What is the difference between the T-score system and the PSLE AL system?

The PSLE AL system uses fixed achievement bands based on individual performance, while the T-score system relied on cohort-based statistical calculations. The AL system reduces competition by grouping scores into broader bands, whereas T-scores created fine score differences. Under AL, the final score is the sum of four subject grades, while T-scores depended on relative performance among peers.

PSLE Score Calculator (2026): Posting Group + HMTL Eligibility

Q: How do you calculate the PSLE score under the AL system?

To calculate the PSLE score under the Achievement Level (AL) system, students taking standard-level subjects add their AL grades (AL 1 to AL 8) across four subjects: English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science. The total gives the final PSLE score. For foundation subjects, AL letter grades (AL A to AL C) are mapped to numerical AL scores equivalent to AL 6 to AL 8.

Q: What is the failing mark for PSLE?

There is no failing mark in the PSLE Achievement Level (AL) system. Instead, AL scores reflect a student’s performance level and are used to determine suitable secondary school placements based on their learning needs and pace.

Q: What are the grading bands for PSLE?

PSLE grading bands are called Achievement Levels (AL), ranging from AL 1 (highest) to AL 8 (lowest). Each subject is graded using these bands based on mark ranges. A student’s final PSLE score is the sum of their AL grades across four subjects.

Q: What are the cut-off points for secondary schools?

Secondary school cut-off points vary each year and can be found on MOE’s School Finder. Popular schools with lower cut-off points include Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Raffles Girls’ School, and Raffles Institution.

Whether you are parents preparing for your child’s secondary school journey or students predicting their PSLE AL score, our PSLE score calculator can help you map out your next steps. We have also included potential posting group placements and Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL) eligibility based on the latest updates from the Ministry of Education (MOE).

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Ananya has enjoyed herself thoroughly in Zenith classes for both English and Math. In English, especially, she improved from AL3 to AL1 under Ms. Gladys’ tutelage, who built a friendly relationship with the class and made lessons very enjoyable.

Geetha (Ananya’s Parent): AL3 to AL1

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Posting Group Placement

You/Your child will be posted to a secondary school through Posting Group:

Posting Group

Higher Mother Tongue Language Eligibility (HMTL)

HMTL Eligibility

Third Languages Subject Eligibility

Third Language Eligibility

What Does My Child’s Posting Group Mean?

Posting groups are used to determine your/your child’s placement in secondary schools and the initial subject difficulty level at the beginning of Secondary 1.

Posting group numbers range from 1 to 3, with posting group 1 offering students more secondary school options due to higher PSLE scores. Here is a quick breakdown of how every student’s PSLE score is translated into their posting group and subject difficulty level²:

PSLE Score	Posting Group	Indicative level for most subjects at start of Secondary 1
4 - 20	3	G3
21 and 22	2 or 3	G2 or G3
23 and 24	2	G2
25	1 or 2	G1 or G2
26 - 30 (with AL7 or better in English Language and Mathematics)	1	G1

Eligibility for Taking Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL) and Third Language

Under the new AL scoring system, eligibility for Higher Mother Tongue Languages (HMTL) and Third Language subjects has been made more accessible. These subjects are now offered based on students’ academic strengths and interests, encouraging them to pursue language learning at their own pace.

To be eligible for HMTL in secondary school, students must achieve a PSLE MTL score of AL1/AL2 or a HMTL score of Distinction/Merit³.

For Third Language subjects, students must attain a PSLE score of 8 or better. Specifically, students who are aiming to take Japanese must have taken Chinese or Higher Chinese in PSLE to qualify⁴.

A classroom scene with a teacher standing and explaining to a group of students. The teacher is pointing at a digital board with text, while the students, seated at desks, listen attentively, some taking notes. The classroom features bright lighting.

Ms. Abi, Vera made it for her Maths! She got AL2! She went from failing her Paper 2 in her Timed Practice and poor performance in her Preliminary exams, to AL2!!! Thank you for your patient guidance 🙏 She has already gotten an offer from Raffles Girls’ School.

Vanessa (Vera’s Parent): AL2 in Maths

Zenith Education Studio: Preparing You For Secondary School

As students transition from primary to secondary school, many struggle to adjust to the faster pace of learning and the greater emphasis on independent learning and self-management.

This is why our secondary school tuition classes are thoughtfully designed to meet students where they are, helping them adapt confidently to increased academic demands and bridge learning gaps. Our teachers bring extensive experience to every lesson, building up understanding of fundamental concepts through curated notes and targeted drills.

Experience our holistic teaching approach today by signing up for a free trial class!

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FAQs: PSLE AL Score Calculators

How to calculate the PSLE score now?

To calculate a PSLE score under the new AL system, students taking standard-level subjects must add their AL band numbers together (AL 1 to AL 8)⁵. Their final PSLE score will comprise the sum of their ALs for English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science.

For students taking foundation subjects, they will be assessed with AL letter grades instead of numbers (AL A to AL C)⁶. AL letter grades can be mapped to standard-level AL number grades, corresponding to AL 6 to AL 8, respectively.

Read more about how to calculate your PSLE AL Score in our previous articles.

What is the failing mark for PSLE?

As with the previous T-score system, there is no failing mark in the Achievement Level (AL) framework⁷. ALs are used as data checkpoints to gauge students’ aptitude across different subjects, helping determine appropriate placements based on their learning pace and knowledge.

This way, students who perform well and demonstrate readiness for a more rigorous educational journey may join the accelerated Integrated Programme (IP). Meanwhile, students who require more support or have niche interests can be placed in courses that better suit their strengths.

What are the grading bands for PSLE?

The PSLE grading bands are called Achievement Levels (AL) and range from AL 1 (highest) to AL 8 (lowest). For every subject, students will receive one out of eight of the AL bands, each representing a specific mark range and indicating their performance level. The sum of all the AL band numbers determines students’ final PSLE score.

For instance, if a student receives an AL 6 in Mathematics and an AL 2 in MTL, they may need additional support to strengthen their foundational Math skills while being ready to take on the challenge of HMTL.

What are the differences between the old T-score framework and the new PSLE AL system?

The new PSLE scoring system, Achievement Levels (ALs), was introduced to replace the old T-score framework to create a more flexible and less exam-focused education system for children. Here are some of the main changes:

Basis of scoring: AL uses fixed achievement bands based on students’ individual grades, while T-scores depend heavily on overall cohort performance.
Level of competition: AL reduces fine competition between students by broader band groupings, whereas T-scores create intense competition with others through small score differences.

Score calculation: Under AL, the PSLE score is the sum of four subject grades (AL 1 to AL 8), while T-scores are calculated using statistical formulas based on peers’ performance.

What are the cut-off points for secondary schools?

The cut-off point for each secondary school is updated on MOE’s School Finder tool annually. Some of the best secondary schools with the lowest cut-off points include Hwa Chong Institution (Secondary), Nanyang Girls’ High, Raffles Girls’ School, and Raffles Institution (Secondary)

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