Selective High School Test 2027: What Parents Need to Know

The NSW Selective High School placement test is the gateway to Australia's top public high schools. Year 6 students compete for approximately 4,000 places across 48 selective and partially selective high schools. Here's your complete guide for the 2027 Selective test.

What Are Selective High Schools?

Selective high schools offer accelerated academic programs for high-achieving students in NSW. Top selective schools include James Ruse Agricultural High School, North Sydney Boys/Girls, Sydney Boys/Girls, Baulkham Hills, Hornsby Girls, and more.

Entry is based purely on the placement test — there's no interview, no portfolio, and no consideration of school reports (though schools may use other criteria for partially selective entry).

Key Dates for 2027 Selective Entry (Test in 2026)

Looking Ahead: 2028 Selective Entry

Dates for 2028 entry (testing in 2027) have not yet been announced. Based on recent years, expect applications to open in November 2026 and testing in May 2027. Check the NSW SHS & OC portal for official announcements.

New from 2027: Gender Balance Policy

A major change for 2027 entry: NSW has introduced equal places for boys and girls at all selective and partially selective high schools. Previously, boys held 58% of selective places (up from 55% in 2019). The gender imbalance was discouraging girls from accepting offers. Entry is still purely merit-based, but places are now allocated equally between genders.

Test Format (Computer-Based Since 2025)

The Selective test moved to a fully computer-based format from 2025. Students need to be comfortable navigating between questions on screen and typing for the writing component.

Selective vs OC: Key Differences

Subject Breakdown

Thinking Skills

Similar to OC but significantly harder. Tests abstract reasoning, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking at a more advanced level. Includes complex pattern sequences, 3D spatial reasoning, and multi-step logical deductions.

Mathematical Reasoning

Covers Year 5–6 curriculum with emphasis on problem-solving and reasoning, not just computation. Algebra and pre-algebra concepts, ratios, advanced geometry, and complex multi-step word problems are common.

Reading

Longer and more complex passages than OC. Includes literary fiction, poetry, information texts, and the newer Cloze (word choice) format. Tests inference, vocabulary in context, author's purpose, and critical analysis.

Writing

Students write a response to a prompt (narrative or persuasive). Typed on computer — practising typing speed is important. Assessed on ideas, structure, vocabulary, sentence fluency, and conventions.

Preparation Strategy for 2027

12+ months before (2025 and earlier)

• Build strong reading habit — aim for 30 min daily with varied text types
• Ensure solid maths foundations (fractions, decimals, measurement)
• Begin Thinking Skills exposure — this is the hardest subject to improve quickly. See our OC preparation track for foundational Thinking Skills patterns.
• Start regular writing practice (1–2 pieces per week)

6 months before (November 2025 — April 2026)

• Structured pattern-based practice across all four subjects
• Diagnostic testing to identify specific weak patterns
• Timed practice sessions to build exam pace
• Regular mock exams (monthly) to track progress

Final 3 months (February 2026 — April 2026)

• Weekly mock exams under full timed conditions
• Intensive repair of remaining weak patterns
• Typing practice if not already confident on keyboard
• Mental preparation: exam technique, time management, staying calm

How Scoring Works

The Selective test uses a composite score combining all four components. Each student also receives a "normalised" score that accounts for test difficulty. Students list school preferences in their application, and offers are made based on score and preference order.

There is no official cut-off score published by NSW DoE. Cut-offs vary by school and year depending on the applicant pool. Top schools (James Ruse, North Sydney) are the most competitive.