"We moved to the North Shore thinking proximity to selective schools was everything. Turns out, the families getting the best results weren't living next door — they were preparing smarter, not closer." — Priya M., Parent, Parramatta
📊 Data Sources & Verification
All selective school data in this guide is sourced from the NSW Department of Education's official selective schools listings and ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) HAST programme records. NSW currently operates 47 selective schools — 25 fully selective and 22 partially selective (HAST) — offering approximately 4,248 Year 7 places for more than 17,000 applicants each year. School classifications and regional groupings reflect 2026 enrolment information.
Where You Live vs. How You Prepare: A New Perspective on Selective School Success
Every year, thousands of Sydney families ask the same question: "Should we move to a suburb closer to a selective school?" It's a question driven by genuine concern — parents want the best for their children, and the assumption has long been that geography determines opportunity.
But the landscape of selective school preparation in Sydney has changed dramatically. While certain suburbs undeniably cluster around prestigious selective schools, the rise of structured online coaching platforms means that a student in Penrith now has access to the same calibre of preparation as a student in Chatswood.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Which Sydney regions have the highest concentration of selective and HAST schools
- The specific selective schools available on the North Shore, Western Sydney, the Hills District, Inner West, South, and Central Coast
- How the fully selective vs. partially selective (HAST) distinction affects your strategy
- Why proximity to a selective school matters less than your preparation approach
- How families in every suburb are leveraging online coaching to level the playing field
- A region-by-region breakdown of selective school options with preparation tips
- Key dates and exam format details for the Year 7 selective entry test
- How BrainTree Coaching supports families across all Sydney suburbs and beyond
Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's location and needs.
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Understanding Sydney's Selective School Landscape
Before diving into specific suburbs, it's essential to understand how NSW structures its selective school system. This context will help you make informed decisions about your child's preparation — regardless of where you live.
NSW operates 25 fully selective high schools and 22 partially selective (HAST) schools. The distinction is important:
Fully selective schools fill their entire Year 7 intake through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, which is administered by Cambridge Assessment and managed by the NSW Department of Education. These are the schools most parents think of first — institutions like Sydney Boys, North Sydney Girls, and Baulkham Hills.
Partially selective (HAST) schools reserve a portion of their Year 7 intake for students who sit the HAST exam, administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). These schools also accept local enrolments, meaning they serve both gifted stream and general stream students. HAST schools are paper-based and have a separate application process to the main selective test.
NSW Selective Schools at a Glance
Key numbers every parent should know
Selective Schools
25 fully selective + 22 partially selective across NSW
Year 7 Places
Approximate selective places available each year
Annual Applicants
Students competing for selective school entry
Equity Placement
Reserved for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
This means competition is fierce — roughly 1 in 4 applicants secures a place. But here's what many parents overlook: the distribution of selective schools across Sydney's suburbs is uneven, and understanding this geography can help you build a smarter preparation strategy.
Fully Selective vs. HAST: Why It Matters for Preparation
If your child is targeting a fully selective school, they'll sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test — a computer-based exam covering Reading (17 questions, 45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions, 40 minutes), Thinking Skills (40 questions, 40 minutes), and Writing (1 task, 30 minutes). The total test time is 155 minutes, and each component is weighted equally at 25%.
If your child is targeting a HAST school, they'll sit the ACER-administered HAST exam, which is paper-based. The HAST-P (for Years 5–6 entry) covers Reading (35–40 questions, ~45 minutes), Mathematics (28–35 questions, ~40 minutes), Abstract Reasoning (~30 questions, ~30 minutes), and Written Expression (2 essays, ~25 minutes).
Many families apply for both, which means your child may need to prepare for two different exam formats. This is where a structured selective school preparation programme becomes invaluable.
North Shore: Sydney's Traditional Selective School Heartland
The North Shore has long been synonymous with academic excellence in Sydney. Suburbs like Chatswood, Hornsby, and North Sydney are home to some of the most sought-after selective schools in the state.
Fully Selective Schools
- North Sydney Boys High School — One of Sydney's most prestigious boys' schools, consistently ranking among the top selective schools in HSC results. Located in Crows Nest.
- North Sydney Girls High School — The sister school to North Sydney Boys, equally renowned for academic achievement. Also in Crows Nest.
- Hornsby Girls High School — Located in Hornsby, this fully selective girls' school draws students from across the upper North Shore and Hills District.
Partially Selective (HAST) Schools
- Chatswood High School (HAST) — Situated in the heart of Chatswood, offering selective stream places through the HAST exam alongside its general enrolment.
