In a major move to reform its national examination system, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has officially implemented the PSLE scoring changes Singapore 2025. Starting this academic year, the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) has adopted the Achievement Level system, replacing the old T-score model.
This new system shifts the focus away from academic competition and more toward holistic learning. The change aligns with the MOE’s broader goals of nurturing a more inclusive and well-rounded education environment.
What Is the New Achievement Level System?
Under the updated PSLE Scoring System, students are assessed using AL bands ranging from 1 to 8, with 1 being the highest. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| AL Score | Marks Range |
|---|---|
| AL1 | 90 – 100 |
| AL2 | 85 – 89 |
| AL3 | 80 – 84 |
| AL4 | 75 – 79 |
| AL5 | 65 – 74 |
| AL6 | 45 – 64 |
| AL7 | 20 – 44 |
| AL8 | 0 – 19 |
Students’ scores across four subjects are combined to form a total score between 4 and 32.
Why Was the Change Introduced?
The MOE’s rationale behind this MOE PSLE update was to reduce the academic pressure associated with fine T-score differentiations. The Achievement Level system encourages students to focus on their own learning progress instead of chasing marginal grade improvements.
This change is not speculative – it is fully rolled out across all schools starting May 2025.
Impact on School Placements
With the new PSLE AL bands, secondary school admission criteria have also been updated. Students are now streamed based on their total AL score, and schools may use tie-breakers such as:
-
Citizenship
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School choice order
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Computerised balloting
The PSLE 2025 reforms aim to ensure fairer access and reduce the stress of marginal performance differences among students.
Parent and Student Response
Initial feedback from parents and educators shows support for the Singapore education reform. Many appreciate the reduced competitiveness and improved focus on broad learning outcomes.
Teachers have also received updated training to align assessment methods with the MOE PSLE update, ensuring consistency across the system.
FAQs
What are the new AL bands for PSLE?
The PSLE AL bands range from AL1 to AL8, where AL1 is the highest (90–100 marks) and AL8 is the lowest (0–19 marks).
Why did MOE change the PSLE scoring system?
The MOE PSLE update was made to reduce stress, promote holistic learning, and provide more meaningful feedback to students and parents.
Is this new system already implemented?
Yes, the PSLE scoring changes Singapore 2025 are now active and used in all national exams this year.
How does the new scoring affect secondary school admissions?
School placement is now determined by total AL score, with tie-breakers applied if necessary. This is a significant shift from the older T-score system.
Does this mean PSLE is easier?
Not necessarily. The PSLE scoring system still assesses subject mastery but now emphasizes broader learning without over-focusing on small score margins.
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