Understanding PSLE Scoring — Achievement Levels (AL1–AL8)

The short version

Since 2021, the PSLE no longer uses a single numerical total score. Instead, every subject is reported as an Achievement Level (AL) from AL1 (best) to AL8. Your child's PSLE Score is the sum of the four ALs across English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science.

This change is described by the Ministry of Education on its PSLE Scoring System page.

How standard subjects are scored

• AL1 — best band
• AL8 — lowest band
• The PSLE Score is the sum of the ALs across the four PSLE subjects.
• Lower PSLE Score = better performance, just like a lower total.

Foundation subjects

Students who take Foundation English, Foundation Mathematics, or Foundation Science receive Foundation ALs (AL A, AL B, AL C). For S1 posting purposes only, MOE maps Foundation AL A → Standard AL 6, AL B → Standard AL 7, and AL C → Standard AL 8 (Source: MOE PSLE Scoring).

What did NOT change

MOE states clearly that the new scoring system does not change the PSLE curriculum or assessment standards. The subjects tested remain English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science, and the curriculum is reviewed separately as part of MOE's regular review cycle (Source: MOE PSLE FAQs).

Why the change was made

MOE's explanation is that the change reduces fine differentiation of students at a young age and shifts the focus to recognising each child's level of achievement, rather than how they performed relative to peers. Read the full reasoning at moe.gov.sg/psle-fsbb/psle/psle-scoring-system.

What to do next

• Read the What is the PSLE? guide for context.
• Practise with real past-year papers via the Primary 6 selector.
• Use MOE's PSLE Score Calculator to model different AL combinations.