What Is Subject-Based Banding? Everything You Need to Know

If you're a parent of a child in Primary 4 to Secondary 2, you've probably heard about the new Subject-Based Banding (SBB. But what is Subject-Based Banding really about?

And more importantly, how will it affect your child’s educational journey in Singapore?

In this article, we break it all down in simple, straightforward terms.

Whether your child is still in primary school or has just entered secondary school, understanding the ins and outs of SBB can help you better support their learning and growth.

What Is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)?

Subject-Based Banding is part of an ongoing effort by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to move away from rigid academic streaming.

Instead of sorting students into fixed streams like the Express stream, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical), the SBB system allows them to take subjects at different levels suited to their strengths.

The goal is to allow students to learn at their own pace, creating a more flexible and inclusive education experience.

From Streaming to Subject-Based Banding: What’s Different?

Let’s take a closer look at how Singapore’s education model has evolved:

Before: Fixed Academic Streams

In the past, students were placed into three fixed streams after Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE):

• Express

• Normal (Academic)

• Normal (Technical)

  
  

These streams largely determined their subject combinations, pace of learning, and future academic options.

There was little room for flexibility—even if a student was stronger in one subject than another.

Now: Subject-Based Banding (SBB)

With SBB, students are no longer placed in strict academic streams. Instead, they are assigned to posting groups based on their PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scores.

From there, they can take each subject at different ability levels, ensuring a more tailored learning experience.

• G1 (similar to Normal Technical)

• G2 (similar to Normal Academic)

• G3 (similar to Express)

  
  

For example, your child might take:

• English at G3

• Mathematics at G2

• Mother Tongue at G1

  
  

This mix-and-match approach gives every student a more balanced and personalised academic experience.

The Goal: A More Flexible & Supportive System

Subject-Based Banding recognises that every student has different strengths and interests—some may excel in languages, while others do better in math or science.

By moving away from rigid labels, the system aims to:

• Boost student confidence

• Reduce unnecessary academic pressure

• Give students room to grow in areas where they shine

What Does "Full Subject-Based Banding" Mean?

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) is the full implementation of this flexible model. Under Full Subject Based Banding, schools go one step further:

• No more fixed Express or Normal classes. Classes based on mixed abilities place students from different posting groups together.

• Subjects like Consumer Education, Art, and Physical Education are taught in these mixed-ability form classes.

• Students take core subjects (like English, Maths, Science, Mother Tongue) at different levels based on their performance.

  
  

This means your child will be in a same form class with peers of diverse abilities for some subjects, while still taking specific subjects like Mathematics or Science at the level that suits them best.

Which Subjects Are Affected by Subject-Based Banding?

Initially, Subject-Based Banding focuses on core subjects such as:

• English Language

• Mother Tongue Languages

• Mathematics

• Science

  
  

As students progress to lower secondary and later upper secondary, they will have the option to take elective subjects—humanities subjects, arts, or computing—at levels that match their interests and strengths.

How Does It Work in Secondary Schools?

Subject-Based Banding in secondary schools kicks in after the PSLE, when students are placed into posting groups.

In secondary education, students start with common curriculum subjects in their mixed form class, while their subject levels are determined based on their PSLE results or performance in school.

If a student excels in a subject, they may be allowed to take it at a more demanding level.

On the flip side, they can also take other subjects at a less demanding level to better suit their pace.

As your child reaches the upper secondary level, they will choose subject combinations that fit their interests and strengths, while still keeping the flexibility of subject levels.

Teachers also adapt their teaching approaches to suit the varying levels within a subject, ensuring that each learner receives the right balance of challenge and support.

What Are the Benefits of Subject-Based Banding?

Subject-Based Banding brings several meaningful changes that support your child’s learning and well-being. Here's how:

1. Flexibility in Learning

Students no longer have to take all subjects at the same level. This flexibility allows them to excel in strong areas and receive support where needed.

This mix-and-match approach gives every learner a customised path.

2. Boosts Confidence

When students learn at the right level for them, they’re more likely to feel confident and motivated.

They’re not overwhelmed by overly challenging material or held back by content that feels too easy. This balance helps reduce academic stress and builds self-belief.

3. Room for Growth and Progress

Subject levels aren’t set in stone. If a student improves in a subject, they may have the opportunity to move up to a more advanced level.

This encourages continuous progress and rewards effort, not just fixed results.

4. Holistic Development in the Classroom

Because form classes now mix students from different posting groups, subjects like Physical Education, Citizenship Education, and Art are taught in a more inclusive setting.

This promotes interaction, teamwork, and empathy—skills that are essential beyond academics.

5. Positive Feedback From Parents and Educators

Many parents and teachers have already observed how SBB helps students feel more supported and understood.

By recognising individual strengths and learning needs, the system creates a more encouraging environment where students can truly thrive.

What About Exams and Progression?

Students still sit for common national examination (e.g. N-Level or O-Level), but these are now matched to the level at which they’re taking each subject: G1, G2, or G3.

This ensures they’re tested fairly, based on what they’ve actually learned!

They’ll still work towards the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC), which remains the standard qualification after secondary school.

Subject results—rather than an overall stream—determine what post-secondary options are available, such as:

• Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

• Direct-Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)

• Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

• Junior Colleges (JCs)

  
  

This means that your child’s subject-specific results carry more weight than their stream placement used to.

Does It Affect My Child's Future Options?

Yes—but in a good way.

With the new system, students taking different subjects at different levels can still qualify for polytechnics education or junior colleges, as long as they meet the admission requirements.

Your child’s educational journey becomes more customised.

Whether they aim for technical education, additional mathematics, or even N-Level examinations, the flexibility of the based banding system gives them room to grow and thrive.

How Can Parents Support Their Child?

As Subject-Based Banding offers more flexibility, your role as a parent is key in helping your child navigate this change.

Here's how you can support them:

• Talk to your child about their learning needs and interests.

• Stay in touch with teachers about their progress.

• Be open to your child taking one subject at a different level if it helps them learn better.

• Encourage a growth mindset—progress matters more than perfection.

  
  

With your support, your child can thrive in the new system and build confidence along the way.

How Elixir Academy Helps Students Thrive in the SBB System

Navigating the subject based banding full system can feel overwhelming, especially with all the moving parts like posting groups, subject levels, and different papers.

That’s where we come in.

At Elixir Academy, we provide targeted tuition support that aligns with your child’s current subject levels and future goals.

Whether your child is taking English at G3 and Maths at G2, or preparing for upper secondary subject combinations, our experienced tutors design lessons that match their pace and push their potential.

With our help, your child can confidently manage their secondary school journey and make the most of the subject based banding system.

Contact us today to find out how we can help your child excel in their personalised learning journey!