Getting into a selective high school in New South Wales isn’t just about being academically gifted; it’s about being well-prepared. With thousands of students vying for limited spots, the NSW Selective Test is a highly competitive challenge. For many parents, navigating the deadlines, eligibility requirements, and preparation strategies can be overwhelming and confusing.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Many parents feel the pressure, unsure of what to focus on during the lead-up to the test. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, not just to help your child prepare but to give you a clear roadmap of what lies ahead, what needs to be done, and how to avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.

In this blog, you’ll find everything from key dates and application windows to sample questions and final prep tips, all in one place, helping you stay on track as the test approaches.

TL;DR 

• Reading is skill-based, not just knowledge-based: Students need guided practice in comprehension, inference, and tone detection to score well in the Reading and Thinking Skills sections.

• Final prep should mimic test-day rhythm: Practicing in the same order and under the same time limits as the actual test helps improve both accuracy and mental endurance.

• Writing is not just about creativity: Clear structure, grammar, and persuasive reasoning are equally important. Timed writing with prompt-based planning can sharpen these skills quickly.

• Your child’s mindset matters. Confidence, calm, and knowing what to expect often separate successful students from equally capable ones who freeze under pressure.

NSW Selective Test 2025 and 2026 Dates [Updated]: A Detailed Summary

It's already the middle of July 2025. Applications are closed for selective high school and opportunity class entry in 2026. 

For Selective Test 2025, the application opening date began on 7th November 2024 and ended on 21st February 2025. That means families looking at selective school options need to plan for 2027 entry instead.

If your child was eligible this year, you’ve likely already completed the process. But for families aiming for future placements, reviewing this year’s timeline can help set clear expectations for what’s ahead. 

The entire schedule stretches over a year, so understanding these key dates early can help you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid any last-minute surprises. The dates for the upcoming test cycles are already confirmed. Here's what you need to know about the timeline ahead.

NSW Selective Test Schedule 2026-2028

The Department of Education has released the official test dates for the next three years. These dates are set in stone, so mark your calendar now.

The NSW Selecting Testing Window Explained

The selective test runs over three consecutive days in May. Your child gets assigned to one specific day and time slot. There's no choice in this – the Department of Education decides based on logistics and capacity.

Most tests happen at external venues, not at schools. Common choices of venues include community centres, libraries, or hired halls. You'll find out the exact location about three weeks before the test date.

The make-up test exists for genuine emergencies only. Medical certificates or other official documentation are required. Don't bank on getting a second chance. Treat the main test date as non-negotiable.

Who Can Apply for NSW Selective Schools

The application process is open to students from various educational backgrounds, though specific residency requirements apply.

1. Eligible Students

Parents can apply for selective school placement if their child attends:

• NSW public schools

• Non-government schools

• Home study programs

• Interstate schools

• Overseas schools

All students must meet NSW residency requirements by the start of the school year they wish to enter.

2. NSW Residency Requirements

Students and their families must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry. International students may face additional conditions depending on their visa status. Check the Department of Education's visa requirements if your child is not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.

3. Special Circumstances

If you don't currently meet all enrolment conditions but expect to before offers are released, you can still apply. Your child can sit the placement test, but you must satisfy all requirements before receiving any placement offer.

Students living interstate or overseas can sit the test in their current location, though NSW-based testing is preferred when possible.

What's Included in the Selective Test 2025 and 2026

The test is entirely computer-based and consists of four distinct sections, each carrying equal weight in the final score.

Test Format Overview:

Each section tests different cognitive abilities and academic skills. Students complete all sections on the same day using provided computers at external test centres.

Let us explain each test section in detail to help you understand what your child will face and how to prepare effectively.

1. Reading Test (40 minutes, 25% weighting)

This section evaluates reading comprehension through various text types, including narratives, reports, and opinion pieces. Students answer 16 questions, with some requiring multiple responses. 

The reading test requires students to work quickly while maintaining accuracy. Success depends on strong foundational skills like skimming for key information and making inferences from context clues. 

FunFox's Readers Club helps students develop these exact skills through weekly small-group sessions that focus on comprehension strategies, critical thinking, and text analysis. The curriculum-aligned approach ensures students practice with the same types of texts they'll encounter in the selective test, building both confidence and competence in a supportive environment.

2. Writing Test (30 minutes, 25% weighting)

Students complete one extended writing task that requires planning, drafting, and editing within the time limit. The task typically involves persuasive or creative writing based on a given prompt. Assessment focuses on content development, language use, text structure, and writing conventions, including grammar and spelling.

FunFox Writers Club supports these skills through small weekly classes that cover grammar, punctuation, and creative structure. With feedback built into every session, children learn how to write thoughtfully and with purpose.

3. Mathematical Reasoning Test (40 minutes, 25% weighting)

Students tackle 35 questions covering number patterns, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving scenarios. The test goes beyond basic arithmetic, focusing on logical thinking and mathematical concepts. Questions include data interpretation, geometric reasoning, and numerical sequences. Calculator use is not permitted during this section.

4. Thinking Skills Test (40 minutes, 25% weighting)

This section contains 40 questions designed to measure abstract reasoning and logical thinking abilities. Students work through pattern recognition, analogies, and sequential logic problems. The test evaluates cognitive flexibility and the ability to identify relationships between concepts without relying on specific academic knowledge.

