Entering a selective high school in Years 8 to 11

What this route is

The Year 7 placement test is the main way into a selective high school. A second route exists for students already in high school. A student in Year 7 can apply for Year 8, up to a student in Year 10 applying for Year 11 (NSW Department of Education, checked 7 October 2026).

This is useful to know if your child was not placed in Year 7 and you want to keep the door open, or if your family has moved, or your child has grown into a stronger fit for a selective setting. It does not promise a place. Vacancies depend on the school and year.

How it works

• You make a separate application to each school you want, and rank them in order of preference.
• Some schools use their own application forms.
• You will need supporting documents, for example a copy of a birth certificate, citizenship document or passport.
• Schools may set their own tests or review school reports, or both.
• Students from equity groups may receive extra consideration if their results are similar to others.
• Reserve lists apply only for that school year and may close after Term 2.
• The school will tell you if testing is required and whether there is a fee. If an offer is made by phone, you must accept or decline it within 24 hours.

Because each school runs its own process, details and timing differ. Read the instructions on each school's page and on the Department's page carefully.

2027 entry (confirmed)

2028 entry (expected, not published)

The Department has not published the dates for 2028 entry. If the pattern of earlier years holds, applications would be expected around mid-year 2027, with assessments and outcomes later in the year. Treat that as an expectation only. We re-check the Department's page and will update this page when dates appear. See key dates and our change log.

Practical advice

• Check the Department's Years 8 to 11 applications page and each school's own page.
• Do not wait until the dates are announced to begin gathering the documents.
• Ask your child's current school for reports in good time.
• Keep a calm plan B. The what if we miss out page covers staying local.

Sources

• Years 8 to 11 applications
• Application process

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.