20 | Minimal mastery — foundational concepts not secure |
How to Estimate Your Child's PSLE Score
To estimate a potential PSLE AL score, look at each subject individually. Take the average of recent school exam scores and mid-year exam results, map each subject to its corresponding AL, then add the four ALs together. For example, if your child scores 82 in English (AL3), 78 in Math (AL4), 88 in Science (AL2), and 80 in Mother Tongue (AL3), the total score would be 3 + 4 + 2 + 3 = 12. This score of 12 would typically qualify for Express (G3) placement at many schools.
For a more accurate assessment, take our comprehensive diagnostic test which adapts to your child's ability level and provides subject-by-subject AL estimates along with targeted improvement recommendations.
The AL System
From AL1 to AL8, each subject is scored independently based on raw marks. The new AL system replaced the old T-score system in 2021 to reduce fine differentiation between students. Instead of calculating precise aggregate scores, students are placed into one of eight bands per subject, making the system more holistic and less stressful.
A total score of 4-8 is typically considered excellent, 9-14 good, 15-20 average, and 21-32 indicates significant gaps requiring intervention. The PSLE is scored out of a total of 32, so a difference of even 1-2 points can determine which schools and posting groups are accessible.
Posting Groups
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) replaced the Express/N(A)/N(T) streaming system in 2024. Students are posted to G1, G2, or G3 based on their total PSLE score, but can take individual subjects at higher or lower levels based on their subject-specific AL scores.
This flexibility is a major improvement over the old system. For example, a student posted to G2 who scored AL3 in Mathematics can take Math at G3 level. This means students are no longer locked into a single academic trajectory based on their overall score — subject strengths are recognised individually.
Subject Banding
Students may take subjects at Standard or Foundation level. Foundation level is designed for students who would benefit from a less demanding curriculum. The grading uses A, B, C which map to AL6, AL7, and AL8 respectively.
The key trade-off: Foundation subjects cap your best possible AL at 6 per subject (compared to AL1 at Standard level), but they allow students to demonstrate competency at a more accessible level. Schools use the same total score range of 4-32 regardless of subject level mix, and the S1 posting process treats all scores equally for placement decisions.
Common PSLE
Questions
Everything parents and students need to know about the PSLE AL scoring system, school placement, and preparation strategy.
Q. How is the PSLE AL score calculated?
The PSLE Achievement Level (AL) score is the sum of ALs across four subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue. Each subject is scored from AL1 (best, 90+ marks) to AL8 (lowest, under 20 marks). A lower total score means higher achievement. The best possible score is 4 (AL1 in all four subjects), and the lowest is 32 (AL8 in all four subjects).
Q. What PSLE total score is needed for Express (G3)?
Generally, a PSLE score of 4 to 20 qualifies students for the G3 (Express) posting group. Scores of 21 to 22 may qualify for the G3/G2 option band. Scores of 23 to 24 typically place students in G2 (Normal Academic). Scores of 25 to 30 usually correspond to G1 (Normal Technical). Note that cut-off points vary by school and year.
Q. How do Foundation subjects affect the PSLE score?
Foundation level grades (A, B, C) are mapped to AL6, AL7, and AL8 respectively for score calculation. A Foundation AL A is equivalent to AL6, B to AL7, and C to AL8. Taking Foundation subjects does cap the maximum achievable AL per subject at AL6, but allows students to demonstrate mastery at an appropriate level.
Q. What is the difference between AL1 and AL8?
AL1 (90-100 marks) represents excellent mastery. AL2 (85-89) represents very good mastery. AL3 (80-84) represents good mastery. AL4 (75-79) represents solid mastery. AL5 (65-74) represents adequate mastery. AL6 (45-64) represents partial mastery. AL7 (20-44) represents limited mastery. AL8 (under 20) represents minimal mastery.
Q. What are G1, G2, and G3 posting groups?
Under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), G1 corresponds to the former Normal (Technical) stream, G2 to Normal (Academic), and G3 to Express. Unlike the old streaming system, students can take subjects at different levels. For example, a student posted to G2 may take English and Math at G3 if they achieved AL4 or better in those subjects at PSLE.
Q. Can my child take subjects at a higher level than their posting group?
Yes. Under Full SBB, students who score AL1-AL4 in a subject at PSLE can take that subject at a more demanding level (e.g., G3 instead of G2). This is a key advantage of Full SBB over the old streaming system — it allows students to mix levels across subjects based on their strengths rather than being locked into a single stream.
Q. How are secondary schools assigned based on PSLE score?
Secondary school posting is done centrally by MOE based on the student's total PSLE score, school choice order, and available vacancies. Each school publishes its cut-off point (COP) annually, which is the lowest score of the last student admitted in the previous year. Students who rank a school as their first choice receive a 2-point bonus under the new S1 posting system.
Q. What is the highest and lowest possible PSLE score?
The highest possible PSLE score (best) is 4, achieved by scoring AL1 in all four subjects (English, Math, Science, Mother Tongue). The lowest possible PSLE score (worst) is 32, achieved by scoring AL8 in all four subjects. Most students fall between scores of 8 and 25.
Q. How should I use a PSLE score calculator for planning?
A PSLE score calculator helps parents estimate their child's likely AL score range based on current performance in school exams and practice papers. Use it to identify target score ranges for desired schools, understand which subjects need improvement, and plan revision priorities. The most effective approach is to calculate multiple score scenarios — best case, expected, and worst case — to understand the range of possible outcomes.
Q. What PSLE score is needed for IP schools?
Integrated Programme (IP) schools typically require PSLE scores between 4 and 8. Raffles Institution, Raffles Girls' School, and Hwa Chong Institution usually require a score of 4-5. NUS High School requires 4-6. Other IP schools like Dunman High, Victoria School, and Cedar Girls' typically require 6-8. These cut-off points are indicative and vary yearly based on cohort performance.
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