Also read: Using Sample Test Papers Effectively for Selective Exams

Reading the words, but missing the meaning - sound familiar? We’ve got a fix!

Try The Funfox Way!

8 Easy-to-follow Final Preparation Tips for Selective Test 2026

A solid revision plan in the final stretch can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and walking into the test calm and focused. 

These tips are based on how the test is structured, common student pitfalls, and what has worked consistently in tutoring environments. We have designed each step to help you use the remaining time more effectively without adding stress.

1. Prioritize Timed Practice Over New Content

At this stage, it’s better to work with what your child already knows. Instead of introducing new topics, spend time completing practice papers under full test conditions. Time each section exactly as it would be in the actual exam. 

Turn timed maths practice into a fun challenge by framing it like a mini competition. Set a 40-minute timer, then hand your child a mix of practice questions. Let them try to "level up" by earning points for speed and accuracy. Bonus if they explain how they got the answer.

2. Use Short, Focused Revision Blocks

Rather than long hours of revision, aim for two to three concentrated 25–30 minute sessions per day, each targeting a different section of the test. One block might focus on multiple-choice reading questions, the next on mental maths reasoning. 

Breaks in between allow the brain to reset and retain more information. This is far more effective than passive rereading or revising everything at once.

3. Build Test-Day Stamina With Full-Length Mock Sessions

The NSW Selective Test is mentally demanding. Mimic the test schedule at least once a week: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing in sequence, with timed breaks in between. 

Use a quiet space, set alarms for each section, and ask your child to complete everything in one sitting. This builds endurance and helps them get used to staying focused for over two hours.

4. Reinforce Reading Strategies Beyond “Just Reading”

Strong comprehension is the end goal, not speed. Help your child practise reading with intention by teaching them to pause, think, and question as they go. Instead of racing through a text, they can scan once to get the gist, then go back to dig deeper.

Use short stories or news pieces and ask simple questions like, “What’s the author trying to say here?” or “Why do you think that character reacted this way?” These small steps sharpen the kind of active reading that selective tests actually reward.

5. Practice Writing Under Real Constraints

Encourage your child to write one full response every few days, sticking strictly to the 30-minute limit. Use prompts like: “Describe a time you solved a problem without help,” or “Should homework be banned in primary school?” 

Afterward, review it together, checking if their writing has a clear structure (intro, body, conclusion), consistent tense, and logical flow. Avoid editing it for them—help them spot areas to improve on their own.

Also read: Selective School Test: Sample Persuasive and Creative Writing Prompts

6. Focus on the Why Behind Mistakes

Don’t limit the practice sessions to marking answers right or wrong. Look closely at incorrect responses: Was the question misunderstood? Did they rush? Did they second-guess a correct answer? 

Keep a log of common error types - this helps pinpoint weak spots and directs revision toward actual problem areas, rather than random practice.

7. Prepare a Calm, Clear Test-Day Checklist

Together with your child, list out what needs to be ready: a printed admission ticket, pencils, erasers, a water bottle, a good breakfast, and transport arrangements. Lay everything out the night before. This small routine helps reduce anxiety and gives your child a sense of ownership and calm on test day.

8. Protect Sleep and Routine in the Final Week

Avoid late-night cramming. Keep bedtimes regular, meals balanced, and screen time limited at night. Instead of heavy revision, the night before the test should include something relaxing - a walk, light reading, or a favourite activity. A rested child will always think more clearly than one who’s been pushed too hard the night before.

Let this final phase be about sharpening your child’s skills, not adding unnecessary pressure. Confidence doesn’t necessarily come from doing more. Almost always, it comes from knowing you’re prepared in the right way.

Wrapping Up

The NSW Selective Test rewards students who combine academic preparation with strategic thinking and emotional resilience. Your child's success depends less on cramming facts and more on developing the ability to think clearly under pressure. Those who start early and maintain consistent, balanced preparation see the strongest results.

Every child preparing for the Selective Test can greatly benefit from structured support that goes above and beyond traditional tutoring. FunFox's Readers Club and Writers Club provide the targeted skill development that aligns directly with Selective Test requirements. 

These specially curated programs focus on building the analytical reading, critical thinking, and structured writing abilities that determine test performance.

Ready for reading to feel less like a struggle and more like a skill your child can rely on? Take a trial class to see how our programs can help your child read with ease and write with clarity.

FAQs

1. What is the entry score for the selective school in NSW?

Entry scores vary each year and depend on the specific school, applicant pool, and available places. Generally, higher-ranked schools require higher profile scores, which combine test results with school assessments.

2. How to pass the selective school test in NSW?

Consistent preparation across all four sections, e.g., Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing, is key. Success comes from targeted practice, strong time management, and familiarity with the test format, not just raw ability.

3. What is the selective test format for NSW? 

It’s a computer-based test with four sections: Reading (40 mins), Maths Reasoning (40 mins), Thinking Skills (40 mins), and Writing (30 mins). Each section contributes equally to the overall placement profile.

4. How many fully selective schools are there in NSW?

There are 21 fully selective high schools across NSW, along with several partially selective and agricultural schools that offer selective streams.