PSLE AL Score Explained: How the Achievement Level System Works
Last reviewed: August 2026 · By: PSLE Hero Editorial Team
The PSLE uses Achievement Levels (ALs), not the old aggregate T-score system. This guide explains what AL1 to AL8 mean, how to calculate your child's total PSLE score, and how the score is used during secondary school posting.
What Is a PSLE AL Score?
AL means Achievement Level. Since 2021, each subject is reported using a fixed AL band based on the student's raw marks. AL1 is the strongest band and AL8 is the lowest band.
The four PSLE subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language. Each subject contributes one AL to the total. If a child takes a Foundation-level subject, its AL A, B or C grade is mapped to an equivalent Standard-level AL for the overall PSLE Score.
PSLE AL Score Bands and Raw Mark Ranges
These are the MOE reference bands. Check the official MOE PSLE scoring guide for the source and any future changes.
| Achievement Level | Raw mark range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AL1 | 90–100 | Highest achievement band |
| AL2 | 85–89 | Very strong achievement |
| AL3 | 80–84 | Strong achievement |
| AL4 | 75–79 | Good achievement |
| AL5 | 65–74 | Generally meets expectations |
| AL6 | 45–64 | Pass range |
| AL7 | 20–44 | Pass range |
| AL8 | Below 20 | Lowest band |
Foundation-Level Subject Grades
Foundation-level subjects use grades AL A to AL C. For Secondary 1 posting, MOE maps them to Standard-level ALs as follows:
| Foundation grade | Foundation raw mark range | Equivalent Standard AL |
|---|---|---|
| AL A | 75–100 | AL6 |
| AL B | 30–74 | AL7 |
| AL C | Below 30 | AL8 |
How to Calculate the Total PSLE Score
Add the AL for each of the four subjects:
The possible total ranges from 4 to 32. Lower totals indicate stronger overall performance. The total is not an average and should not be calculated by adding raw percentages.
How the PSLE Score Affects Secondary School Posting
Students use their PSLE results when choosing secondary schools and posting groups. A school may publish previous entry ranges as a guide, but past ranges are not guaranteed cut-off scores for the next cohort.
If students have the same score for a school, MOE's posting process applies tie-breakers such as citizenship, choice order and computerised balloting where necessary. Refer to MOE's tie-breaker guide for the official explanation.
PSLE Score and Course Placement
| Posting outcome | PSLE Score |
|---|---|
| Express | 4–20 |
| Express / N(A) option | 21–22 |
| N(A) | 23–24 |
| N(A) / N(T) option | 25 |
| N(T) | 26–30, with AL7 or better in both English Language and Mathematics |
These ranges explain the broad posting outcomes; they are not school-specific entry scores. Students can also take selected subjects at a different level under Full Subject-Based Banding, subject to MOE’s criteria.
Common Questions About PSLE AL Scores
How is the total PSLE score calculated?
Add the four subject ALs. The total ranges from 4 to 32, and a lower total score is better.
What is the best PSLE score?
The best possible total is 4, with AL1 in all four subjects.
Is AL1 better than AL4?
Yes. A lower AL is better: AL1 is the highest band, while AL8 is the lowest.
Does a good school guarantee a particular PSLE score?
No. A school's past entry range is only a reference. Posting outcomes depend on the cohort, vacancies, choices and tie-breakers.
Practise the skills that improve PSLE results
Use structured practice to identify weak topics, review worked answers and build exam confidence across all four subjects.
Try free PSLE practice questions →Sources: MOE PSLE scoring and Secondary 1 posting guide · MOE tie-breaker guide
Related guides: PSLE 2026 dates and timetable · Choosing a primary school in Singapore · PSLE information hub