PSLE AL Scoring Explained: How Achievement Levels Work

Since 2021, the PSLE uses Achievement Levels (AL) instead of the old T-score. Here's how it works, in plain language.

Each subject gets an AL from 1 to 8

Every subject (English, Mathematics, Science, Mother Tongue) is scored into one of eight bands based on the raw mark:

A key point: a child is scored against fixed bands, not ranked against other students — so they're no longer competing for tiny T-score differences.

The PSLE Score is the sum of four ALs

The overall PSLE Score adds up the four subject ALs, giving a total from 4 to 32 — and lower is better. A score of 4 (AL1 in every subject) is the best possible.

What's a "good" score?

It depends on the secondary schools your child is aiming for, since cut-off points (COPs) vary year to year. As a rough guide, scores in the 4–12 range open the most options, but the right school is the one that fits your child — not just the lowest number.

How oral and the components fit in

For English and Mother Tongue, the grade combines paper components including Oral (40 marks), which now carries more weight than before — so oral practice directly affects the subject AL.

The takeaway for parents

Because ALs use fixed bands, the goal is simple: push each subject into the next band up. Small, targeted gains — a few more marks in oral, a tighter Math method, clearer Science explanations — can move a subject from AL3 to AL2 and improve the total score.

General explainer of the PSLE AL system. Confirm current band cut-offs and school COPs with MOE/SEAB.