Hello everyone! It has been a while since I last posted on the LBM blog. For today, I will be focusing on what must be on many parents’ and students’ minds – the new PSLE AL score that will take effect in 2021. Hopefully, I will be able to address some of those concerns in my post today. Let’s get started!
1. Key Differences Between the Old and New PSLE Scoring System
Let’s take a look at the comparison table below:
Common Misunderstandings About the AL Scoring System
One point that often trips up parents and students alike: under the AL system, a smaller number isn’t cause for concern—it’s actually a good thing! If you’ve been used to the T-score approach, where climbing higher was always the goal, this reversal can be a head-scratcher. Many mistakenly assume that higher numbers reflect stronger performance, when in fact, it’s the opposite with AL. So, if you see an AL score of 4, you’re on the right track—think “ALPINE,” as in the lower the number, the better the result!
What were the main drawbacks of the T-score system?
While many of us grew up with the familiar T-score system, it wasn’t without its issues—especially for young students (and their parents!) navigating the pressure cooker that is PSLE season. Here are a few key reasons why the old approach came under fire:
- Relative, Not Absolute, Performance: The T-score was based on how well a student fared compared to their peers, rather than measuring pure mastery of the subject matter. This meant that your child’s score could dip just because the entire cohort performed slightly better that year—even if they aced their own paper.
- Tiny Differences, Big Impact: Small variations in raw marks often led to much larger gaps in the final T-scores. Imagine a one- or two-mark difference in an exam translating into a noticeable gap in secondary school placement! This high-stakes environment often became a breeding ground for anxiety.
- Stress and Competition: Let’s be honest—knowing that every single point might make or break the future secondary school journey added heaps of stress. Many students (and yes, the parents, too) felt the weight of competing not only with themselves but against the entire nation’s P6 cohort, all for those precious points.
- Lack of Clarity: For parents, trying to decode how scores were calculated could feel like deciphering the ingredient list on a complicated recipe—lots of numbers, plenty of confusion, and not nearly enough transparency.
With these issues in mind, it’s little wonder that the Ministry of Education decided to revamp the system, aiming for a fairer and less nerve-wracking way to gauge students’ progress.
How Does the AL System Support Singapore’s Educational Vision?
Now, you might be wondering—why the change in the first place? The move to the AL system isn’t just about shaking things up; it’s all part of Singapore’s effort to nurture more well-rounded individuals. By shifting away from fine-point T-scores, the new approach puts less pressure on chasing that elusive “perfect mark” and more focus on each child’s learning journey.
With this new system, students are encouraged to discover and develop their strengths, not just academically, but in other areas too. There’s less of a “sorting hat” vibe and more opportunities for students to shine in different ways—whether they are budding scientists, inspiring artists, or energetic sports enthusiasts. Ultimately, it’s about recognising that success takes many forms, and that there are multiple roads to personal growth and achievement.
2. How is a student’s results calculated in the new PSLE AL score?
In the new scoring system, each subject is scored using 8 Achievement Level (AL) bands as illustrated below:
| T-Score (Old PSLE Scoring System) | Achievement Level (New PSLE Scoring System) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Mark | Grade | Mark |
| A* | 91 – 100 | 1 | 90 – 100 |
| A | 75 – 90 | 2 | 85 – 89 |
| B | 60 – 74 | 3 | 80 – 84 |
| C | 50 – 59 | 4 | 75 – 79 |
| D | 35 – 49 | 5 | 65 – 74 |
| E | 20 – 34 | 6 | 45 – 64 |
| U | < 20 | 7 | 20 – 44 |
| – | – | 8 | < 20 |
For example, if a student scores a raw mark of 73 for a subject, he/she will be placed in AL 5.
The student’s PSLE score is the sum of the four subject scores. Below shows an example of a student’s score for PSLE:
The PSLE AL Score ranges from 4 (best) to 32.
For more information about how the scoring system works, watch the following video: https://youtu.be/vr-9ctEWnaA.
What is considered a good PSLE AL Score?
Under the new PSLE Achievement Level (AL) grading system, a “good” PSLE score typically means a lower aggregate number, since the most outstanding performance is represented by the lowest total score. The best possible PSLE AL Score is 4 (scoring AL1 for all four subjects). Generally, scores between 4 and 12 are seen as strong, with students in this range often qualifying for top secondary schools, subject to course preferences and places available.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you interpret the new scores:
- AL Score 4–8: Excellent performance, frequently placing students in high demand schools.
- AL Score 9–14: Very good to good, offering a wide range of secondary school choices.
- AL Score 15 and above: Solid performance, providing access to most school courses (Express, N(A), N(T)).
For reference, schools may set different indicative cut-off points each year based on the cohort’s performance and available places, so what is “good” can shift slightly over time. If you’re curious about specific schools’ entry points, the Ministry of Education regularly publishes the latest cut-off scores for each school.
