[NSW] The Comprehensive Guide to Selective High Schools in 2026

What They Are, How the Test Works, and How to Help Your Child Prepare

When children demonstrate strong academic ability and thrive in a more challenging environment, many families begin exploring NSW Selective High Schools as an option. These schools provide enriched learning for high-potential students and are a pathway many families consider in upper primary.

This guide explains the key things parents need to know in a clear, simple format.

What Are Selective High Schools?

Selective High Schools cater for academically gifted students who learn at a faster pace and benefit from deeper, more complex learning experiences. These schools place students with similar academic strengths together, offering:

• Fast-paced and enriched learning
• Extension in English, Mathematics, Science and more
• A learning environment with like-minded peers
• Teachers experienced in supporting high-potential learners

NSW has 4,248 places available each year for Year 7 entry.

Selective schools are unzoned, meaning families can apply regardless of where they live.

Types of Selective High Schools

NSW has four main types of selective schools:

1. Fully Selective High Schools

Every class is academically selective.

2. Partially Selective High Schools

Only some classes are selective; other classes enrol local students.

3. Agricultural High Schools

Fully selective schools with a focus on agriculture (day and boarding options).

4. Aurora College (Virtual Selective School)

For rural and remote students attending participating host schools.

Who Should Consider a Selective High School?

Selective schools are best suited for students who show:

• Very high academic performance (top ~9% of their cohort)
• A strong desire to learn and think deeply
• Fast learning and strong memory
• Advanced reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills
• Curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking
• Emotional readiness for a competitive environment

You can read more here: ➡ High Potential and Gifted Students – NSW Department of Education

Families should also think about travel time, school culture, and the child’s personal learning needs.

Key Dates for Selective High School Entry

• Applications open: 6 November 2025
• Applications close: 20 February 2026

• Test Window: 1–2 May 2026
• Make-up Test: 22 May 2026
• Last day to change school preferences: 5 June 2026

• Offer emails: Term 3, 2026

Most applicants will be:

• In Year 5 when applying
• In Year 6 when sitting the test
• Starting at a selective school in Year 7 the next year

Students outside the usual year/age group can apply, but must provide supporting documentation.

Eligible students must be:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent residents
• Or New Zealand citizens

Applying for a Selective High School

Applications open each year between November and February.

Parents apply online through the official Selective High School application website. A “test admission ticket” (formerly Test Authority Letter) is provided before the test.

Key updates for the 2027 intake:

• Students must now upload a photo for identification
• The Gender Parity Model begins (equal places for boys and girls in co-ed selective schools)
• OC applicants may choose up to 4 class preferences (Selective remains up to 3)

Understanding the Selective High School Placement Test (Updated for 2027 Entry)

The placement test is computer-based. For 2027 entry, the Reading Test has changed — other components remain the same.

1. Reading — 45 minutes | 17 questions (3 multi-part)

Updated for 2027
Your update confirms changes to the Reading Test:

• Increased to 45 minutes
• Now 17 questions, with 3 multi-part questions
• Includes a new cloze-style question type, where students must choose a word or phrase to complete a passage 

2. Mathematical Reasoning — 40 minutes | 35 questions

Multiple-choice questions assessing:

• Number sense
• Logical thinking
• Patterns and problem-solving

Calculators are not used.

3. Thinking Skills — 40 minutes | 40 questions

Assesses:

• Logical reasoning
• Critical thinking
• Spatial reasoning
• Pattern identification

No prior subject knowledge is needed.

4. Writing — 30 minutes | 1 extended response

Students complete one writing task assessing:

• Clarity of ideas
• Structure and coherence
• Vocabulary and expression
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation

How Placement Decisions Are Made

Students are ranked according to academic merit (primarily test performance).
Placement is based on:

• Overall rank
• Number of available places
• School preferences (up to 3)

The Equity Placement Model ensures fairness for:

• Aboriginal students
• Students with disability
• Rural and remote students
• Students from low socio-educational backgrounds

If a student misses the test with an approved reason, alternative evidence may be considered.

Understanding the Performance Report

After the test, parents receive a Performance Report showing how their child performed compared to other students.
It uses four bands:

• Top 10%
• Next 15%
• Next 25%
• Lowest 50%

Raw scores, placement ranks, and test percentages are not provided.

Choosing Selective Schools (Up to 3 Preferences)

Parents can choose up to three selective schools, listed in order.

Important points:

• Students receive an offer only to the highest-preference school they qualify for.
• Students may be offered School 2 or 3 while remaining on the reserve list for School 1.
• Preferences generally cannot be changed after results are released.

Consider:

• Travel time
• School culture
• School size and focus
• Your child’s well-being

Preparing for the Selective Test

Consistent learning across Years 5–6 is more effective than last-minute preparation.
North Shore’s preparation programs offer:

• Weekly English, Maths, Thinking Skills and Writing lessons
• Regular exam-style mock tests
• SWAT Mock Exam experience
• Detailed review and feedback

This helps build confidence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen all four test components.

Is a Selective School the Right Fit?

Selective schools may be ideal for students who thrive in:

• Fast-paced, enriched learning
• Academically competitive environments
• Structured, high-expectation settings

Families should consider:

• Travel commitments
• Child’s social and emotional readiness
• Balance between challenge and well-being

Your local North Shore campus can help assess readiness and provide personalised guidance.

Want to Learn More or Book a Free Assessment?

Our team can guide families through the selective school process and help students prepare confidently for the 2027 examination changes.