By Tian Shou – Educational expert with over 15 years of experience in tutoring and exam preparation and founder of Fun Thinkers a newly launched AI NSW Selective School Test Preparation.

Navigating the path to a selective high school for your child can feel like a daunting maze of dates, acronyms, and high expectations. This guide is designed to be your comprehensive map, providing clarity and confidence at every step of the journey. We’ll break down the entire process, from understanding the system to preparing effectively, all while keeping your child’s well-being front and centre.

Part 1: The Big Picture – Overview of Selective Schools

Part 2: The Nitty-Gritty – Dates, Applications, and the Test

Part 3: The ‘How-To’ – Preparation Without the Panic

Part 4: Choosing Your Schools – A Deep Dive into the Top 15 Selective Schools

Part 5: The Test Day and Beyond

>>>>

This guide is brought to you by FunThinkers. 

FunThinkers offers:

• AI-powered adaptive learning that adjusts to each student’s unique pace and learning style of optimal results
• 1,000+ real exam questions in the exact same interface and question types as the real NSW selective and OC exams
• A 24/7 AI Tutor to provide instant help and explanations 
• Comprehensive progress tracking with detailed insights into strengths, weaknesses and improvement areas 
• A track record of success with students achieving $750k+ of private school scholarships, selective school entry and OC class entry 

Visit https://www.funthinkers.com/ and use the special discount code EdScout15 at the checkout to receive a 15% discount. 

Note: EdScout receives an affiliate commission if you purchase using this code – please do this as it helps EdScout continue to deliver valuable school insights and tools! 

>>>

Part 1: The Big Picture – Overview of Selective Schools

What are NSW Selective High Schools?

Selective high schools cater to academically gifted and talented students. The learning environment is designed to be more challenging and is paced faster than in comprehensive schools. There are several types of selective schools:

Fully Selective Schools: All classes in all years are academically selective.

• Partially Selective Schools: These schools have both selective and non-selective classes. Students in the selective stream will typically take core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science together.

Agricultural High Schools: These four schools are fully selective, with a special focus on agriculture as a compulsory subject from Years 7-10.

• Aurora College: This is a virtual selective school, offering selective classes in English, Mathematics, and Science to students in rural and remote areas. Students attend their local public high school for other subjects and activities.
• Selective Special Interest Schools: These schools are selective based on a particular special interest such as a sport, arts or STEM subject. 

How do you know if a Selective School is right for your child?

While the academic benefits of a selective school are clear, it’s crucial to consider if it’s the right environment for your child’s individual needs. Ask yourself:

• Does my child thrive on academic challenges and enjoy learning at a fast pace?
• Are they resilient and self-motivated?
• How will they cope with a potentially more competitive and high-pressure environment?
• Have we considered the practicalities, such as travel time to a school that may be further away?
• What are the alternatives on offer for that child? 

The goal is to find the best educational fit for your child’s happiness and long-term success, not just to secure a place at the highest-ranked school.

Key Changes for the 2026 Test

The selective school placement test is evolving. For the 2025/2026 test, the NSW Department of Education has made some significant changes:

• Computer-Based Testing: The test is now administered on a computer, not on paper.
• Multiple Test Days: The test will be held over a weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Your child will be allocated a single day and time to sit the test.
• Focus on Critical Thinking: There is a greater emphasis on assessing problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills, rather than rewarding rote memorisation. Expect more “unfamiliar” question types where logic is key.

Part 2: The Nitty-Gritty – Dates, Applications, and the Test

Official Timeline for 2026 Entry

Mark your calendars. These are the crucial dates provided by the NSW Department of Education for students seeking Year 7 entry in 2026.

Event	Date
Application Window Opens	7 November 2024
Application Window Closes	21 February 2025
Selective High School Placement Test	2-4 May 2025
Make-up Test (with approved illness/misadventure)	19 May 2025
Placement Outcomes Released (Expected)	Mid-August 2025
Students Commence Year 7	Term 1, 2026

Crucially, the NSW Department of Education has stated there will be no late applications accepted.

The Application Process, Step-by-Step

• Register: Parents/carers create an account on the official application website.
• Verify: Check your email to verify your account.
• Complete the Application: Fill in all the required details. You can save your progress and return later.
• Strategic School Selection: You must list up to three selective high schools in your order of preference. You will only receive an offer from the highest-preference school for which your child is eligible. Research schools thoroughly, considering factors like travel time and school culture, not just their HSC ranking.
• Submit: Once you are certain all details are correct, submit the application. You should receive a confirmation email.

Deconstructing the Test

The test consists of four equally weighted sections.

• Reading (40 minutes): This section uses a variety of texts to assess comprehension, interpretation, and analysis.
• Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes): This tests the ability to solve complex mathematical problems, focusing on logical reasoning rather than just calculation.
• Thinking Skills (40 minutes): This section includes verbal and non-verbal questions that assess critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to find patterns and solve problems.
• Writing (30 minutes): Students are given a prompt (which could be an image, a quote, or a statement) and must write a structured piece.

Understanding the Score

You will not receive a specific score or rank for your child. Instead, the performance report will show how your child performed in each section across four bands:

• Top 10% of candidates
• Next 15%
• Next 25%
• Bottom 50%

Up to 20% of places at each school are also reserved for students from four equity groups: students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds, Aboriginal students, students from rural and remote locations, and students with a disability.

