What Do the PSLE Achievement Levels (AL) Mean for Primary 6 Students?

AGrader Learning Centre
Jun 29
4 min read

If you're the parent of a Primary 6 student, the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is likely top of mind. You’ve heard whispers at the school gate, read blog posts, and perhaps even attended briefings—but understanding the new PSLE score system can still feel confusing or overwhelming.

You may be wondering:

What do these AL bands mean?
How is my child’s PSLE score calculated now?
How do we decide on the right secondary schools to choose?

These are not just academic questions—they affect your child’s school selection. This article is here to help you make sense of the PSLE achievement level (AL) system introduced in 2021, breaking it down clearly and providing helpful context to support your decision-making.

Table of Content:

From T-Scores to Achievement Levels (ALs): Why the Change?
What Is the Achievement Level (AL) System?
2.1 Standard Level Subjects (Primary 5 & 6)
2.2 How Is the PSLE Score Calculated?
2.3 Understanding Subject Scores and Similar Scores
2.4 What Happens in the Case of a Tie?

From T-Scores to Achievement Levels (ALs): Why the Change?

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has implemented a new PSLE score system to support the holistic development of children and ease the academic pressure on students and their families.

Instead of comparing one child to another through fine-score differentiations, the achievement level PSLE scoring aims to:

Encourage students to focus on personal progress rather than comparisons.
Promote lifelong learning instead of short-term academic performance.
Reduce stress by eliminating tiny score differences (e.g. 231 vs. 232).

This shift reflects Singapore’s broader educational goals: nurturing confident, resilient learners rather than ranking children by decimal points.

From T-Scores to Achievement Levels (ALs): Why the Change

What Is the Achievement Level (AL) System?

Under the PSLE new score system, students are graded using Achievement Levels (ALs) instead of T-scores. These AL bands are broad score ranges that group similar performance levels together.

Each PSLE subject—English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue—is scored separately on a scale from 1 to 8, where:

AL1 is the best score (≥ 90 marks)
AL8 is the lowest (< 20 marks)

Here is how the AL scoring bands are structured:

Standard Level Subjects (Primary 5 & 6)

This structure ensures fine differentiation is reduced while still allowing for fair distinctions between students.

What Is the Achievement Level (AL) System

How Is the PSLE Score Calculated?

Here’s where it gets simple: The PSLE Score will be the sum of the AL scores for all four subjects.

Let’s look at an example:

English: AL2
Mathematics: AL1
Science: AL3
Mother Tongue: AL2

Total PSLE Score = 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 8

This score is then used in the secondary school posting process. The lower the total score, the better. The best possible score is 4 (all subjects with AL1), while the worst is 32 (all subjects with AL8)

Understanding Subject Scores and Similar Scores

Because of the wider AL bands, many students may fall into the same score category. For example, two students with very different actual marks (e.g., 91 and 98) would both get AL1. This creates groups of students with similar scores, reducing unnecessary competition and focusing instead on overall readiness.

This also means that posting to secondary schools is not just about academics—it becomes a matter of strategic choice and planning, especially when schools have limited vacancies and many students share the same PSLE achievement level total.

What Happens in the Case of a Tie?

When multiple students have the same PSLE Score and apply to the same school, tie-breakers come into play in this order:

Order of School Choice
- The student who places the school higher on their list of six school choices will get priority.
Citizenship
- Priority is given in the following order: a. Singapore Citizens b. Permanent Residents (PRs) c. International Students
Computerised Balloting
- If all else is equal, balloting will decide.

Understanding Subject Scores and Similar Scores

Because AL scoring will be the sum of broad bands, ties are more common now. Hence, the order in which you list schools to choose becomes crucial. A student who ranks a school first will be prioritised over someone who puts it as second or third, even if both have the same score.

The shift to the achievement level PSLE system marks an important change in Singapore’s education journey. It reflects a desire to move beyond paper chase culture, to help children thrive not just in exams but in life.

As a parent, understanding the PSLE score system, how AL bands work, and how to navigate school choices and cut-off points is crucial. While the new system may seem unfamiliar at first, it ultimately aims to create a fairer, less stressful, and more student-centric approach.

With the right mindset and informed decision-making, you can help your child approach the primary school leaving examination PSLE with confidence—and look forward to the next stage of their educational journey with hope and clarity.

Preparing for the PSLE can be overwhelming, but with AGrader Learning Centre, your child receives the expert support they need to succeed. Our programmes in English, Math, Science, and Creative Writing are aligned with the MOE syllabus and taught by experienced educators who focus on building strong foundations, confidence, and exam readiness.

From Physical Class to Online Classes and Self-Paced Modules, AGrader offers flexible learning that fits your schedule—at home or even on holiday. With structured lessons, tailored content, and free EverLoop after-class resources, your child will stay ahead and fully prepared for the PSLE. Enrol now and give your child the head start they deserve with AGrader Learning Centre.