Singapore’s PSLE total ranges from 4 to 32, with a lower number indicating stronger examination attainment. This complete index connects all 29 possible totals to individual parent guides, official Posting Group eligibility, subject Achievement Levels and practical Secondary 1 school choices. A score alone never guarantees a particular school.

For the 2026 PSLE cohort entering Secondary 1 in 2027, begin with the actual result slip, find your child’s score below and read the corresponding guide. Scores 4–20 follow PG3; 21–22 can elect PG2 or PG3; 23–24 follow PG2; 25 can elect PG1 or PG2; 26–30 have an English-and-Mathematics AL7-or-better condition for PG1; and Scores 31–32 need guidance about alternatives to ordinary mainstream posting.

• All valid PSLE totals, 4 through 32, are linked below.
• The four subject ALs matter alongside the total, especially at special eligibility boundaries.
• School score ranges are last-year references rather than guaranteed thresholds.
• Scores 21–22 and 25 have Posting Group options, with one group chosen for all six preferences.
• Scores 26–30 require English and Mathematics AL7 or better for mainstream PG1.
• Scores 31–32 are valid exam results but do not enter ordinary mainstream S1 posting.
• Use SchoolFinder, child preferences, CCAs, subject programmes and journey to make sensible decisions.
• Confirm the actual 2026 results and posting dates through MOE and SEAB.

Four additional Secondary 1 posting questions: When my PSLE Score equals a school COP | When none of six school choices succeeds | Affiliated versus non-affiliated score ranges | Higher Chinese and SAP posting priority

Companion parent tools: Posting Group boundary scores 20–26 | Four-subject AL combinations | Six-school choice worksheet

How to find the guide for your exact score

The 29 articles in this series cover every possible whole-number total from 4 to 32. There is no Score 3 and no Score 33. Begin with the number printed on the result slip, open the matching guide and then compare the actual four subject ALs. In some bands the overall total alone is enough to identify the broad Posting Group; in others an option or an English-and-Mathematics condition makes the subject breakdown indispensable.

Complete index: understanding every PSLE total

Scores 4–10: the strongest totals, all within PG3

• Understanding Score 4
• Understanding Score 5
• Understanding Score 6
• Understanding Score 7
• Understanding Score 8
• Understanding Score 9
• Understanding Score 10

These totals fall within PG3, for which G3 is generally the starting subject level in mainstream Full SBB. A child with Score 4 has four AL1s. By Score 8, the aggregate may come from four AL2s or from three AL1s and one AL5. This is why even a strong total needs a close look at the subjects before a family decides what support would help.

Scores 11–20: PG3 continues through Score 20

• Understanding Score 11
• Understanding Score 12
• Understanding Score 13
• Understanding Score 14
• Understanding Score 15
• Understanding Score 16
• Understanding Score 17
• Understanding Score 18
• Understanding Score 19
• Understanding Score 20

The broad mainstream PG3 band runs from Score 4 through Score 20. The upper numerical boundary is 20. A Score 20 pupil cannot elect PG2 simply because Score 21 starts an option band. The family should check PG3 school ranges and ensure the child’s academic preparation and choice of school are sensible.

Scores 21–25: the choice and transition bands

• Understanding Score 21
• Understanding Score 22
• Understanding Score 23
• Understanding Score 24
• Understanding Score 25

Scores 21 and 22 give a choice between PG2 and PG3. Scores 23 and 24 belong to PG2. Score 25 gives a choice between PG1 and PG2. For the option bands, the elected group applies to all six ordinary school preferences. Parents must not combine a PG2 COP for one school with a PG3 COP for another after selecting a single group.

Scores 26–30: conditional PG1

• Understanding Score 26
• Understanding Score 27
• Understanding Score 28
• Understanding Score 29
• Understanding Score 30

The rule is not merely ’26–30 means PG1′. Both English and Mathematics must be AL7 or better, which means numerically AL1 through AL7 rather than AL8. The same overall total can come from different subject patterns; one pattern may satisfy the eligibility condition and another may not. If either named subject is AL8, ask the primary school about the applicable alternative route.

Scores 31 and 32: beyond ordinary mainstream posting

• Understanding Score 31
• Understanding Score 32

These are valid totals within the PSLE system but are outside the usual mainstream Posting Group table. Families should not waste time searching for hypothetical PG1 cut-off points of 31 or 32. Ask the primary school about a re-attempt or specialised school programmes and verify their actual admission requirements.

Complete Posting Group table in one place

Score	Usual mainstream eligibility	Critical note
4–20	PG3	Most subjects begin at G3
21–22	PG2 or PG3	Choose one of the two for all six schools
23–24	PG2	Most subjects begin at G2
25	PG1 or PG2	Choose one for all six schools
26–30	PG1 if English and Mathematics each AL7 or better	Most subjects begin at G1
31–32	No ordinary mainstream posting group	Ask primary school about re-attempt or specialised pathways

This is a decision reference, not a school admission promise. Subject-specific requirements, DSA commitments and special programme arrangements must be read from the correct official sources. At the boundary, the precise score and the named subject ALs both matter.

The three questions parents should answer in order

First: what is the actual result?

Look at every subject. A child with Score 8 could have four AL2s, or three AL1s and one AL5. The two pupils are not identical in readiness, although both have the same aggregate. Check whether a grade was assessed at Standard or Foundation level before estimating raw marks.

Second: which admission route exists?

A Score 21 family must decide between PG2 and PG3; a Score 25 family between PG1 and PG2. A Score 28 family must check English and Mathematics individually. A Score 31 family needs a conversation about alternative education rather than a conventional six-school form. Each situation has a different first administrative step.

Third: which environment helps this child thrive?

Among eligible schools, consider subject programmes, school climate, CCAs, pastoral support, commute, and the pupil’s interests. A family should be able to explain why each option is acceptable. The number tells you something about access; it cannot choose the best daily experience for a child.

Three examples of why this index matters

A child with Score 12 and four AL3s may need help with independent study routines. Another Score 12 child might have very strong subjects and one substantially more difficult subject, calling for focused support. A one-size-fits-all ‘Score 12 tuition plan’ would conceal the difference.

A Score 21 family likes a school with a previous PG2 COP of 24 and a PG3 COP of 20. It would be inaccurate to treat 24 as the historical entry boundary after electing PG3. The correct number changes with the selected route, and that route affects the starting learning pace.

A child with Score 29 and English AL7 and Mathematics AL7 may satisfy the published conditional PG1 subject requirement, while another child with the same total and Mathematics AL8 does not. That contrast is why families need the actual slip, not just the total in a WhatsApp message.

Frequently asked questions about PSLE Scores 4–32

How many distinct valid overall scores are there?

There are 29: every integer from 4 to 32 inclusive.

Which total is best?

Score 4 is the strongest possible total; it requires all four AL contributions to be AL1.

Can Score 21 choose PG3?

Yes, the 21–22 option band allows PG2 or PG3 under the ordinary posting table.

Can Score 25 mix posting groups across six choices?

No. The family selects one group for the complete standard six-choice form.

Can Score 30 qualify for mainstream S1?

Only when English and Mathematics meet the AL7-or-better condition, in addition to the score being within 26–30.

Can Score 32 choose a mainstream school with a COP of 30?

No. The ordinary mainstream eligibility table does not provide a Score 32 Posting Group, and an old COP cannot override it.

Use this hub to support a sensible decision

The complete index is not intended to label children or rank school prestige. Its purpose is to organise accurate information at a stressful decision point. Start with the child’s result, establish eligibility, listen to what the child wants from school and complete the correct administrative process.

What the PSLE number actually measures

A PSLE Score is formed by adding four subject Achievement Level contributions, normally for English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language, using prescribed equivalents when a Foundation paper is taken. AL1 is the strongest contribution; AL8 is the highest numerical value. The overall score therefore runs from 4 through 32, and a lower total means a stronger examination outcome.

For Standard-level papers, AL1 means 90 and above, AL2 means 85–89, AL3 means 80–84, AL4 means 75–79, AL5 means 65–74, AL6 means 45–64, AL7 means 20–44 and AL8 means below 20. Foundation A, B and C use different paper content and mark bands and contribute AL6, AL7 and AL8 equivalents respectively. Parents should avoid translating a converted Foundation grade into a Standard raw mark.

The four-subject total is useful for posting. It is not a national rank, a percentile, a measure of intelligence, a reliable forecast of later results or a description of every subject-specific strength. Two pupils with the same total may have very different subject AL distributions, interests and needs. The named subject grades and the child’s schoolwork are necessary to understand how to prepare.

