A Parent's Essential Guide to the Singapore PSLE

At a Glance

The PSLE is a national exam taken at the end of Primary 6 that determines secondary school placement.

As of 2024, traditional 'Streaming' has been replaced by the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) system.

For Korean students, applying for Mother Tongue Language (MTL) exemption or substitution is a key strategy.

Is the PSLE keeping you up at night? For parents with children in Primary 6, these four letters—PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination)—can be incredibly daunting. Often compared to the intensity of Korea’s CSAT, this exam can feel even more overwhelming for 12-year-olds. Today, we will break down everything you need to know to navigate this milestone with confidence.

What is the PSLE and when is it held?

The PSLE is a national examination that marks the end of the six-year primary school journey in Singapore. The results determine which secondary school your child will attend and the level of subjects they will take. Checking the 2025 and 2026 schedules early is the first step in preparation.

Key Dates for 2025: Registration runs from April 9 to April 23. Oral exams are held on August 13–14, and written exams take place from September 25 to October 1. Results are typically released in late November.
Estimated Dates for 2026: Registration is expected from April 14 to April 27, with oral exams on August 12–13 and written exams from September 24 to September 30.
Exam Subjects: The standard subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue Language (MTL).

Understanding the AL Scoring System

Singapore has moved away from the old T-score system to the Achievement Level (AL) system, which is based on absolute performance. Each subject is graded from AL1 to AL8. Your total score is the sum of these four grades; therefore, the lower the score, the better. A perfect score is 4 (AL1 in all four subjects).

Achievement Level (AL)	Raw Mark Range	Performance Level
AL1	90 and above	Excellent
AL2	85 – 89	Very Good
AL3	80 – 84	Good
AL4	75 – 79	Satisfactory
AL5	65 – 74	Passing

Total scores range from 4 to 32, which determines a student's 'Posting Group' for secondary school. Instead of rigid streams like 'Express' or 'Normal,' the new Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) allows students to take subjects at different difficulty levels (G1, G2, or G3) based on their individual strengths.

Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Strategy for International Parents

For many Korean families, the MTL requirement is the biggest concern. In Singapore government schools, students must study Chinese, Malay, or Tamil. However, there are options available for international students:

MTL Exemption: If your child joined the Singapore system late or has not had the opportunity to learn the local languages, you can apply for an exemption. It is generally safer to apply before the end of Primary 5.
Language Substitution: Some students choose to substitute MTL with a foreign language like French, German, or Japanese, though many Korean families prefer exemption.
Score Calculation: If exempted from MTL, a student is assigned a 'calculated' MTL score based on their performance in the other three subjects (English, Math, and Science). Since this calculated score can be conservative, it is vital to aim for high scores in the remaining subjects.

Direct School Admission (DSA): Beyond Academics

If you are worried about relying solely on exam scores, consider the Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise. This allows students to secure a spot in a secondary school based on their talents in sports, arts, or specific academic areas before PSLE results are even released.

Application Period: Usually from early May to early June. For 2025, the application window is from May 7 (11:00 AM) to June 3 (3:00 PM).
Selection Process: After a document review, shortlisted candidates undergo interviews or trials between July and August.
Important Note: If a child accepts a DSA offer, they are committed to that school regardless of how well they do in the PSLE. The offer cannot be cancelled, so choose wisely.

Essential Tips for Success

Here are a few practical insights from a long-term resident's perspective:

School Choice Priority: When listing your secondary school choices, if two students have the same score, the one who ranked the school higher in their preference list gets priority. Your first choice is critical.
Tuition Culture: The 'Kiasu' (competitive) culture in Singapore is real. Most students start specialized tuition for Math and Science by Primary 4. Budget approximately SGD 300–500 per subject per month for reputable tuition centers.
Mental Well-being: The PSLE is the first major milestone for a child. Parental support is crucial to ensure their self-esteem isn't tied solely to their grades. Remember, if the local system feels too high-pressure, international schools (IB curriculum) are always a viable alternative.