Full SBB Explained: G1, G2, G3 and How to Move Up a Level
Short answer
G1, G2 and G3 are subject levels, with G3 the most demanding. Your child starts each subject at a level guided by PSLE results, and can move up later if the school judges them ready.
At a glance
Item | What it means |
|---|---|
Streams | Removed from the 2024 Sec 1 cohort |
Posting Groups | PG1, PG2 or PG3, based on PSLE score |
Subject levels | G1, G2, G3 (G3 most demanding) |
Form classes | Mixed, across Posting Groups |
Higher level at Sec 1 | EL, MTL, Maths, Science, by PSLE subject results |
Humanities | Higher level possible from Sec 2 |
Later moves | Decided by the school, within MOE guidelines |
What replaced Express, NA and NT?
From the 2024 Sec 1 cohort, MOE removed the Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams. Students are now posted through Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3.
Form classes are mixed, so students learn alongside peers with different strengths and interests. Each subject is taken at the level that best suits the student.
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) was phased in over several years:
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2020 | Pilot in 28 secondary schools |
2022 – 2024 | Rolled out to more schools |
2024 | Streams removed for the Sec 1 cohort |
2027 | First cohort sits a common national exam |
2028 | First cohort enters post-secondary under new criteria |
What do G1, G2 and G3 mean?
G1, G2 and G3 are the three subject levels. G3 is the most demanding and G1 the least, and students move from G1 to G2, or G2 to G3.
A student can take different subjects at different levels. For example, Mathematics at G3 and Science at G2.
From 2027, students sit one common national exam and receive one common certificate. Our SEC 2027 guide explains how that exam works.
Which level does my child start at?
Your child's PSLE score sets their Posting Group, which guides the starting level for most subjects:
PSLE score | Posting Group | Starting level |
|---|---|---|
4 – 20 | PG3 | G3 |
21 – 22 | PG2 or PG3 | G2 or G3 |
23 – 24 | PG2 | G2 |
25 | PG1 or PG2 | G1 or G2 |
26 – 30 (AL7 or better in EL and Maths) | PG1 | G1 |
PG3 students take all subjects at G3. PG2 and PG1 students take most subjects at G2 and G1 respectively.
MOE says these levels are indicative, not thresholds. Our Sec 1 posting guide covers how school choices are used.
Can my child take a subject at a higher level?
Yes, at different points in secondary school:
When | What can happen |
|---|---|
Start of Sec 1 | EL, MTL, Maths or Science at a higher level, based on PSLE results in that subject |
From Sec 2 | Geography, History or Literature in English at a higher level, if eligible |
After Sec 1 starts | Any subject, based on performance, interests and readiness |
After the start of Sec 1, MOE says the decision rests on a "holistic consideration of their performance, interests and readiness". MOE gives schools guidelines, such as subject-specific academic criteria and traits and dispositions.
The school makes the final decision. It considers your child's interests, aptitude and ability to manage the overall curricular load.
Will schools publish fixed criteria to move up?
Not as automatic rules. In October 2026, MOE said it has no plans to require secondary schools to provide academic criteria for students to progress automatically to a more demanding level.
MOE's reason is that schools weigh many factors, including interests, aptitude and overall curricular load. So how decisions are made can differ between schools.
What are mixed form classes?
Students from all three Posting Groups share a form class. They interact with peers who have different strengths and interests.
In lower secondary, Art, Design and Technology, Food and Consumer Education, and Music are offered as Common Curriculum subjects.
Source: MOE, What is Full SBB?
What can parents do now?
Check PSLE subject results: they decide which of EL, MTL, Maths and Science may start at a higher level.
Ask the school: how it identifies students for a higher level, and when it reviews this.
Think about load: schools weigh whether your child can manage the overall workload, so talk it through together.
Look ahead: subject levels carry into the common national exam from 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is G3 the same as the old Express stream?
Streams no longer exist. G3 is the most demanding subject level, and Posting Group 3 students start all their subjects at G3.
Can my child take subjects at different levels?
Yes. Under Full SBB, students can take subjects at the levels that suit their strengths, interests and learning needs.
Is there a fixed grade to move from G2 to G3?
MOE does not set common national criteria. It gives schools guidelines, and each school decides based on the student's performance, interests and readiness.
When can Humanities be taken at a higher level?
From Sec 2, eligible students can take Geography, History or Literature in English at a more demanding level.
Are the Posting Group starting levels fixed cut-offs?
No. MOE says the starting subject levels for each Posting Group are indicative, not thresholds.
Sources
Last verified: 11 Nov 2026. Written by Overmugged.
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