As your child enters secondary school, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by all the changes happening in Singapore’s education system. One of the biggest shifts is the move towards Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB)—a system designed to support every students’ strengths, while keeping doors open for the future.
Let’s break it down together.
What Is Full Subject-Based Banding?
Under Full SBB, the traditional streaming system (Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical) has been replaced by something more flexible. Students are now placed in Posting Groups 1, 2 or 3 (PG1–PG3), and take each subject at a level that matches their ability:
G1 = Former Normal Technical standard
G2 = Former Normal Academic standard
G3 = Former Express standard
This means your child may take English at G3, Science at G2, and Math at G3—based on what works best for them. It’s no longer “one stream fits all.”
What About JC Admissions?
If your child is aiming for Junior College (JC), the requirements remain the same:
L1R5 must be 20 points or below
All 6 subjects used in L1R5 must be taken at G3 level
A minimum D7 in English is required
Heads-up for PG3 students: If even one subject is taken at G2 level, it cannot be used in the L1R5 score. That means all six subjects must be G3 if your child is considering JC—there’s no backup subject.
Polytechnic Pathway: More Flexible from 2028
Here’s some good news for students thinking about polytechnic:
From the 2028 intake, students from Posting Groups 2 and 3 can now apply for polytechnic even if they have:
Four subjects at G3 level, and
One subject at G2 level
Previously, five G3 subjects were required. This new flexibility makes the poly route more accessible, without lowering academic expectations.
The net cut-off score has also been adjusted from 26 to 22 points, so students still need to maintain good performance across their subjects.
ITE Pathway: A Clearer Route Ahead
Students considering the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) can also look forward to more progression opportunities:
From Academic Year 2028, students with an ELMAB3 score of 19 or better can enter Higher Nitec Year 2 directly.
A mix of G2 and G3 subjects is acceptable here, making this route flexible and skills focused.
What This Means for Your Child
Full SBB is designed to help your child build confidence, pursue their strengths, and keep post-secondary options open. But because subject levels affect future admissions, it’s important to:
Start thinking early: Talk with your child about their goals and interests.
Check eligibility requirements for JC, Poly, and ITE.
Speak with teachers: They’ll guide you on the appropriate subject levels based on your child’s progress.
In Conclusion
Every child learns differently—and Full SBB finally gives them room to grow in ways that work best for them.
Whether your child is dreaming of JC, eyeing a course in polytechnic, or excited about hands-on learning at ITE, this new system is about possibility, not limitation.
Stay involved, ask questions, and explore options together. The road ahead may look different for every student, but with the right support, every path can lead to success.
Discover top-notch science tuition at Explorer Academy, your go-to center in Singapore. Our Physics tuition simplifies complex topics for better understanding. Dive into our Biology tuition to reinforce essential concepts and build confidence. Our Chemistry tuition covers both foundational and advanced material, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subject. Additionally, we provide combined science tuition to help students excel across multiple science disciplines.