Part 3: The ‘How-To’ – Preparation Without the Panic

The Parent’s Role: Your Child’s Biggest Supporter

Your child will take their cues from you. Managing your own anxiety is key to creating a positive and supportive environment.

• Focus on Effort, Not Outcome: Praise hard work, resilience, and improvement. Reinforce that their worth is not tied to a test result.
• Maintain Balance: Ensure your child has a healthy routine that includes plenty of rest, nutritious food, physical activity, and time for hobbies. Avoid burnout by making study a consistent, manageable part of their week, not a constant pressure.
• Talk Openly: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings and any anxieties they may have about the test.

Building a Strong Foundation (The Marathon, Not the Sprint)

Success in this test is built over years, not crammed in months.

• Encourage a Reading Habit: Wide reading across different genres is the single best preparation for the Reading test.
• Foster Curiosity: Encourage your child to ask “why” and “how.” Engage in discussions, talk about current events, and connect learning to the real world.
• Play with Logic: Puzzles, board games, and brain teasers are fun and effective ways to build the logical reasoning and problem-solving skills needed for the Thinking Skills section.

Effective, Stress-Free Study Strategies

• Use Practice Papers Wisely: The main purpose of practice papers is to familiarize your child with the test format, question types, and time pressure. They are best used to identify areas of weakness that need more attention, not as a measure of guaranteed success.
• Plan Your Writing: For the writing task, practice planning an essay structure before starting to write. A clear, logical flow of ideas is crucial.
• Familiarise with the Tech: When the official computer-based practice tests become available, ensure your child completes them to get comfortable with the online format, navigation, and tools.

And of course use FunThinkers to practise and prepare for the test. It offers:

• AI-powered adaptive learning that adjusts to each student’s unique pace and learning style of optimal results
• 1,000+ real exam questions in the exact same interface and question types as the real NSW selective and OC exams
• A 24/7 AI Tutor to provide instant help and explanations 
• Comprehensive progress tracking with detailed insights into strengths, weaknesses and improvement areas 
• A track record of success with students achieving $750k+ of private school scholarships, selective school entry and OC class entry 

Visit https://www.funthinkers.com/ and use the special discount code EdScout15 at the checkout to receive a 15% discount. 

Part 4: Choosing Your Schools – A Deep Dive into the Top 15

Selecting which schools to list on your application is a significant decision. While rankings provide a useful snapshot of past academic performance, it’s vital to remember that the “best” school is the one that is the right fit for your child. Consider location, school culture, and specific programs.

Disclaimer: The following rankings are based on a combination of recent HSC performance and the last publicly available minimum entry scores (2021). These scores and rankings can and do change from year to year. They should be used as a guide only.

Tier 1: The Pinnacle

These schools consistently rank at the very top for HSC results and have the highest demand for places.

Rank	School Name	Gender	Location	EdScout Profile
1	North Sydney Boys High School	Boys	Crows Nest	Link
2	James Ruse Agricultural High School	Co-ed	Carlingford	Link
3	Baulkham Hills High School	Co-ed	Baulkham Hills	Link
4	North Sydney Girls High School	Girls	Crows Nest	Link

Tier 2: The Elite

These schools are academic powerhouses, with exceptional HSC results and a highly competitive entry process.

Rank	School Name	Gender	Location	Website
5	Sydney Girls High School	Girls	Surry Hills	Link
6	Sydney Boys High School	Boys	Moore Park	Link
7	Hornsby Girls High School	Girls	Hornsby	Link
8	Normanhurst Boys High School	Boys	Normanhurst	Link
9	Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus	Co-ed	North Curl Curl	Link

Tier 3: The High Achievers

These schools are consistently high-performing and offer an outstanding selective education, representing some of the best academic opportunities in their respective regions.

Rank	School Name	Gender	Location	Website
10	Fort Street High School	Co-ed	Petersham	Link
11	St George Girls High School	Girls	Kogarah	Link
12	Penrith High School	Co-ed	Penrith	Link
13	Girraween High School	Co-ed	Girraween	Link
14	Hurlstone Agricultural High School	Co-ed	Glenfield	Link
15	Sydney Technical High School	Boys	Bexley	Link

Part 5: The Test Day and Beyond

On Test Day

Prepare for a smooth test day by ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep and has a healthy breakfast. Arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare to avoid any last-minute rush or panic. Remind them that they have done the preparation and to simply do their best.

After the Test: Managing the Wait

Celebrate your child’s effort and dedication. In the months between the test and the results, shift focus back to their regular schooling, hobbies, and downtime.

Understanding the Offer (and the Reserve List)

If your child’s performance places them just outside the cut-off for a preferred school, they may be placed on a reserve list. The performance report will indicate the likelihood of an offer based on historical data (e.g., an offer is expected within 1 month, 2 months, etc.). Being on a reserve list is not a guarantee of an offer.

If You Don’t Get an Offer: The Journey Continues

It is vital to reassure your child that selective school is only one of many pathways to a wonderful and successful education. The critical thinking, time management, and academic skills they have developed during this process are invaluable and will serve them well in any high school.

Many students who do not attend a selective school still achieve outstanding academic results. Furthermore, students have the option to apply for entry into a selective school in later years (from Year 8 to Year 11), a process that is based on school reports and other assessments. Focus on the exciting new chapter of high school, wherever that may be, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Tian Shou – Educational expert with over 15 years of experience in tutoring and exam preparation and founder of Fun Thinkers. 

Visit https://www.funthinkers.com/ and use the special discount code EdScout15 at the checkout to receive a 15% discount.