
Selective School FAQs
What are Selective high schools?
Selective high schools are government schools that cater for high-achieveing, academically gifted students. According to the NSW Department of Education, selective high schools help such students learn by grouping them with classmates of similar ability, and use specialised teaching methods to support their development.​
What is the Selective High School Placement Test?
Students seeking Year 7 entry into a selective high school must sit the Selective High School Placement Test during Year in the month of May. The test requires students to demonstrate their abilities in reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing.
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How is the Selective High School Placement Test Held?
The selective High School Placement test is a computer based test. It will be held outside of your child's school - at an external venue.
Reading
The Reading Test assesses a range of reading and comprehension skills. Questions are based on various genres such as non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazine articles and reports.
40 minutes
30 questions
Multiple choice
Mathematical Reasoning
The Mathematical Reasoning Test assesses the student's ability to apply mathematical understanding and knowledge to problems drawn from a range of mathematical content areas.
40 minutes
35 questions
Multiple choice
Thinking Skills
The thinking skills test assesses the student’s ability in critical thinking and problem solving. There are a range of different question types in the test.
40 minutes
40 questions
Multiple choice
Writing
The test assesses the student’s creativity of ideas and ability to write effectively for a purpose and audience. The test will also assess grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.
30 minutes
1 question
Open response
How can Pre-Uni help?
Our college offers two programs that focus on Selective Exam readiness:
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The Selective Trial Test Course (STTC) prepares students for the format, timing, and conditions of the real Selective Exam through a series of trial tests.
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Our WEMT course places a stronger emphasis on developing foundational abilities in Writing, English, Maths, and Thinking Skills.
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The roadmap on the right shows the schedule of courses offered throughout the year.

How can we prepare for the Selective Test?
Students will be more comfortable with the test process if they are familiar with the format of the test, the types of questions they might encounter, and what the answer sheet looks like. Outside of the STTC course, we recommend that students attempt the practice papers that the NSW Department of Education have made available. These include a sample paper and the full 2021 exam.
2021 Sample Test
Reading
Reading Sample Answers Explained
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Mathematical Reasoning Sample Questions
Mathematical Reasoning Sample Answer Sheet
Mathematical Reasoning Sample Answers
Mathematical Reasoning Sample Answers Explained
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Thinking Skills Sample Questions
Thinking Skills Sample Answer Sheet
Thinking Skills Sample Answers
Thinking Skills Sample Answers Explained
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Mathematical Reasoning
Thinking Skills
Writing
2021 Selective High School Placement Test
Reading
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Mathematical Reasoning Questions
Mathematical Reasoning Answer Sheet
Mathematical Reasoning Answers
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Writing Question
Writing Answer Sheet
Mathematical Reasoning
Thinking Skills
Writing