ACT selective entry: is there a central test for public schools?
The ACT Government's gifted and talented page says the ACT has no select entry schools. Public schools support gifted students through a school liaison officer. Confirm with the ACT Education Directorate.
Last checked against the official sources.
The ACT Government's gifted and talented page says the ACT does not have select entry schools. There is no central selective test to register for. Support happens inside public schools.
What the ACT says
The ACT Government's page on gifted and talented students states that the ACT does not have select entry schools or schools only for high-achieving students. It says the Education Directorate is committed to meeting the needs of gifted and talented students in all ACT public schools, and that every public school has a Gifted and Talented Liaison Officer (GaTLO).
What to do
Ask your child's school for its GaTLO. If you are looking at early entry to preschool or school, the ACT Education Directorate publishes a separate early entry process, which we do not cover here.
Independent schools in the ACT may run their own scholarship or entry tests. See ACER and Edutest scholarships and check each school.
Coaching
There is no ACT selective test, so there is no official coaching position to report.
Read the ACT Government page linked below yourself, and ask your school if your situation is unusual.
ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business and is not affiliated with the ACT Government. Last checked 7 October 2026.