- Cheltenham Girls High School (HAST) — A well-regarded partially selective girls' school in Beecroft, accessible to families in Eastwood and Ryde.
- Willoughby Girls High School (HAST) — Located in Willoughby, offering HAST-based selective places for girls in the lower North Shore area.
North Shore Preparation Tip
The North Shore has an extremely high density of selective school applicants. While proximity gives you familiarity with these schools, it also means your child is competing against a deeply prepared local cohort. Starting preparation early — ideally 12–18 months before the exam — is critical in this region. Explore BrainTree's selective school preparation courses to give your child a structured edge.
What This Means for North Shore Families
Living on the North Shore gives your child access to three fully selective schools and three HAST schools within a reasonable commute. However, this geographic advantage comes with a caveat: the concentration of high-performing students in this region means the competition is intense.
Families in suburbs like Chatswood, Willoughby, Lane Cove, and Turramurra often begin preparation in Year 4 or even earlier. If you're in this area, the question isn't whether to prepare — it's how comprehensively and how early.
Western Sydney: Growing Selective School Options
Western Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in the city, and its selective school offerings reflect this growth. Families in suburbs like Parramatta, Blacktown, and Penrith have access to a strong mix of fully selective and HAST schools.
Fully Selective Schools
- Girraween High School — Located in Girraween (near Penrith and Parramatta), this is one of NSW's highest-performing selective schools, frequently appearing in the top tier of HSC results. It draws a large applicant pool from across Western Sydney.
- Penrith Selective High School — Serving the greater Penrith area, this fully selective school provides a crucial option for families in Sydney's western fringe who don't want their children commuting long distances.
Partially Selective (HAST) Schools
- Blacktown Girls High School (HAST) — Located in Blacktown, offering selective stream places for girls through the HAST exam.
- Castle Hill High School (HAST) — Situated in Castle Hill, this school serves as a bridge between the Hills District and Western Sydney, providing HAST-based selective entry.
- Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School (HAST) — Located near Parramatta, offering a unique blend of selective academics and creative arts programming.
Western Sydney Selective Schools: Fully Selective vs. HAST
Understanding your options in the region
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Type | NSW Selective Placement Test (Computer-based) | HAST by ACER (Paper-based) | Different preparation needed |
| Schools | Girraween, Penrith Selective | Blacktown Girls, Castle Hill, Northmead | 5 schools total in the region |
| Competition Level | Very high (top-tier schools) | High but more accessible | Apply for both to maximise options |
| Intake | Entire Year 7 cohort is selective | Selective stream within a larger school | Both offer rigorous academic environments |
What This Means for Western Sydney Families
Western Sydney families have a distinct strategic advantage: access to both Girraween (one of the top selective schools in NSW) and multiple HAST options. The key is not to limit your child's applications to the nearest school — cast a wider net.
A family in Parramatta might target Girraween as a first preference, Castle Hill HAST as a HAST option, and even look towards Baulkham Hills in the adjacent Hills District. With online preparation through platforms like BrainTree, distance from tutoring centres is no longer a barrier.
Hills District: Academic Excellence in the Northwest
The Hills District — encompassing suburbs like Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, and Pennant Hills — has established itself as one of Sydney's premier education corridors. The area's selective school options reflect this reputation.
Fully Selective Schools
- Baulkham Hills High School — One of the most competitive selective schools in NSW, Baulkham Hills consistently produces outstanding HSC results. Located in the heart of the Hills District, it's a first-preference choice for many families in the area.
Partially Selective (HAST) Schools
- Castle Hill High School (HAST) — Offering selective stream places in Castle Hill, this school provides a local option for families who want academic rigour without long commutes.
- Pennant Hills High School (HAST) — Located near the boundary of the Hills and Hornsby areas, Pennant Hills offers HAST-based selective entry and serves as a gateway for students in the upper Hills District.
"We always assumed we'd need to move closer to a selective school. But when our daughter started online preparation with BrainTree in Year 5, she gained so much confidence that she earned a place at Baulkham Hills — and we never left our home in Kellyville."
Parent
What This Means for Hills District Families
The Hills District offers one of Sydney's highest-performing fully selective schools in Baulkham Hills, supplemented by HAST options at Castle Hill and Pennant Hills. Families in suburbs like Kellyville, Bella Vista, Norwest, and Dural are well positioned to access all three.
However, the popularity of Baulkham Hills means it receives an enormous number of first-preference applications. If your child is targeting this school, ensure their preparation covers all four components of the selective placement test — particularly Writing, which many families under-prepare for. A typing speed of 30–35 WPM is recommended for the computer-based exam, so practise early.
