From 2025, the placement tests for selective high schools and opportunity classes will move from single version paper-based tests to computer-based tests. The computer-based tests will mostly be held in external test centres. This change will apply to parents seeking placement for their child to start in a selective high school or opportunity class from Term 1, 2026. Learn more at Changes to the application process for 2026 entry.
Section | Questions | Minutes | Type | Weighting | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading | 30 | 40 | Multiple choice | 25% | |
Mathematical reasoning | 35 | 40 | Multiple choice | 25% | |
Thinking skills | 40 | 40 | Multiple choice | 35% | |
Writing | 1 | 30 | Open response | 15% |
You will be given a question paper and a separate answer sheet for you to mark your answers on, and to write your response to the Writing question.
Number of questions | Time | Test type |
---|---|---|
30 | 40 minutes | Multiple-choice |
Number of questions | Time | Test type |
---|---|---|
35 | 40 minutes | Multiple-choice |
The Mathematical reasoning test assesses the student's ability to use mathematical understanding and knowledge to solve problems from a range of math topics.
Calculators are not used in the mathematical reasoning test (or any other test section).
Number of questions | Time | Test type |
---|---|---|
40 | 40 minutes | Multiple-choice |
The Thinking skills test evaluates the student's critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through various question types.
No previous knowledge is required for this test.
Number of questions | Time | Test type |
---|---|---|
1 | 30 minutes | Written response |
The writing test consists of a topic which you must write about according to the instructions.
This test assesses the creativity of your ideas and your ability to write effectively for a purpose and audience. The test will also assess grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.
Your writing must address the given topic, otherwise it will be marked lower, regardless of your fluency or creativity.
To learn more about the placement test download the Test information [PDF 802KB].
Did you know there is a Student resource hub where your child can:
[Transcript of video animation: ‘Get the whole picture about selective high schools: The test’ (2 minutes 15 seconds)]
[Caringbah student 2]
There's no point sitting the test if you're not coached. I don't think that's the case at all. I think most people that were sitting the test probably weren't coached.
[Baulkham Hills student 1]
I have plenty of friends that were not coached and that are doing very well within the school.
[Baulkham Hills student 3]
Definitely. I know a lot of people that aren’t coached. They have the ability and the study skills to be able to do very well just because of their personality and their mindset.
[Caringbah student 3]
I still recommend just looking at some papers and just familiarizing yourself with it. That's really it. You don't have to be coached.
[Caringbah student 1]
You have to practise heaps for the test.
[Baulkham Hills student 1]
I have a testament against that because I did not study for OC or selective in any shape or form.
[Caringbah student 2]
The test is there to see how you can adapt and problem solve and think. So I definitely think getting used to the structure of the test helps. However, you don't have to spend your entire life before the test studying to try and get in
[Caringbah student 3]
I think you just need to know what the structure is and just realise, understand how much time you have.
[Caringbah student 2]
The test isn't testing high school concepts. The test is testing your ability and thinking and problem solving.
[Fort Street student 1]
If you missed out on OC, you won't get in, false.
[Fort Street student 2]
False.
[Baulkham Hills student 3]
Well, that's not right. I definitely didn't get into OC.
[Baulkham Hills student 2]
I didn't either.
[Fort Street student 1]
I bombed my OC test. But I still got into selective school. So the OC how you did in the OC test has no effect whatsoever on how you'd like, how you go in the selective test.
[Caringbah student 2]
You don't need to be Einstein to get in, right?
[Fort Street student 3]
Anyone who's thinking about going to the selective schools test, just give it a go. It doesn't matter if you get in. It doesn't matter if you don't get in, give it a go. If you get into selective school, that's amazing. Come join our cool, quirky cohorts. Yeah, You'll find people that you belong with.