Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has officially confirmed the new PSLE scoring rules for 2025, marking a continued evolution in the country’s education framework. The updated system, which is now in effect, aims to reduce academic stress, promote holistic development, and provide a more level playing field for Primary 6 students entering secondary school.
This is not an anticipated change—it is a real-time update that all Primary 6 pupils in 2025 are already experiencing as they prepare for the year-end examinations. The moe confirms new psle scoring rules update reaffirms the MOE’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners through a balanced and transparent assessment structure.
Key Highlights of the New PSLE Scoring System
The psle 2025 changes continue to follow the Achievement Level (AL) system introduced in 2021, but with key updates to weightage, streaming, and subject grading:
| Component | 2024 Format | 2025 Update |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Format | AL (1–8 per subject) | AL (Unchanged, but subject weighting adjusted) |
| Foundation Subject Weight | Lower influence | Now contributes more significantly |
| Bonus Points for HMT | Max 2 points bonus | Bonus remains, but eligibility tightened |
| Streaming Criteria | Based on PSLE Score | Now includes school recommendation + AL score |
The PSLE continues to use AL scores for each subject, which are summed to form a total score ranging from AL 4 (best) to AL 32 (lowest). This year, however, new guidelines are also impacting school placements and subject-based banding.
Scoring Bands – Achievement Level Structure
Under the new psle scoring system, each subject (English, Mathematics, Mother Tongue, and Science) is graded on a scale from AL1 to AL8:
| AL Score | Range of Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AL1 | 90–100 | Excellent |
| AL2 | 85–89 | Very Good |
| AL3 | 80–84 | Good |
| AL4 | 75–79 | Above Average |
| AL5 | 65–74 | Average |
| AL6 | 45–64 | Below Average |
| AL7 | 20–44 | Weak |
| AL8 | 0–19 | Very Weak |
This system avoids fine score distinctions and gives parents and students a broader understanding of subject proficiency. The moe singapore update now emphasizes progress over perfection.
Subject-Based Banding and Secondary School Placement
The 2025 reforms also refine Subject-Based Banding (SBB). Students can now take subjects at different levels (Standard or Foundation) based on their performance and teacher recommendation:
Foundation subjects now carry a proportionate AL value (e.g., AL6–AL8 scale)
Students can progress to higher-level subjects in Secondary 1 if they perform well in P6
Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams are replaced with posting groups for greater flexibility
This helps reduce streaming pressure and encourages a more personalised learning path, aligning with the goals of the psle 2025 reforms.
How the New Rules Affect Students and Parents
The moe confirms new psle scoring rules with the intent to improve student well-being and reduce over-competition. Here’s how the changes are being felt across classrooms:
For Students:
Less stress about small score differences
Ability to take higher-level subjects in areas of strength
More flexibility in secondary school progression
For Parents:
Clearer understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses
Emphasis on long-term learning rather than last-minute exam pressure
More schools using Direct School Admission (DSA) and co-curricular records for placement
Parents are now encouraged to consider their child’s interests, learning styles, and overall development rather than focusing solely on exam scores.
MOE’s Rationale and Vision
The Ministry of Education emphasized that the new psle scoring system is part of a long-term national effort to modernize Singapore’s education model. The key goals include:
Shifting focus from comparison to individual mastery
Ensuring equal opportunity regardless of socioeconomic background
Allowing for multiple success pathways post-primary school
Reducing over-reliance on tuition and enrichment classes
Promoting a growth mindset in students across all levels
This real-time reform ties into other national strategies such as SkillsFuture and Learn for Life Movement.
FAQs
What is the major change in the 2025 PSLE system?
The psle 2025 changes include a refined AL scoring weightage, updated subject banding, and enhanced school placement strategies beyond academics.
Is the PSLE still graded using T-scores?
No. The T-score system has been fully replaced by the AL scoring format since 2021 and continues under the moe singapore update in 2025.
Can students still qualify for bonus points under Higher Mother Tongue?
Yes, but under the new psle scoring system, stricter criteria apply, and students must meet a higher benchmark to receive bonus AL reductions.
How does the new system benefit students?
It reduces academic stress, promotes a well-rounded education, and encourages students to explore subject strengths and alternative learning pathways.
Are these changes optional for schools?
No. The moe confirms new psle scoring rules are nationwide and apply to all MOE primary schools starting with the 2025 PSLE cohort.
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