The Hills District is also uniquely positioned between the North Shore and Western Sydney, giving families the option to preference schools from multiple regions on their application.
Inner West & South: Historic Schools, Strong Traditions
The Inner West and South Sydney corridor is home to some of the oldest and most storied selective schools in NSW. Suburbs surrounding Sydney CBD, the Inner West, and extending south to Hurstville provide access to a remarkable cluster of selective institutions.
Fully Selective Schools
- Sydney Boys High School — Located in Surry Hills/Moore Park, Sydney Boys is one of the most prestigious selective schools in Australia, with a history stretching back to the 19th century.
- Sydney Girls High School — Adjacent to Sydney Boys, this equally renowned institution has a long tradition of academic excellence.
- Fort Street High School — Located in Petersham in the Inner West, Fort Street is one of the oldest public schools in Australia and a fully selective institution with a fiercely loyal alumni community.
Partially Selective (HAST) Schools
- Canterbury Boys High School (HAST) — Serving the Canterbury-Bankstown area, this school offers selective stream places for boys through the HAST exam.
- St George Girls High School (HAST) — Located in Kogarah near Hurstville, this well-regarded school provides HAST-based selective entry for girls in South Sydney.
A Note on School Traditions
Sydney Boys, Sydney Girls, and Fort Street are among the oldest continuously operating public schools in Australia. Their alumni networks, co-curricular programmes, and academic cultures are deeply established. When helping your child prepare, research each school's specific strengths — some excel in STEM, others in humanities and the arts — so your child can articulate genuine reasons for their preferences.
What This Means for Inner West & South Families
This region offers three of Sydney's most historically significant fully selective schools, plus HAST options at Canterbury Boys and St George Girls. Families in suburbs like Strathfield, Burwood, Marrickville, Hurstville, and Kogarah are within commuting distance of multiple selective schools.
The Inner West and South also tend to have a diverse applicant pool, with families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The 20% equity placement model in NSW selective schools means students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive additional support in the placement process — an important consideration for families across this region.
For families in Hurstville and surrounding suburbs, both St George Girls (HAST) and the fully selective schools in the CBD are accessible, giving you flexibility across both exam pathways.
Central Coast: Regional Access to Selective Education
The Central Coast is sometimes overlooked in discussions about selective school preparation, but families in this region have genuine options — and the growth of online coaching has made preparation more accessible than ever.
Partially Selective (HAST) Schools
- Gosford High School (HAST) — The primary selective option for Central Coast families, Gosford offers HAST-based selective entry and serves as the academic hub for the region.
- Gorokan High School (HAST) — Located further north on the Central Coast, Gorokan provides a second HAST option for families in the Wyong and Lake Macquarie areas.
What This Means for Central Coast Families
While the Central Coast doesn't have fully selective schools, the two HAST options provide a genuine pathway to selective education without relocating to Sydney. For families who want their child to target a fully selective school in Sydney, the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is open to all NSW students — your child can sit the exam and, if successful, commute or arrange accommodation.
However, the more practical approach for most Central Coast families is to focus on the HAST pathway. The HAST exam is paper-based and administered at the participating schools, which means your child sits the test at Gosford or Gorokan rather than travelling to Sydney.
Central Coast Families: Online Coaching Changes Everything
Historically, Central Coast families had limited access to specialist selective school tutoring. Most coaching centres were concentrated in Sydney's North Shore or Parramatta. Today, platforms like BrainTree Coaching deliver the same structured preparation programmes online — meaning your child receives identical course content, practice tests, and feedback as students in Chatswood or the Hills District.
The Online Preparation Advantage: Why Suburb No Longer Defines Success
Here's the transformative truth that this guide has been building towards: where you live in Sydney matters far less than how your child prepares.
A decade ago, selective school preparation was dominated by physical coaching centres clustered in suburbs like Chatswood, Hurstville, Eastwood, and Parramatta. Families who didn't live near these centres faced a genuine disadvantage — long weekend drives, limited session times, and fewer options.
That era is over.
How Online Coaching Levels the Playing Field
Modern online selective school preparation platforms like BrainTree Coaching offer several advantages that make geography irrelevant:
Why Online Preparation Works for Every Suburb
Same Curriculum, Any Location
Whether you're in Penrith, Chatswood, or the Central Coast, your child accesses the same structured programme — covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing for the selective test, or the equivalent HAST components.
Flexible Scheduling Around Your Family
No more Saturday morning drives to a coaching centre. Online sessions fit around school, sport, and family time — reducing burnout and improving consistency.
