PSLE Score plays a major role in determining your child’s Secondary School Placement, and understanding how it works according to MOE can help parents make confident decisions.

Understanding the PSLE Score helps parents navigate school choices with clarity, especially with MOE’s latest Full SBB structure.

This blog post breaks down the PSLE Score, Secondary School Posting, and Placement Process—all according to MOE’s official guidelines—so you can make confident decisions for your child.

1. What Is the PSLE Score (AL System)?

Introduced to reduce excessive competition and allow students to focus on mastery rather than ‘chasing the last mark,’ the Achievement Level (AL) scoring system groups students based on their level of understanding of each subject.

• AL1 is the best score; AL8 is the least strong.

• Each subject receives an AL score based on raw performance.

• The PSLE Score is the sum of the AL scores from the four subjects (English, Math, Science, Mother Tongue).

• The best possible PSLE Score is 4, and the highest (least strong) is 32.

Under MOE’s approach, the AL bands reflect broad learning outcomes, not fine distinctions between students.

2. What Are the Secondary School Posting Groups?

With Full Subject-Based Banding being rolled out across all secondary schools, MOE has replaced the old Express/NA/NT streams with Posting Groups 1, 2, and 3.

• Posting Group 3 (PG3): Roughly aligned to the former Express level

• Posting Group 2 (PG2): Roughly aligned to the former Normal (Academic) level

• Posting Group 1 (PG1): Roughly aligned to the former Normal (Technical) level

Students are placed into one of the three groups based on their PSLE Score, but learning is flexible under Full SBB:

✔ Students can take subjects at a higher or lower level based on their readiness
✔ Pathways are now more customised, allowing students to progress and improve over time
✔ Stigmatisation is reduced, and learning is more inclusive

This means secondary education is now more adaptive than ever.

3. How Does the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise Work?

The S1 Posting Exercise is conducted after PSLE results are released and allows students to select up to six school choices.

MOE uses three key tie-breakers in this order:

1. Citizenship (Singapore Citizen → Permanent Resident → International Student)

2. PSLE Score

3. Computerised Balloting (only when candidates have the same score and are competing for the final place)

The posting process aims to be fair, transparent, and consistent, ensuring every child has a pathway to continue growing.

4. What Should Parents Look Out For When Choosing a Secondary School?

At Alpha Grades Tuition, we always share this short checklist with parents:

✔ School Environment & Culture

Every child thrives differently—some prefer structured environments, others more holistic ones.

✔ CCAs, Programmes & Niche Areas

Is your child sporty? Creative? STEM-driven? A strong CCA or Applied Learning/LLP programme can spark motivation.

✔ Distance from Home

MOE factors this into tie-breakers only after PSLE Score and citizenship. Still, daily commute matters for well-being.

✔ Subject-Based Banding Opportunities

Look at how the school implements Full SBB—this affects pathways to upper secondary and eventually post-secondary.

✔ Support for Learning Needs

Some schools offer additional academic or pastoral support—important for students who need a gentler transition.

5. How Alpha Grades Tuition Supports Students Through This Transition

We believe that PSLE is not the end—it is the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. Our tutors support students in:

• Strengthening subject mastery for smoother progression to Sec 1

• Building confidence in English, Math, Science, and Humanities

• Equipping students with study habits suited for secondary school

• Helping parents understand school choices and pathways

Your child’s journey is unique, and we are here to walk it with you.

Final Thoughts

MOE’s PSLE and posting systems are designed to be fairer, less stressful, and more flexible, giving every child room to grow. With the shift to Full SBB, students have more opportunities to learn at a suitable pace and take subjects at levels that match their potential.

At Alpha Grades Tuition, we aim to support families in navigating these changes with clarity and confidence. If you need personalised advice or academic support for your child’s next steps, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help.

Tags: Primary 6, Primary School Leaving Examination, PSLE, S1 Posting Exercise, Subject-Based-Banding