The key thing to remember: in this new system, the lower your child’s AL Score, the better!
Why Is Balanced Performance Important in the AL (Achievement Level) system?
Under the AL (Achievement Level) system, achieving consistent scores across all subjects is more beneficial than relying on a single strong subject to boost your overall results. Unlike the previous T-score method, where an excellent grade in one subject could help mask a weaker performance elsewhere, each subject now carries equal weight in the total score.
Here’s why balance matters:
- Each subject’s AL contributes equally to the final aggregate, so a low score in any one area can significantly affect the total.
- Improving by a few ALs in multiple subjects can have the same or even greater impact than making a dramatic jump in just one subject.
- This approach motivates students to strive for steady progress in every subject, rather than focusing all their energy on a single area of strength.
Ultimately, the AL system rewards well-rounded academic development and encourages students to put equal effort into all four subjects.
Making the Most of the AL Bands for Smarter Studying
Understanding how the AL bands work allows students (and parents) to focus their efforts strategically. Since each band covers a range of marks, progress within a band won’t affect the overall PSLE score until a student crosses into the next band. For example, moving from 78 to 80 marks shifts a student from AL4 to AL3—a meaningful leap in their score—whereas moving from 92 to 97 remains within AL1 and doesn’t change the final AL outcome.
By keeping these bands in mind:
- Students can prioritise subjects or areas where a small improvement in marks could lead to a jump to a better AL band.
- Effort can be focused more efficiently, targeting “borderline” bands to maximise the impact of each mark gained.
- Both teachers and parents can tailor revision plans with these thresholds in mind, aiming for improvements that will directly influence the final PSLE AL score.
This approach helps to avoid unnecessary stress over small mark differences that won’t lead to a better achievement level, and instead channels energy towards changes that make a real difference.
3. How will my child’s score be affected if he/she does Foundation subjects?
Foundation subjects will be graded using 3 scoring bands in the new PSLE AL scoring system. In order to get the student’s PSLE AL score, the Foundation Level AL will then be mapped to AL 6 to AL 8 of Standard subjects, as illustrated in the table below:
For example, if a student scores 70 for Foundation Mathematics, he/she will be placed in Foundation Level AL B. This will then be mapped to AL 7. This is shown below:
4. What is the PSLE AL score needed to qualify for each stream in secondary school?
The existing streams for secondary school will remain the same. Below is the score required to qualify for each stream:
4. What is the PSLE AL score needed to qualify for each stream in secondary school?
The existing streams for secondary school will remain the same. Below is the score required to qualify for each stream:
In Singapore’s secondary school admission process, each school has a Cut-Off Point (COP) that indicates the minimum PSLE Achievement Level (AL) score needed for entry. These COPs are updated annually after the Secondary 1 posting exercise and may shift slightly each year depending on student demand and overall performance. With the AL system, COPs typically range from 4 to 32, with more competitive, prestigious schools usually having lower COPs (between 4 and 10).
Here’s how PSLE scores generally map onto the three main secondary school streams:
Cut-Off Points (COPs) for Secondary School Streams under the AL System
Express Course
- Typical PSLE AL score requirement: Below 22
- Course Duration: 4 years, leading to the GCE O-Level examination.
Normal (Academic) Course
- Typical PSLE AL score requirement: 22–25
- Course Duration: 4 years, leading to the GCE N-Level examination, with an option for a 5th year to prepare for O-Levels.
Normal (Technical) Course
- Typical PSLE AL score requirement: Above 25
- Course Duration: 4 years, leading to the GCE N-Level (Technical) examination, focusing more on technical and practical subjects.
Do note: These thresholds are guidelines—the exact COPs can vary slightly each year, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) publishes updated information after every posting exercise. When choosing a secondary school, it’s also wise to consider factors beyond just the COP, such as school culture, programs, co-curricular activities (CCAs), and how well a school matches your child’s interests and learning style.
Can a student still enter a top secondary school without scoring AL1 in every subject?
Yes—students do not need a perfect AL1 in all subjects to be considered for top secondary schools. While an aggregate score of 4 (AL1 across the board) certainly opens all doors, many reputable schools have cut-off points (COPs) ranging from 6 to 10. In other words, even with a mix of AL1s, AL2s, or an AL3 or AL4, students may still qualify for admission, provided their total Achievement Level falls within the school’s stated COP. It’s always best to review the COPs for each school, as these may vary slightly year to year.
How often do secondary school Cut-Off Points (COPs) change, and what should parents consider when applying?
Secondary school COPs aren’t set in stone—they can fluctuate a little each year. These changes depend on how students perform in the PSLE and the number of applicants for each school. After the annual Secondary 1 posting exercise, the Ministry of Education (MOE) updates the latest cut-off points for every school.
Keep in mind that while COPs serve as a useful guide, they’re not the only factor to weigh when making a decision. It’s wise to look beyond numbers—consider the school’s atmosphere, special programmes, co-curricular activities (CCAs), and how well the environment matches your child’s strengths and passions.
