S1 Posting Guide
How PSLE results translate into a secondary school place — the full S1 Posting Exercise explained, from school choice submission to appeals.
What is S1 Posting?
The Secondary 1 (S1) Posting Exercise is the process by which all Primary 6 students in Singapore are allocated a place at a secondary school after receiving their PSLE results. It is run by the Ministry of Education (MOE) each year.
Every eligible student submits up to six secondary school choices. MOE's algorithm then matches each student to the highest-ranked school on their list for which their PSLE Achievement Level (AL) score meets the entry requirement. When more students qualify than there are vacancies at a given school, a computerised ballot is used — with Singapore Citizens given priority over Permanent Residents.
Every eligible student is guaranteed a secondary school place. Students who do not get any of their six choices are allocated to a school near their home address with available vacancies.
The Posting Process Step by Step
PSLE Results Released
Late October / Early NovemberPSLE results are released, typically in late October. Each subject is graded on the Achievement Level (AL) scale (1–8, where 1 is best). The total PSLE AL score ranges from 4 (best) to 32.
PSLE AL scoringSchool Choice Submission
Immediately after results (typically 2–3 weeks)Parents and students log in to the MOE School Choice portal to submit up to six secondary school choices, ranked by preference. Use all six choices — there is no disadvantage to listing six schools.
S1 Posting overviewS1 Posting Exercise
NovemberMOE runs the posting algorithm. Each student is allocated the highest-ranked school on their list for which their PSLE AL score meets the entry requirement. Where demand exceeds supply at a particular score, a computerised ballot is conducted. Citizens take priority over PRs in ballots.
Posting results and cut-offsPosting Results Released
Late November / DecemberPosting results are released online. Students find out which school they have been allocated. The result letter includes the reporting date and time for the allocated school.
S1 resultsSchool Appeals (if needed)
December (shortly after results)Students who were not posted to their preferred school may appeal to individual schools. Appeals are submitted directly to the school. Schools may consider academic results, CCAs, special talents, or compassionate grounds. Schools are not obliged to accept appeals.
S1 Posting and appealsSecondary 1 Orientation
January (following year)Students report to their allocated secondary school for Sec 1 Orientation in the first week of the new school year. This is the start of secondary education.
Secondary school educationTips for School Choice Submission
Use all six choices
There is no penalty for using all six school choices. The more choices you submit, the higher your chances of being posted to a school you actually want.
Put your most preferred school first
The algorithm posts students to the highest school on their list that they qualify for. List your genuine first choice first — not a 'safe' school.
Check historical cut-off score ranges
PSLE.fyi shows the PSLE score ranges for each secondary school from previous years. Use this to gauge whether your child's score is likely to meet the entry requirement.
Include a realistic backup
Always include at least one school your child's score comfortably meets. This protects against ending up without any choice school.
Consider proximity and CCAs
Beyond academic fit, think about school culture, CCA offerings, distance from home, and the Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) subjects offered.
DSA schools go on the list too
If your child has been accepted to a school via DSA, they should still list that school in the S1 Exercise — DSA offers are reflected in the posting.
PSLE AL Score and School Entry
Each secondary school sets an indicative PSLE AL score range based on historical demand. Lower AL scores (better results) open up more school options. The table below shows approximate AL score groupings — actual cut-offs vary by year and school.
| PSLE AL Score | Typical School Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 – 8 | Most autonomous and prestigious schools | Highly competitive; includes IP schools and top autonomies. |
| 9 – 14 | Wide choice of government and government-aided schools | Access to most mainstream secondary schools. |
| 15 – 20 | Government schools, full range of G-level subjects | Good range of schools under FSBB framework. |
| 21 – 26 | Most government schools | Students take lower-level G1/G2 subjects in FSBB. |
| 27 – 32 | All government schools with available vacancies | If no choice schools available, MOE allocates by home address. |
* Ranges are approximate and indicative only. Exact cut-offs change every year based on cohort performance. Check MOE's S1 Posting results for official historical data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S1 Posting Exercise?
The S1 Posting Exercise is the process by which P6 students are allocated places at secondary schools after their PSLE results are released. Students submit up to six school choices in order of preference. MOE uses each student's PSLE Achievement Level (AL) score and citizenship status to allocate a place at the best-matching school on their list.
How many school choices can I submit?
Students can submit up to six secondary school choices in the S1 Posting Exercise, ranked from most preferred to least preferred. It is strongly recommended to use all six choices to maximise your chances of being posted to a school you want.
What happens if I don't get any of my six choices?
If a student is not posted to any of their chosen schools, MOE will allocate a school with available vacancies based on the student's home address. Every eligible student is guaranteed a secondary school place.
Can I appeal if I don't get my preferred school?
Yes. If your child is not posted to their preferred school, you can appeal to the school directly during the appeal window (typically in December, shortly after posting results). Appeals are considered on merit — strong academic results and relevant CCAs or talents can support an appeal. Schools are not obliged to accept appeals.
Does citizenship affect S1 Posting?
Within the same PSLE AL score band, Singapore Citizens are given posting priority over Permanent Residents. PRs are posted after SC applicants with the same score.
When are S1 Posting results released?
S1 Posting results are typically released in late November or early December, shortly after PSLE results. The exact dates are announced annually by MOE. Students receive their posting results online via the S1 Posting portal (MOE's internet system).
Can my child choose any secondary school regardless of PSLE score?
Students can list any school as a choice, but posting is based on PSLE AL score. Schools set their own cut-off scores based on demand — if more students with the same score apply than there are vacancies, a computerised ballot is used. Students should check historical cut-off score ranges when making their choices.
Related Guides & Tools
S1 Posting dates and processes change annually. Always refer to moe.gov.sg/secondary/s1-posting for the latest information.