Targeted Practice with Real Feedback
Online platforms provide adaptive practice tests that identify your child's specific weaknesses. BrainTree's courses include mock tests that mirror the actual exam format, giving your child familiarity and confidence.
Access to Expert Educators
The best selective school coaches aren't limited to one suburb anymore. Online delivery means your child learns from experienced educators regardless of where those educators — or your family — are based.
Data-Driven Progress Tracking
Digital platforms provide detailed analytics on your child's performance over time, helping you and your child focus preparation on the areas that will make the biggest difference.
The Real Competitive Advantage
The families who consistently succeed in selective school placement aren't the ones who live closest to the school. They're the ones who:
- Start preparation 12–18 months before the exam
- Follow a structured programme that covers all exam components equally
- Practise with timed, exam-format mock tests regularly
- Build strong writing and typing skills (especially for the computer-based selective test, where 30–35 WPM is recommended)
- Maintain balance — avoiding burnout through sustainable study routines
These success factors are entirely independent of your postcode.
Your Suburb-Proof Preparation Checklist
- ✓Enrol in a structured selective school preparation programme (online or in-person)
- ✓Cover all four exam components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing
- ✓Schedule regular timed practice tests under exam conditions
- ✓Build typing speed to at least 30-35 WPM for the computer-based test
- ✓Research your preferred schools and understand their specific intake processes
- ✓Apply for both the Selective Placement Test and relevant HAST exams to maximise options
- ✓Create a sustainable weekly study schedule that avoids burnout
- ✓Use free diagnostic tools like BrainTree's mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses
Exam Format Overview: What Your Child Needs to Know
Regardless of which suburb you're preparing from, understanding the exam format is essential. Here's a concise overview of both pathways:
NSW Selective Placement Test vs. HAST Exam
Key differences between the two selective school entry pathways
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administering Body | Cambridge Assessment / NSW DoE | ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) | Different organisations, different styles |
| Format | Computer-based | Paper-based | Practice both formats |
| Total Duration | 155 minutes | ~160 minutes (HAST-P) | Similar overall length |
| Components | Reading, Maths Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing | Reading, Maths, Abstract Reasoning, Written Expression | Overlapping but distinct |
| Writing Task | 1 task, 30 minutes, typed | 2 essays, ~25 minutes, handwritten | HAST requires handwriting; Selective requires typing |
| Weighting | 25% each component | Varies by school | Selective test is equally weighted |
| Schools Served | 25 fully selective schools | 22 partially selective schools | Apply for both to maximise chances |
Recommended Preparation Timeline
Foundation Phase
Objectives
- Build strong fundamentals in reading comprehension and mathematics
- Develop regular study habits with 3-4 sessions per week
Key Activities
- Diagnostic assessment to identify baseline
- Enrol in a structured preparation programme
- Begin regular reading of diverse text types
Skill Building Phase
Objectives
- Strengthen weak areas identified in diagnostics
- Introduce exam-format practice questions
Key Activities
- Weekly practice papers across all components
- Typing practice (target 30-35 WPM)
- Abstract and thinking skills training
Exam Readiness Phase
Objectives
- Full-length timed practice tests
- Refine exam technique and time management
Key Activities
- Fortnightly full mock tests under exam conditions
- Writing task practice with feedback
- Review and refine weak areas
Final Preparation
Objectives
- Peak performance readiness
- Confidence building and stress management
Key Activities
- Weekly full mock tests
- Light revision — avoid cramming
- Rest and wellbeing focus in final week
Frequently Asked Questions
Does living near a selective school improve my child's chances of getting in?
No. The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is merit-based — your child's score determines placement, not your address. While you do list school preferences (and proximity can affect which school you're offered if you qualify for multiple), the test itself doesn't favour any geographic area. Similarly, HAST applications are open to all students, though some schools have local enrolment zones for their non-selective stream.
Can my child apply to both fully selective schools and HAST schools?
Yes, and we strongly recommend it. The NSW Selective Placement Test and the HAST exam are separate processes run by different organisations. Applying for both maximises your child's options. Be aware that the exams have different formats (computer-based vs. paper-based) and slightly different components, so your preparation should account for both.
Is it worth moving suburbs for a selective school?
In most cases, no — at least not for the purpose of exam preparation or admission. The exam is open to all NSW students regardless of location. If your child earns a place, you can consider commute logistics then. What matters far more than your postcode is the quality and consistency of your child's preparation. Explore BrainTree's online selective school preparation to access structured coaching from any suburb.
