NSW Selective School Test Success Mastery Program

• Format: 40 Multiple-choice questions.
• Time: 40 Minutes.
• Content: Evaluates critical thinking and problem-solving through logical reasoning, evaluating evidence, identifying patterns, and spatial reasoning. 

• Format: 40 Multiple-choice questions.
• Time: 40 Minutes.
• Content:  Focused on the application of mathematical concepts from the primary school curriculum, covering numbers, measurement, space, and data. Calculators were not permitted. 

• Format:  35 - 40 questions, including multi-part questions 
• Time: 45 Minutes.
• Content:  Focuses on high-level inference, analysis, and synthesis across diverse genres such as classic literature, scientific reports, and poetry. 

• Format: 35 Multiple-choice questions.
• Time: 40 Minutes.
• Content:  Assesses the application of mathematical knowledge to complex problem-solving, covering algebra, geometry, measurement, and data. Calculators remain prohibited.  

• Format:  One extended open-response task 
• Time: 30 Minutes.
• Content:  Requires students to produce an original creative or persuasive piece based on a stimulus. Assessment focuses on originality of ideas, structure, and precise use of language . 

• Applications Open: 6 November 2025.
• Applications Close: 20 February 2026 (Strict deadline; no late applications accepted).
• Test Admission Tickets Released: 17 April 2026.
• Selective High School Placement Test: 1–2 May 2026 (Students are allocated to one day only).
• Make-up Test: 22 May 2026 (Only for approved illness/misadventure). 
• Last Day to Change School Choices: 5 June 2026.
• Placement Outcomes Released: Late August 2026.

 A student’s performance report provides a band for each of the four components (Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing): 

• Top 10%: Highest performing group.
• Next 15%: (Top 11–25%) Still considered a very strong performance.
• Next 25%: (Top 26–50%) Middle-upper range.
• Lowest 50%: Lower half of all candidates.

 For the 2027 entry cycle, the NSW Department of Education uses three primary selection criteria to allocate places: academic merit, equity considerations, and a new gender parity model. The selection criteria are as follows:

• Academic Merit (Primary Criterion):
  • Calculated Placement Score: Admission is primarily based on a student’s performance in the Selective High School Placement Test.
  • Equal Weighting: Each of the four test sections—Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing—is weighted equally at 25% each.
  • 120-Point Scale: Results are converted to a total score out of 120 (30 points per section).
  • School Assessment Scores: Unlike the 2006 format, primary school marks are no longer a standard part of the calculated score for Year 7 entry, which now relies entirely on the external test performance.
• Gender Parity Model (New for 2027 Entry):
  • Equal Allocation: To address a growing gender imbalance, co-educational selective schools will now offer an equal number of places to boys and girls.
  • Ranking: Boys will be ranked against other boys, and girls against other girls, for their respective pool of places.
  • Odd-Numbered Intakes: For schools with an odd number of places (e.g., 15), the final place is awarded to the next highest-scoring student regardless of gender.

While official scores aren't released, historical data and tutoring analysis provide estimated ranges for different school tiers:  

• Tier 1 (Highly Competitive): (e.g., James Ruse, Baulkham Hills, North Sydney Boys/Girls) Generally require scores above 105–115. Candidates typically need to be in the Top 10% across all four sections.
• Tier 2 (Fully Selective): (e.g., Fort Street, Sydney Boys/Girls, Normanhurst Boys) Typically require scores between 95 and 110. Students usually need Top 10% in several sections or high Top 25% across all.
• Tier 3 (Partially Selective or Regional): Often have cut-offs ranging from 75 to 90, making them more accessible while still maintaining high standards.