How to interpret a school’s previous cut-off point

SchoolFinder shows previous-year PSLE Score Ranges for the relevant admission categories. The final score in a range—often called the COP—is the score of the last admitted student in that earlier S1 Posting Exercise. It is historical evidence, not a threshold a school has promised to repeat. Current-year outcomes change with the cohort, applications and vacancies.

Because lower PSLE numbers are stronger, a previous COP of 10 was more stringent than a previous COP of 13 for the same route. That arithmetic does not imply that every aspect of the first school is better. Check the school’s programmes, teaching environment, support, co-curricular activities, commute and what the child actually wants.

Always label the programme and applicant category. The same school may show PG1, PG2 and PG3 ranges, as well as relevant affiliated or non-affiliated ranges. A number from the wrong group or programme is not a valid comparison. Use current official SchoolFinder information rather than a forwarded spreadsheet without dates.

Six genuine preferences are better than a list of school names copied from others

Where the ordinary S1 Posting Exercise applies, MOE encourages families to use all six preferences and include two or three schools whose previous COPs were less stringent than the child’s score. In this system, less stringent means the historical COP number is higher. This can help create a more balanced list but does not guarantee any school place.

Academic merit is considered first. If equally scoring applicants compete for a final place, the tie-breakers are citizenship, then choice order, then computerised balloting. Ranking a preferred school higher matters in a tie, but putting an unsuitable school first for appearances is a poor decision. The child should have a meaningful voice in the order.

A thoughtful family tests a school as an everyday experience. How long is the door-to-door journey in the morning? What about a late return after CCA? Is the learning pace appropriate? What support exists for pupils who struggle? Can the child maintain sleep, friendships and interests? A school with a less stringent historical COP may be a better individual fit.

The 2026 results release is not the same as last year’s posting timetable

As at 1 November 2026, SEAB’s calendar lists 24–25 November 2026 as the tentative PSLE results-release period. The actual release date will be confirmed. The 2026 cohort is choosing education pathways for 2027; families should check the current MOE S1 Posting instructions for the confirmed school-choice window, portal and reporting steps rather than copying 2025 dates.

Where the child is not eligible for ordinary mainstream posting, SEAB describes a possible PSLE re-attempt or applications to NorthLight and Assumption Pathway, subject to separate admission criteria and primary-school guidance. An ordinary six-school list is not the correct response for every valid PSLE total.

Final checks parents can make

1. Check the actual result slip and all four named subject ALs, noting any Foundation grades.
2. Use the score guide and official posting table to establish the correct eligible route.
3. Discuss any posting-group option and the level at which most subjects would begin.
4. Check the correct previous school score range and its year.
5. Compare fit: curriculum, CCAs, support, journey, family logistics and child preference.
6. Where the standard form applies, make six genuine choices with a thoughtful risk spread.
7. Use the confirmed current-year deadlines, retain acknowledgement and follow the receiving school’s instructions.

The most reliable public sources are SEAB for scoring, MOE for Posting Groups, SchoolFinder for school information and SEAB for Full SBB subject-level guidance. A parent guide is there to clarify decisions, not replace the official documents.

Updated 1 November 2026. All previous-year COP examples are indicative; check the current official school data, eligibility and submission instructions. This article is not a promise of admission.

Official verification and next steps for parents

Before submitting school choices, verify the child’s eligibility and the current year’s arrangements on the Ministry of Education website. School cut-off points describe previous posting outcomes, not admission guarantees. Where a score falls near a Posting Group boundary, read the individual subject Achievement Levels and the official eligibility instructions rather than relying on the aggregate alone.

For a practical next step, compare the complete score guide, the Posting Group boundary guide, the four-subject AL explanation and the six-school choice worksheet. Confirm each school’s current offerings, eligibility, travel time and programmes using MOE SchoolFinder. This article is guidance, not an official posting decision.

• Additional PSLE parent guides:
• When My Score Is Lower Than a School Cut-Off Point
• When My Score Is Higher Than a School Cut-Off Point
• How to Use MOE SchoolFinder After PSLE
• DSA Secondary School Placement After PSLE Results

• More PSLE parent guides — subject choices and posting:
• Understanding PSLE Results | What My Score Means | How G1, G2 and G3 Subject Levels Are Offered After PSLE
• Understanding PSLE Results | What My Score Means | Higher Mother Tongue Eligibility From Secondary 1 in 2026
• Understanding PSLE Results | What My Score Means | What To Do When Secondary 1 Posting Results Are Released
• Understanding PSLE Results | What My Score Means | Citizenship, Choice Order and Balloting for Secondary 1