5. Are there any changes to the secondary one posting?
Similar to the current system, places in secondary school will be allocated based on PSLE AL scores first. This means that the student will be posted to the school of his/her first choice as long as he/she meets the required score.
However, for pupils with the same PSLE AL scores vying for the same spot, the following three tiebreakers will be considered in this order:
- Citizenship
- Choice order of schools*
- Computerised balloting
*Choice order of schools is a new tiebreaker that will be introduced from 2021.
With the introduction of this new tiebreaker, choice order of schools will now matter more, so parents and students should consider very carefully the order in which they place the six schools on their list.
What to Consider When Choosing Secondary Schools
Given the new importance of school choice order, it’s essential to look beyond just the AL score and think holistically about which schools best fit your child. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Your child’s PSLE Score and the school’s historical Cut-Off Point (COP): Compare your child’s AL score to the previous years’ COPs of your target schools for a realistic gauge.
- School’s programs and strengths: Consider whether a school offers distinctive programs—such as the Integrated Programme, arts, sports, or science specialisations—that align with your child’s interests and aptitudes.
- Practical factors: Think about the school’s location and the daily commute. Long travel times can affect your child’s energy and routine.
- School culture and environment: Every school has its own ethos. Some may have a strong focus on academics, while others might emphasise holistic development or values-based education.
- Special programs or niche areas: Certain schools offer unique opportunities, such as language electives or leadership development programmes, that may benefit your child’s growth.
With the AL system, there will be more cases where students have identical scores. This makes it all the more important to place your most desired schools higher up on the list to maximise your child’s chances of securing a spot in their preferred school.
To explain how this new tiebreaker works, take a look at the example scenario below:
6. Does the new system affect the way English is taught at Lil’ but Mighty?
The new PSLE AL scoring system allows a student to be graded based on his/her individual performance for each subject, regardless of how his/her peers have performed. In this way, it allows the student to focus on his/her learning, rather than trying to match up to or outdo others.
Likewise, at LBM, we believe in celebrating personal growth and individual achievement. Our teachers work hand in hand with parents to help each child develop his/her potential.
Broader Benefits of the AL Scoring System
This shift in assessment brings several key advantages, including:
- Reduced fine differentiation between students with similar abilities, so small differences in marks matter less.
- Less pressure to compete for every single mark, encouraging a healthier learning environment.
- A stronger emphasis on true learning and mastery, rather than rote memorization or chasing after perfect scores.
- Recognition of achievements beyond pure academics, supporting students in developing a more well-rounded skill set.
- A greater number of students with the same PSLE score, which reduces the stress of relying on precise scores for secondary school admission.
All these changes mean students are encouraged to view learning as a personal journey and to take pride in their own progress. At Lil’ but Mighty, we strive to nurture each child’s strengths and celebrate their unique milestones, in line with the spirit of the new system.
As such, we will continue to focus on imparting to the children useful techniques and strategies – whether it is for writing, oral or Paper 2 components – to help them achieve their personal best in the subject.
7. How do I help my child prepare for the English paper in this new PSLE AL scoring system?
Since the structure and format of the PSLE English paper remain the same, continue to encourage your child to work hard and apply the techniques or strategies he/she has learnt to tackle the different components of the paper.
Where possible, identify areas of improvements (e.g. Weakness in spelling, not confident of grammar rules) and focus your child’s energy on improving them so that he/she can seize the best possible marks!
Focus on Mastery, Not Competition
With the new AL system, your child is assessed against set standards rather than being compared to peers. This means it’s more important than ever to aim for deep understanding and mastery of key concepts—whether it’s grammar, comprehension, or composition—rather than simply trying to “outscore” classmates.
Use the AL Bands to Guide Effort
Help your child understand how the AL bands work. For example, if your child is consistently in the high 70s (AL4), targeted revision to boost those scores into the 80s (AL3) can have a significant impact on the overall aggregate. Sometimes, focused improvement in one specific area can make a real difference.
Strive for Balance Across All Subjects
Unlike the old T-score system, the AL system rewards steady, balanced progress across all subjects. Encourage your child to address weaker areas in English without neglecting other subjects, so overall improvement is achieved. Remember, a jump from AL7 to AL1 in one subject is helpful, but similar effort spread across two subjects can bring equal benefits with less pressure.
Reduce Stress and Aim for Understanding
Remind your child (and yourself!) that with the wider score bands, every single mark is not a make-or-break moment. For instance, both a score of 81 and 84 fall within AL3. This gives some breathing room—so instead of chasing every mark, the focus should be on true understanding and steady progress.
By nurturing a love of learning, identifying specific areas to strengthen, and keeping an eye on balanced development, you’ll help your child approach the English paper—and the PSLE in general—with greater confidence and less stress.
