Singapore releases 2023 PSLE results, 98.4% of Primary 6 students eligible for secondary school

SINGAPORE: On Wednesday (22 Nov), Singapore released the results of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at 11 am.

This year, 38,088 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE, with 98.4% assessed as suitable for secondary school, according to a joint press release from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB).

For the first time, students will be grouped into secondary schools in three categories based on existing score ranges: Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical).

These groups aim to streamline school admission processes and guide students’ subject levels at the beginning of the academic year.

Starting from 2024, full subject-based banding will be implemented across 120 schools.

By 2027, all students will sit for a common Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) exam, irrespective of their initial grouping.

Under the new system, students eligible for Posting Groups 1 and 2 may opt for more demanding levels in English, mother tongue languages, mathematics, and science from Secondary 1, based on their Achievement Level (AL) scores for each subject.

AL scores range from 1 (best) to 8 (lowest), and the overall score is the sum of these ALs.

Students scoring AL 5 or better for a PSLE Standard subject can choose to take the subject at G3 or G2.

Those scoring at least AL 6 for a PSLE Standard subject or AL A for a PSLE Foundation subject can take the subject at G2.

For the 2023 Primary 6 cohort, approximately 64% of students eligible for Posting Groups 1 and 2 are deemed suitable to undertake at least one subject at a more challenging level.

This percentage aligns with the previous year’s cohort eligible for the Normal courses, as reported by MOE and SEAB.

Students who did not qualify for secondary school entry have the option to retake the PSLE next year.

Alternatively, they can apply to Assumption Pathway School and NorthLight School with a recommendation from their primary school principal.

Both schools offer customized programs emphasizing an “experiential and hands-on learning approach,” as stated by MOE and SEAB.

Access to Secondary 1 option form and online submission

Upon receiving their PSLE results, eligible students will also receive the Secondary 1 option form, containing essential details for selecting secondary schools.

A distinctive Secondary 1 personal identification number (S1 PIN) will be located at the top right-hand corner of the option form.

Using this S1 PIN, students can access the Secondary 1 internet system. Through this system, they can download a copy of the S1 option form and proceed to submit their school preferences online.

Access to the internet system will be available from November 22, starting at 11:30 am, until November 28 at 3:00 pm.

This online platform can be reached through the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Secondary 1 Posting website.

“To ensure smooth completion of their online submission, students should – in discussion with their parents 0 first consider their secondary school choices, make their decision, and complete the option form before logging on to the Secondary 1 internet system,” said MOE and SEAB.

“When choosing a secondary school that would be a good fit for the student’s overall educational needs, strengths and interests, students and parents are encouraged to consider a holistic range of factors.”

“This includes the school’s distinctive programmes, subject offerings, co-curricular activities, ethos, culture, location and support for special educational needs if required.”