When should preparation start?
We recommend beginning structured preparation 12–18 months before the exam. For Year 7 selective entry (test taken in Year 6), this means starting in Year 4 or early Year 5. Early preparation allows time to build foundational skills, address weaknesses, and develop exam confidence without last-minute pressure.
How does the 20% equity placement model work?
NSW reserves approximately 20% of selective school places for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those in rural or remote areas, from low socioeconomic communities, or identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This model ensures selective education is accessible beyond traditionally high-performing suburbs.
Are there selective school options outside Sydney?
Yes. NSW selective and HAST schools exist across the state, including on the Central Coast (Gosford HAST, Gorokan HAST) and in regional areas. The HAST programme also operates in Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, with over 60 participating schools nationally. BrainTree supports students across all these regions through its online programmes.
What typing speed does my child need for the selective test?
A typing speed of 30–35 words per minute (WPM) is recommended for the computer-based NSW Selective High School Placement Test. The Writing component requires your child to type their response in 30 minutes, so fluent typing is essential. Start practising early — many families begin typing practice in Year 4.
Which Sydney suburb has the highest selective school acceptance rate?
There is no publicly available data on acceptance rates by suburb, as the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is merit-based and does not factor in location. However, suburbs with high concentrations of coaching centres and academically focused families — such as Chatswood, Hurstville, Eastwood, and Strathfield — tend to produce large numbers of successful applicants. This reflects preparation intensity rather than any geographic advantage in the selection process itself.
How do I find selective school tutoring near me in Sydney?
While physical tutoring centres are concentrated in suburbs like Chatswood, Hurstville, Parramatta, and Eastwood, online selective school preparation has made location irrelevant. Platforms like BrainTree Coaching deliver structured programmes covering all four exam components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing — accessible from any Sydney suburb. This means families in Penrith, the Central Coast, or outer suburbs receive identical preparation quality to those in traditional tutoring hubs.
What is the difference between fully selective and partially selective (HAST) schools?
Fully selective schools fill their entire Year 7 intake through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test — examples include Sydney Boys, North Sydney Girls, Baulkham Hills, and Girraween. Partially selective (HAST) schools reserve a portion of Year 7 places for students who sit the ACER-administered HAST exam, while also accepting local enrolments. HAST schools include Chatswood High, Castle Hill High, and Gosford High. The HAST exam is paper-based with a separate application process, so many families apply for both pathways to maximise their options.
Can my child commute to a selective school from a different suburb?
Yes. Once your child earns a place at a selective school, they can attend regardless of where you live — there are no catchment restrictions for selective entry. Many students commute significant distances, particularly to high-demand schools like Sydney Boys, North Sydney Girls, or Baulkham Hills. Consider public transport accessibility when listing school preferences; most selective schools are located near train stations or major bus routes. Some families also arrange carpools with other selective school families in their area.
Are there selective schools in the Northern Beaches or Eastern Suburbs?
The Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs have fewer selective school options compared to the North Shore or Western Sydney. The nearest fully selective schools for Northern Beaches families are typically North Sydney Boys and North Sydney Girls (Crows Nest). Eastern Suburbs families often target Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls (Moore Park) or Fort Street (Petersham). However, HAST schools like Willoughby Girls provide additional options. For families in these areas, the merit-based nature of the exam means your suburb does not disadvantage your application — thorough preparation is what matters.
Our structured online selective school preparation programme covers all exam components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing — with mock tests, progress tracking, and expert support. No matter where you live, your child gets the same high-quality preparation.
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Helpful Resources for Sydney Parents
Explore these guides and tools to support your child's selective school journey
Selective School Preparation
Comprehensive online programme covering all four components of the NSW Selective Placement Test.
Access ResourceHAST Exam Preparation
Targeted preparation for the ACER HAST exam used by 22 partially selective schools.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Diagnostic practice tests to benchmark your child's readiness and identify focus areas.
Access ResourceNSW Selective Schools Directory
Complete directory of all 47 selective and partially selective schools across NSW.
Access ResourceSelective School FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the NSW selective school application process.
Access ResourceSelective Test Calculator
Estimate your child's selective school score and see where they stand.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
- Selective School Preparation — Complete Programme Overview
- HAST Exam Preparation — What You Need to Know
- NSW Selective Schools Directory
- Free Selective School Mock Tests
- OC Coaching for Year 4 Students
- Sydney Coaching Locations | Parramatta | Hornsby | Chatswood | Blacktown | Castle Hill | Penrith | Hurstville | Ryde | Eastwood
Last updated: 2 February 2026