Updated 2026-10-11 · by Coastline Tutors
Short answer: At the end of Primary 4, the school recommends a subject combination for P5 based on the school exams, and parents state their preference on an option form. A child who passes three or more subjects is offered four Standard subjects. Levels are reviewed at the end of P5. Foundation grades A, B and C count as AL6, AL7 and AL8 in the PSLE Score.
Coastline Tutors writes these guides from SEAB and MOE documents and published Singapore figures; each claim links to where it comes from.
How it works, year by year
From MOE’s subject-based banding rules (MOE):
| Year | What happens |
|---|---|
| Primary 4 | Your child sits the school exams. The school recommends a subject combination from the year-end results; you fill in an option form with your preferred combination. |
| Primary 5 | Your child takes the preferred combination. At the end of the year the school assesses how they are coping and adjusts levels if needed. |
| Primary 6 | Your child takes the combination recommended by the school and sits the PSLE. |
The combinations
- Passes three or more subjects at P4: offered the four Standard subjects (English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science). Higher Mother Tongue may also be offered to a child who passes four subjects and does very well in Mother Tongue.
- Passes two subjects or fewer: a choice from four Standard subjects, through 3+1, 2+2 and 1+3 mixes, to four Foundation subjects.
MOE’s position is that taking a subject at Foundation level is not a disadvantage, and helps build the fundamentals for secondary school (MOE).
How Foundation subjects are scored
Foundation subjects are graded AL A (75 to 100), AL B (30 to 74) and AL C (below 30), which count as Standard AL 6, 7 and 8 for the PSLE Score (MOE). Try the PSLE score calculator, which handles both levels.
What to do in Primary 4
The recommendation comes from the P4 year-end exams, so Primary 4 is the year a subject close to the line is worth extra work. See Primary 4 maths tuition.
Want a tutor to help?
We reply to confirm the tutor, the lesson time and the rate before the first lesson.
Request received.
We will contact you on the number you gave to confirm the tutor, the lesson time and the rate before the first lesson.
More questions
Can my child switch from Foundation to Standard?
The school assesses each child at the end of Primary 5 and adjusts subject levels if needed.
Who is offered Higher Mother Tongue?
A child who passes four subjects at Primary 4 and does very well in Mother Tongue may be offered it.