Quick answer
Each subject mark becomes an Achievement Level (AL) from 1, the best, to 8. The four ALs add up to a PSLE Score from 4 to 32, where lower is better. In our example, marks of 82, 78, 88 and 70 give ALs of 3, 4, 2 and 5, a PSLE Score of 14 and Posting Group 3. Actual grading is set by SEAB, so this is an estimate from marks.
The useful number: In the example, ALs of 3, 4, 2 and 5 add up to a PSLE Score of 14, which maps to Posting Group 3.
Who is this for?
Parents of Primary 5 and Primary 6 children who want to understand the scoring system before results day. It applies to the 2026 PSLE and, with no change announced, the 2027 PSLE.
What are the steps?
- Enter a mark out of 100 for English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics and Science.
- Tick Foundation for any subject taken at Foundation level.
- Read each subject’s AL and the total PSLE Score.
- Read the Posting Group the score maps to for Secondary 1 posting.
- Talk to your child’s teachers about what the marks mean. The calculator never grades your child.
How does a mark become an Achievement Level?
- From 90 marks
- AL 1
- From 85
- AL 2
- From 80
- AL 3
- From 75
- AL 4
- From 65
- AL 5
- From 45
- AL 6
- From 20
- AL 7
- Below 20
- AL 8
Foundation subjects are graded A, B or C. A Foundation A, from 75 marks, counts as AL 6; a B, from 30 marks, counts as AL 7; and a C counts as AL 8.
What score do these marks give?
- English, 82
- AL 3
- Mother Tongue, 78
- AL 4
- Mathematics, 88
- AL 2
- Science, 70
- AL 5
- PSLE Score
- 14
- Posting Group
- 3
Open the PSLE AL score calculator to try other marks. Marks stay on your device and are hidden on the share card by default.
Which Posting Group does a score map to?
- Up to 20
- Posting Group 3
- Up to 22
- Posting Group 2 or 3, your choice
- Up to 24
- Posting Group 2
- 25
- Posting Group 1 or 2, your choice
- Up to 30
- Posting Group 1, with AL 7 or better in both English and Mathematics
MOE’s table gives no Posting Group to 26 to 30 without AL 7 or better in English and Mathematics, or to scores above 30.
MOE says a student not assessed suitable for secondary school may re-attempt the PSLE next year. They may also apply to Assumption Pathway School or NorthLight School with their principal’s recommendation. Ask the school about next steps.
Why is this only an estimate?
SEAB sets the actual grading. School marks are not PSLE marks, so treat the result as a way to understand the system, not a forecast. If you are weighing extra lessons, run through Questions before adding a tuition class first. To see the bigger cost picture, read the Education cost guide.
Printables for this guide
Questions before adding a tuition class
Set a reason, a budget and an end date before paying a tuition deposit. Name the problem, try free options, check the week and cost, and set a review date.
PSLE year family plan
The 2027 school calendar and SEAB and MOE's PSLE, DSA-Sec and S1 steps. A year planner, a rest, play and tuition tracker and a monthly check-in. No marks.
Worry and exam-nerves toolkit
For P3 to P6: what to say when your child is worried, breathing cards and worry slips. Plus an exam-week routine and where to get help.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lower PSLE Score better?
Yes. Each subject’s AL runs from 1, the best, to 8, and the four ALs add up to a PSLE Score from 4 to 32. A lower score means stronger results.
How do foundation subjects count?
A Foundation A counts as AL 6, a B as AL 7 and a C as AL 8 for the PSLE Score. Tick Foundation in the calculator for those subjects.
Can school marks predict the real PSLE Score?
Not reliably. SEAB sets the actual grading, and school tests differ from the PSLE. Use the calculator to understand how the system works, and talk to your child’s teachers about progress.
What if the score is above 30?
MOE’s posting table does not place scores above 30. The calculator says so and points you to the school, which will advise on next steps. Try the PSLE AL score calculator →
Keep this guide for the next big decision.
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Sources & assumptions
- MOE — How will the current PSLE scoring system benefit your child? ↗
- MOE — What are posting groups ↗
MOE’s posting rules prevail.