Understanding Secondary School Cut-Off Points for 2026
- Thinker Education
- Feb 28
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
How Secondary School Admissions Work
(Full SBB)
Since 2024, Singapore has fully transitioned to Full Subject-Based Banding
(Full SBB). The old Express, NA and NT streams are no longer used.
For the 2026 Secondary 1 intake:
· Students are placed into Posting Groups (PG1, PG2, PG3) based on their PSLE AL score.
· Parents submit six choices through the MOE S1 Posting System.
· Schools consider Posting Groups, PSLE AL scores, PSLE subject grades, school affiliation and school demand.
· Posting results will be released on 18 or 19 December.
· Students will report to their new schools in early January.
Cut-off points from previous years are useful, but they are not fixed rules.
Posting Groups (PG) vs Subject Levels (G1, G2, G3)
This is the area most parents misunderstand.
Below is the correct and accurate explanation.
A. Posting Groups (PG1, PG2, PG3)
Posting Groups determine the schools your child is eligible for.
PSLE AL Score Posting Group
4 to 20 PG3
21 to 22 PG2 or PG3
23 to 24 PG2
25 PG1 or PG2
PSLE AL Score Posting Group
26 to 30 (with AL7 or better for EL and Math) PG1
If your child qualifies for 2 groups, for example AL 21 to 22, you must choose one group, and all six choices must follow the chosen Posting Group.
B. Subject Levels (G1, G2, G3)
Once posted to a school, your child takes each subject at one of these levels:
· G3: most demanding
· G2: standard
· G1: foundational
PG3 Students
PG3 students usually start most subjects at G3, because their PSLE results fall in the stronger range.
However, this is not guaranteed for every subject.
Subject levels depend on:
1. The PSLE AL for each subject
2. The school’s subject placement policy
A PG3 student with weaker subject performance, for example AL6 or below, may begin at G2 for that subject.
PG2 Students
PG2 students usually start most subjects at G2.
If a PG2 student scored AL5 or better for a subject, they may be allowed to take that subject at G3, depending on the school’s policy.
PG1 Students
PG1 students usually start with a mix of G1 and G2 subjects. They may move up later if they meet school criteria for progression.
Understanding Cut-off Points (2025 to 2026)
Cut-off points represent the AL range of the first and last student posted to each school the year before.
Important points for parents:
· Each school has separate cut-offs for PG1, PG2 and PG3
· They change slightly every year
· The ranges are guides and not guarantees
· Use MOE School Finder for the official cut-off references
Special Note for AL 21 to 24 Students
This is the group where parents often choose wrongly because of school name or reputation.
Always Priorities access to G3 subjects over school branding.
Why G3 matters:
· G3 access affects eligibility for Pure Sciences
· G3 affects whether your child can take Additional Math in Sec 3
· G3 strengthens foundations for upper secondary
· G3 impacts future pathways such as
o L1R5 for JC admission
o ELR2B2 for Polytechnic admission
A school with flexible G3 access will benefit your child more than a popular school that restricts PG2 students to mainly G2 subjects.
How to Choose a School if you are still unsure
A practical, step-by-step approach for parents.
Step 1 — Start with MOE SchoolFinder
Use SchoolFinder to generate your initial shortlist.
Filter by:
· Your postal code
· Your child’s AL range
· School type (Government, Government-Aided, SAP, IP)
Then sort by Distance or Travel Time.
From here, shortlist all realistic options within your child’s Posting Group.
Step 2 — Create an Excel Comparison Sheet
Include these columns:
· School name
· 2025 cut-off for PG1, PG2 and PG3
· Distance from home
· Travelling time (public transport)
· Available CCAs
· Remarks and pros or cons
This helps you compare schools objectively.
Step 3 — Use Google Maps (Public Transport)
Check:
· Total travelling time
· Number of transfers
· Direct MRT or bus routes
· Walking distance
· Whether your child can make the trip independently and safely
Daily travel is a real factor that affects your child’s energy and performance.
Step 4 — Use Google Maps (Public Transport)
Look at:
· CCA list
· CCA achievements
· Special strengths
· Whether the CCAs match your child’s interest
Students settle in faster when they like their CCA.
Step 5 — Use the 2025 Cut-Off Points to finalize choices
Use the past year’s cut-offs to decide:
Choice 1 — Dream School
· Only choose one
· Slight stretch below your child’s AL
· Not a gamble
Choice 2 to 4 — Within AL Range
· These should be your realistic and best-fit schools
Choice 5 to 6 — Safe Choices
· Clearly within your child’s AL
· Ensures they will be posted
· Critical for AL 21 to 24 students
Big fish in a small pond - Why it often works
Many students thrive better in schools where:
· They receive more attention from teachers
· They get more leadership roles
· They get more CCA opportunities
· They face less pressure
· They build confidence early
· They have higher likelihood of taking more demanding subjects
A supportive environment is more important than a school’s brand.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
No matter which school you join, what you do next is what shapes your path. If you want to walk into Sec 1 confident and ready,
join Thinker’s Secondary Math programme and get a true head start.