PSLE AL Score Guide: How the PSLE Scoring System Works for Your Child

The PSLE AL score plays a key role in determining your child’s secondary school options.

Since 2021, Singapore has adopted the Achievement Level (AL) scoring system, replacing the old T-score method with a simpler and fairer approach.

Many parents ask:

• How is the PSLE score calculated?

• What is a good AL score?

• How can my child improve their PSLE results?

This guide explains everything clearly — and how to prepare effectively, especially for PSLE Math, which often has the biggest impact on overall performance.

What is the PSLE AL Scoring System?

Under the Achievement Level system, students are graded by bands instead of being ranked against their peers.

Each subject receives one AL grade:

• English

• Mother Tongue

• Mathematics

• Science

Grades range from AL1 (best) to AL8 (weakest).

Achievement Level Table

Your child’s four scores are added together to form the PSLE Score.

Lowest score = best result

Range: 4 to 32

How is the PSLE Score Calculated?

Example:

English AL2
Mother Tongue AL2
Math AL1
Science AL3

Total score = 8

This total determines eligibility for secondary schools during the posting exercise.

Even a 1-point improvement can make a difference.

Why Did MOE Introduce the AL System?

The old T-score compared students very closely, sometimes by 1–2 marks.

This caused:

• unnecessary pressure

• over-competition

• stress over tiny differences

The AL system focuses on mastery instead of ranking.

Students are rewarded for strong understanding, not relative position.

This supports:
✓ healthier learning
✓ stronger foundations
✓ more confidence

Why PSLE Math Has the Biggest Impact

From years of teaching Primary students, one thing is clear:

Math is usually the easiest subject to improve with the right methods.

Because:

• questions are structured

• techniques can be trained

• fewer subjective marks

• accuracy improves quickly with practice

Moving just one AL band (for example AL4 → AL3) can significantly improve school choices.

This is why building strong foundations early matters.

How Daniel’s Math Tuition Supports PSLE Students

We specialise purely in Mathematics, allowing students to focus deeply and build real understanding.

Our lessons emphasise:

• clear concept explanation

• step-by-step problem solving

• heuristics for word problems

• exam strategies and time management

• small group guidance and close support

Many students don’t struggle because they are weak — they simply missed some basics earlier.

Once gaps are fixed, confidence and scores improve naturally.

Our goal is simple:
help students move up one or two AL bands steadily, without stress or last-minute cramming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is considered a good PSLE AL score?

Generally:

• 4–8 → top schools

• 9–14 → strong options

• 15–20 → average range

Lower scores are better.

Is the AL system easier than T-score?

Not easier — just fairer.

Students are graded by mastery, not compared to others.

Can one subject really change the overall score?

Yes.

Improving just one subject by 1 AL band lowers the total score by 1 point, which can affect school eligibility.

Why do many students lose marks in PSLE Math?

Common issues:

• weak fraction foundations

• careless mistakes

• poor word problem strategy

• lack of exam technique

These are trainable skills.

When should my child start PSLE Math tuition?

Ideally Primary 4 or early Primary 5.

Starting earlier builds confidence and reduces stress in Primary 6.

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes. Parents can arrange a trial class to see if our teaching style suits their child.

If you’re looking for focused PSLE Math tuition in Singapore, feel free to reach out anytime. Small group PSLE Math classes available in Singapore.
Message Daniel directly to check available slots or arrange a trial.