Selective High School Entry Exams Decoded - What are they?

Introducing the Selective Exam in Australia

The Selective Schools Entry Exam is a crucial milestone for students aiming to secure a place in prestigious selective schools across Australia. These schools are known for their rigorous academic standards, offering enriched learning environments that cater to high-achieving students.

What is the Selective Exam?

The Selective Exam is designed to identify academically gifted students and provide them access to selective schools that focus on advanced curricula and specialized programs. It is highly competitive, with thousands of students vying for limited spots each year. The exam assesses a range of skills, including reading comprehension, writing ability, mathematics proficiency, and critical thinking.

When Does the Exam Happen in 2025?

While specific dates vary by state, here are the confirmed timelines for 2025:

• Victoria: The exam will take place on June 14, 2025.

• New South Wales (NSW): The main test period is scheduled from May 2–4, 2025, with a make-up test on May 19, 2025.

Other states may have different schedules, so it’s essential for parents and students to check with their respective education departments.

Syllabus Overview

The syllabus may vary across NSW and Victoria (and other states) and could include sections for:

1. Reading: Students are tested on their ability to understand and interpret various text types, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

2. Writing: This section evaluates creative and persuasive writing skills.

3. Mathematics: Focuses on problem-solving and numerical reasoning.

4. Thinking Skills: A unique component aimed at assessing logical reasoning and critical thinking abilities.

The weightings for each subject may differ slightly depending on the state.

State-by-State Variations

The format of the exam can vary significantly across states:

• In NSW, the test includes multiple-choice questions for reading, mathematics, and thinking skills, alongside a written component.

• In Victoria, the exam places greater emphasis on problem-solving and analytical skills through extended responses.

These differences highlight the importance of tailoring preparation strategies based on the specific state’s requirements.

For exact details, see NSW guidelines, Victoria ACER Test Guidelines.

Prominent Selective Schools

Selective schools are spread across Australia, with some of the most renowned institutions located in NSW and Victoria:

• NSW: James Ruse Agricultural High School, Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School.

• Victoria: Melbourne High School (boys), Mac.Robertson Girls' High School (girls), Nossal High School (coeducational).

These schools consistently rank among the top in academic performance nationwide.

This introductory post sets the stage for understanding the Selective Exam's significance, structure, and timelines. It provides parents and students with essential information to begin their journey toward selective school admission.

Tutoring and Self-Help Exam Preparation sites

Tutewiz offers specialised tutoring services for preparing for selective exams across Australia. More than 15 students have successfully qualified for a Selective School.

Typically engagements start an year in advance, at least, and we also have in-person Master Class sessions in Melbourne to handle last minute revision and doubt resolution.

Tutewiz has also created a Resource Centre for Selective Exam Preparation for the Victoria Selective Exams. In this Resource Centre, you will find a lot of relevant test practice materials including a Premium test pack containing:

• 5 complete test packs comprising 25 online practice tests

• 1260 Questions

• 5 X General Ability: Verbal

• 5 X Writing

• 5 X Reasoning: Reading

• 5 x General Ability: Quantitative

• 5 X Reasoning: Mathematics

• 1 narrative and 1 persuasive marked essay included in the package

Visit the Victoria Selective High School Entry Exams prep site, where you can find the details of the Master Classes. Please proceed to book your slots as early as possible as seats are limited.

Test Preparation sites for NSW and other states will be available soon.

You can also get a FREE Assessment and Join the Victoria Selective Exam Resource Centre today!

Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll take a deep dive into what you, as a parent, need to know about these exams and how you can prepare your child for them!