Understand the test3 min read

Selective test change log and how we track dates

What has changed in the NSW Selective placement test since 2025, how ExamExplained re-checks dates, and a dated log of updates to this section.

Last checked 7 October 2026 against the official sources.

Since 2025 the main changes are smaller local-school test venues from 2026, tests held only in NSW from 2026, one test day per student, and equal boys and girls places from the 2027 intake. We re-check the Department's pages and show a last reviewed date on every page. Dates for a cycle that is not yet published are marked expected.

What changed in the test

These are the facts we have confirmed against the Department's pages and a NSW Government release, checked 7 October 2026.

Independent review. On 22 August 2025 the NSW Government announced that it had accepted all recommendations of an independent review (by Dr Michele Bruniges AM) of the 2025 tests. The release said the 2026 tests and later ones would be held at smaller venues. The recommendations include only one test session per day per school, with a maximum of 300 students in large venues and 180 in smaller ones.
From 2026. Separately from the review, tests are held only in NSW.
2026 sitting. Each student sits on one day only.
From the 2027 intake. Equal boys and girls places at coeducational selective schools and OCs. Before this, the mix had drifted to 58% boys in Selective schools and 60% in OCs.
Still applies (not new). The Test Admission Ticket must be printed, and a digital copy is not accepted.

The format of the sections for 2027 entry is described on the Selective test format page.

How we track dates

The Department's pages warn that "There may be changes to dates and activities". So:

Every page in this section shows a last reviewed date, which is the day we last checked the facts against the Department's pages.
Dates the Department has confirmed are shown as confirmed. Dates for a cycle it has not published are shown as expected, based on the pattern of earlier years.
When the Department publishes new dates, we update the date and add a line to the log below.

You can see all dates together on key dates.

Log

Date	Change
7 October 2026	Key dates for 2027 entry verified; 2028 entry marked expected
7 October 2026	Selective section pages first reviewed against the Department's pages

Exam tip

If a date matters to you, such as the application closing date, check the Department's page directly. "No late applications will be accepted."

ExamExplained is not affiliated with the NSW Department of Education.

Sources

Department of Education wording on this page is quoted or adapted briefly under CC BY 4.0. © State of New South Wales (Department of Education), 2023. Licence: CC BY 4.0. ExamExplained has changed and summarised the text and is not endorsed by the Department.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know the dates on this site are current?

Each page shows the date it was last reviewed. We re-check the Department's pages and update that date. Dates for a cycle the Department has not published are marked expected.

What changed for the 2026 test?

After an independent review, the Government accepted recommendations for smaller local-school venues and one session a day. Separately, from 2026 tests are held only in NSW. The Department's page also notes that each student sits on one day only.

What changes from the 2027 intake?

The Department says equal numbers of boys and girls places apply at coeducational selective schools and OCs from the 2027 intake.

Where can I see the official source of changes?

On the Department's selective high schools pages, which warn that there may be changes to dates and activities. Always check them before acting on anything here.