How the PSLE AL System Works

The PSLE Achievement Level (AL) system was introduced in 2021 to reduce excessive competition driven by small score differences. Instead of a continuous T-score, each subject is mapped to one of eight bands based on absolute marks. A student who scores 91% gets AL1, just like one who scores 99% — the exact mark within the band no longer matters for placement.

The aggregate is the sum of AL scores across all four subjects: English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science. The best possible aggregate is 4 (AL1 in every subject). The highest (worst) is 32. When students have the same aggregate, the system uses other tie-breaking criteria, including citizenship status and a computerised ballot.

This approach intentionally creates "aggregate bands" — multiple students share the same aggregate even if their raw scores differ. A student scoring 90 and a student scoring 100 both get AL1 in a subject, giving the same aggregate contribution. This reduces the pressure to squeeze out every last mark.

PSLE AL Score Bands

Secondary School Placement and Cut-offs

Secondary school selection in Singapore uses the PSLE aggregate as the primary criterion. Students rank their secondary school choices, and places are allocated in order of aggregate score (lower = better). Each school has a different cut-off that changes every year based on how many students apply and their scores.

Cut-offs above are indicative. Actual cut-offs vary each year and differ by school. Check MOE's official Secondary 1 Posting Exercise results for the latest data.

Worked Example: Calculating Your PSLE Aggregate