Selective School Test Preparation (NSW)

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a single centralised test for entry into a selective high school in Year 7, made up of four parts — reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing — sat on a computer at a test centre. It is run by the NSW Department of Education, applications open the year before, and the test is typically held in early May. Always confirm the current year’s key dates on the Department’s website.

Test structures and providers described here last verified June 2026 against official sources. Individual school dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm with the specific school or official body before you rely on a date.

What the selective test really measures

The placement test is not a test of Year 6 schoolwork. It measures reasoning under time pressure: how quickly and accurately a student reads, how flexibly they apply mathematics to unfamiliar problems, and how clearly they think and write. The Thinking Skills section in particular is unlike anything most students meet in class, which is why exposure to its question types matters.

The four components in detail

Reading

Students answer comprehension questions on a range of text types in 45 minutes. The challenge is pace plus inference — questions reward reading between the lines, not just locating facts.

Mathematical reasoning

Forty minutes for 35 multiple-choice questions, each with five options, and no calculator allowed. The maths content is within reach for a strong Year 6 student; the difficulty is in applying it to new problems quickly. Working on paper is allowed.

Thinking skills

Forty minutes for 40 multiple-choice questions with four options each. This section tests critical thinking, logical deduction and problem solving. Familiarity with the question styles — assumptions, conclusions, logical puzzles — makes a real difference.

Writing

A single writing task marked on the creativity of ideas and the ability to write effectively for a purpose and audience. Planning quickly and structuring a short piece under time pressure is the key skill.

How places are decided

Entry is competitive and based on test performance. Because demand is high, even strong students should prepare for the pace of the test, not just its content. For how rankings and cut-offs work across competitive tests generally, see our guide on how students are ranked.

A sensible preparation plan

• Confirm the timetable — applications open the year before; the test is usually early May. Check current dates on the Department site.
• Practise all four sections, including the unfamiliar Thinking Skills questions.
• Train timing with full timed sections so pace becomes automatic.
• Build a writing routine: plan, open with a clear idea, finish on time.
• Start months ahead and use a diagnostic to focus effort.

Selective and Opportunity Class tests share format and skills — if your child is younger, see our OC test preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions