"We spent weeks searching for HAST past papers before realising they simply don't exist. Once we shifted our focus to building genuine reasoning and comprehension skills — rather than hunting for shortcuts — everything clicked. Our son walked into Brisbane State High's test feeling confident, not because he'd memorised answers, but because he'd learned how to think." — Karen L., Parent of a 2025 BSHS Applicant, Brisbane
Data Sources & Accuracy
Official Sources Cited:
- ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) — Official HAST test developer and administrator
- Brisbane State High School — Official school website, Candidate Information Bulletin, and enrolment information
- ACER HAST Sample Question Booklet — Official sample materials
- BrainTree Coaching — Preparation experience across selective school programmes
Last verified: January 2026 | Next review: July 2026
The Complete Guide to Preparing for the BSHS HAST Test
Brisbane State High School (BSHS) is one of Queensland's most sought-after selective entry schools, and the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is the primary selection criterion for Year 7 entry. Developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the HAST is deliberately designed to assess your child's skills and aptitude — not what they've memorised from textbooks.
For many Brisbane families, preparing for the BSHS HAST test feels daunting. There are no past papers to purchase. The school itself advises that the "best preparation is active engagement in current learning at Primary School." And ACER's test philosophy means that traditional cramming strategies simply don't work.
But that doesn't mean you can't prepare effectively. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how the BSHS selective exam works, what each component tests, and how to build the skills that ACER's assessment genuinely rewards.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- The exact HAST-P format — three components, their time limits, and question types for Year 5 candidates
- How the HAST differs from Edutest — critical distinctions that change your preparation approach
- ACER's test philosophy explained — why aptitude-based testing demands a different strategy
- Component-by-component strategies — targeted preparation for Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, and Written Expression
- What Brisbane State High officially recommends — and how to interpret that advice
- How to prepare without past papers — practical approaches when official materials are limited
- A structured preparation timeline — from 6 months out to test week
- Sample question types — what your child can expect in each section
Navigate to the section most relevant to your preparation needs
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Understanding the BSHS HAST
Brisbane State High School uses the HAST-P (Primary) level for students currently in Year 5 who are seeking Year 7 entry. The "P" stands for Primary, and this level is specifically calibrated for younger students — assessing their reasoning potential rather than testing content they may or may not have encountered in the classroom.
What makes the BSHS selection process distinctive is that test results are the primary selection criterion. Unlike some selective programmes that weigh school reports, interviews, or portfolio submissions alongside testing, Brisbane State High's process centres squarely on HAST performance. This makes understanding the test format and preparing strategically especially important.
The application process involves a $420 non-refundable application fee, and competition is intense. Hundreds of families across Brisbane apply each year for limited Year 7 selective places. The HAST is your child's opportunity to demonstrate their academic potential on a level playing field.
Important: Application Fee
The BSHS application fee is $420 and non-refundable. Ensure you understand the full application timeline and requirements before submitting. Contact the school's enrolment office directly for the most current information about deadlines and documentation.
HAST-P Format: The Three Components
The HAST-P administered for BSHS Year 7 entry consists of three components totalling approximately 100 minutes of active testing time. Each component targets a different dimension of your child's academic aptitude.
BSHS HAST-P at a Glance
Three components, approximately 100 minutes total testing time
Reading Comprehension
Multiple-choice questions
Mathematical Reasoning
Multiple-choice questions
Written Expression
Written response task
Reading Comprehension (35 Minutes, Multiple Choice)
The Reading Comprehension component presents your child with a range of text passages followed by multiple-choice questions. Passages span various genres and topics — your child doesn't need specialist knowledge about any subject, as all answers can be found within or inferred from the text itself.
Questions assess the ability to understand main ideas, draw inferences, interpret vocabulary in context, and critically evaluate an author's purpose and perspective.
Mathematical Reasoning (35 Minutes, Multiple Choice)
Mathematical Reasoning evaluates how well your child can apply logical and mathematical thinking to solve problems. The emphasis is on reasoning processes — pattern recognition, multi-step problem-solving, and applying concepts to unfamiliar situations — rather than computational speed or memorised formulas.
Your child won't need advanced mathematics beyond their current year level, but they will need to think flexibly and creatively with the mathematical knowledge they have.
Written Expression (30 Minutes, Written Response)
The Written Expression component requires your child to produce a written response within 30 minutes. This is the only non-multiple-choice section and is assessed by human markers. It evaluates idea development, organisation, vocabulary range, sentence variety, and writing conventions.
This component rewards students who can think clearly and express ideas coherently under time pressure — skills that are built through regular practice, not last-minute preparation.
For a detailed breakdown of the exam structure, see our BSHS exam format guide.
How HAST Differs from Edutest
If you've researched selective school testing in Australia, you've likely encountered Edutest — the assessment used by Queensland Academies (QASMT, QACI, QAHS) and several Victorian and NSW selective schools. Understanding how the HAST differs from Edutest is critical because the preparation approach for each is fundamentally different.
HAST vs Edutest: Key Differences
Understanding which test your child faces shapes your entire preparation strategy
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Developer | ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) | Edutest (Educational Assessment Australia) | Different organisations with different testing philosophies |
| Core Philosophy | Aptitude and skills — not retrieved knowledge | Reasoning ability with curriculum-adjacent content | HAST is more purely aptitude-focused |
| Components (BSHS) | 3 components: Reading, Maths Reasoning, Writing | 5 components: Verbal, Numerical, Reading, Maths, Writing | Edutest is broader; HAST is more concentrated |
| Test Format | Paper-based | Computer-based | Different preparation needs for each format |
| Past Papers Available | No — ACER does not release past tests | Limited sample materials available | HAST requires more skill-building, less paper-drilling |
| Used By (QLD) | Brisbane State High School | Queensland Academies (QASMT, QACI, QAHS) | Know which test your target school uses |
The most important distinction is philosophical. Edutest includes components like Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning that, while reasoning-focused, tend to follow more predictable question formats that students can practise extensively. The HAST, by contrast, is built from the ground up around measuring aptitude in ways that resist preparation through pattern memorisation.
This doesn't mean HAST preparation is impossible — it means the preparation must focus on genuinely building skills rather than drilling question banks.
ACER's Test Philosophy: Aptitude, Not Curriculum
Understanding ACER's design philosophy is the single most important insight for effective HAST preparation. ACER has over 50 years of experience in educational assessment and has designed the HAST specifically to measure skills and aptitude, not retrieved knowledge.
What does this mean in practical terms?
- Questions are designed to be novel. Your child will encounter problems they haven't seen before — that's intentional. ACER wants to see how students think when faced with the unfamiliar.
- Curriculum content is not the focus. While basic literacy and numeracy are assumed, the test doesn't assess whether your child has covered specific topics in class.
- The playing field is deliberately levelled. A student from a small suburban primary school and a student from an elite private school should, in theory, have equal opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude.
- Coaching resistance is by design. ACER explicitly designs questions to minimise the advantage gained from intensive test-specific coaching.
"The HAST is designed to assess skills and aptitude, not retrieved knowledge. The best preparation is building genuine thinking skills — the kind of preparation that benefits your child regardless of which test they ultimately sit."
HAST Preparation Specialists
This philosophy has a profound implication for families: time spent memorising content or drilling identical question formats is largely wasted. Time spent reading widely, solving unfamiliar problems, discussing ideas, and practising analytical writing is enormously valuable.
What Brisbane State High Officially Recommends
Brisbane State High School's official advice to families is straightforward: the "best preparation is active engagement in current learning at Primary School."
Many parents find this advice frustrating — it feels vague when you're trying to give your child every advantage. But it's actually deeply aligned with how ACER designs the test. Here's what the school's recommendation really means:
- Stay engaged in school. A child who's actively participating in classroom learning, asking questions, and thinking critically about what they're studying is building exactly the skills the HAST measures.
- Don't sacrifice school for test prep. If your child is missing school activities or becoming stressed from excessive practice, you've gone too far. The school is telling you that a well-rounded, engaged learner is what they're looking for.
- Breadth matters more than depth. A child who reads widely, participates in discussions, and tackles maths problems with curiosity is better prepared than one who's completed hundreds of identical practice questions.
Interpreting the School's Advice
BSHS's recommendation doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare at all — it means your preparation should enhance, not replace, genuine learning. The ideal approach combines strong engagement at school with targeted skill-building at home, focused on reasoning, comprehension, and writing fluency.
That said, strategic preparation absolutely has value. The difference is between preparation that builds skills (effective) and preparation that drills test-specific patterns (largely ineffective for the HAST). Our BSHS preparation strategies guide explores this distinction in detail.
Component Strategies: Reading Comprehension
With 35 minutes for multiple-choice questions, pacing is important in the Reading Comprehension component. But the real challenge isn't speed — it's the depth of comprehension that ACER's questions demand.
What ACER tests in Reading Comprehension:
- Understanding main ideas and supporting details within complex passages
- Drawing inferences from textual evidence — reading between the lines
- Interpreting vocabulary meaning from context, not from memorisation
- Evaluating an author's purpose, tone, and argumentative techniques
- Synthesising information across different parts of a passage
Preparation strategies:
- Read widely across genres. Expose your child to fiction, non-fiction, scientific writing, opinion pieces, historical accounts, and poetry. ACER draws from diverse text types, and familiarity with varied writing styles provides a genuine advantage.
- Practise inference questions. After your child reads a passage, ask: "What does the author suggest but not directly say?" and "What evidence in the text supports your answer?" These mirror the higher-order questions ACER favours.
- Build contextual vocabulary skills. Rather than memorising word lists, practise determining word meanings from surrounding context. When your child encounters an unfamiliar word, encourage them to use the sentence and paragraph around it to deduce the meaning.
- Always return to the text. Train your child to locate evidence in the passage for every answer, rather than relying on memory or general knowledge.
Sample question types your child may encounter:
- Identifying the author's main argument or central theme
- Determining the meaning of a word or phrase as used in the passage
- Drawing a conclusion based on specific textual evidence
- Comparing perspectives or information across different parts of the text
For additional reading practice resources, explore our BSHS practice resources.
Component Strategies: Mathematical Reasoning
The Mathematical Reasoning component (35 minutes, multiple choice) is where ACER's aptitude-focused philosophy is most apparent. Your child won't be asked to perform complex calculations or recall formulas — they'll be asked to think mathematically about problems they may never have seen before.
What ACER tests in Mathematical Reasoning:
- Pattern recognition and logical sequences
- Multi-step problem-solving requiring flexible thinking
- Spatial and proportional reasoning
- Applying mathematical concepts to unfamiliar contexts
- Identifying relevant information and filtering distractions
Preparation strategies:
- Focus on reasoning, not computation. Practise problems that require your child to identify patterns, work backwards from an answer, or consider multiple approaches to a solution.
- Embrace unfamiliar problems. Seek out mathematical puzzles and challenges that your child hasn't encountered in school. The discomfort of facing something new is precisely the experience the HAST creates.
- Practise process of elimination. For multiple-choice questions, teach your child to quickly eliminate obviously incorrect answers. This narrows the field and saves valuable time.
- Develop estimation skills. Being able to quickly estimate whether an answer is reasonable helps catch errors and speeds up decision-making.
- Work through problem-solving steps explicitly. Read the question fully, identify what's given, determine what needs to be found, plan an approach, execute it, and check the answer against the question.
Sample question types your child may encounter:
- Identifying the next element in a number or visual pattern sequence
- Solving word problems that require multiple reasoning steps
- Interpreting data presented in unfamiliar formats
- Applying mathematical thinking to real-world scenarios
No Calculators Permitted
Calculators are not allowed in the HAST. However, because the test emphasises reasoning over computation, the arithmetic involved is typically straightforward. Your child should be comfortable with basic mental maths, but the real challenge lies in the thinking, not the calculating.
Component Strategies: Written Expression
The Written Expression component (30 minutes, written response) is the most distinctive part of the HAST-P for BSHS. It's the only section that isn't multiple choice, and it's assessed by human markers — which means the quality of ideas, organisation, and expression all matter.
What ACER assesses in Written Expression:
- Ability to develop and organise ideas coherently
- Quality of argument, narrative, or exposition
- Vocabulary range and accuracy of expression
- Sentence structure variety and sophistication
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation conventions
Preparation strategies:
- Practise planning quickly. With 30 minutes for the entire task, your child needs to spend no more than 3–5 minutes planning before writing. Practise creating quick dot-point outlines that capture the key ideas and their logical order.
- Focus on idea development. Markers value original thinking, clear reasoning, and well-developed ideas far more than flowery language. Encourage your child to go beyond surface-level responses and explore their ideas with depth.
- Vary sentence structures. Strong writers mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones. They use different sentence openings and demonstrate vocabulary range naturally.
- Write legibly. Since the HAST is paper-based, handwriting must be readable. If your child's handwriting is difficult to decipher, dedicate regular time to improving clarity and speed.
- Practise under timed conditions regularly. Writing fluently under pressure is a skill that improves with practice. Start with generous time limits and gradually reduce them.
"Written Expression is where consistent practice pays the biggest dividends. A child who writes regularly — even just 15 minutes a day — develops the fluency and idea-generation speed that the HAST rewards."
BSHS Preparation Specialists
Sample prompt types your child may encounter:
- Persuasive writing: arguing a position on a topic accessible to Year 5 students
- Narrative writing: creating a short story from a given prompt or stimulus
- Reflective writing: responding thoughtfully to a scenario or question
- Expository writing: explaining a concept or process clearly
How to Prepare Without Past Papers
One of the most common frustrations for BSHS families is the absence of official past papers. ACER does not release previous HAST tests, and this is deliberate — releasing past papers would compromise the test's ability to assess aptitude, as students could simply memorise answers to recycled question types.
However, ACER does provide a Sample Question Booklet for the HAST Secondary level, available at acer.org/au/hast-secondary/hast-sample-question-booklet. While this targets a slightly older cohort, it gives families valuable insight into ACER's question style and the types of thinking the test rewards.
Effective Preparation Without Past Papers
Study the Official Sample Materials
Download and work through ACER's Sample Question Booklet. Pay attention to the style of questioning and the reasoning required — not just the correct answers. The Candidate Information Bulletin from BSHS also provides useful context.
Build Reading Stamina and Inference Skills
Read widely across fiction, non-fiction, science, and opinion writing. Practise answering comprehension questions that require inference, analysis, and evaluation — not just recall of stated facts.
Develop Mathematical Reasoning Through Puzzles
Use mathematical puzzles, logic problems, and unfamiliar problem types to build flexible thinking. Focus on the reasoning process rather than getting the right answer quickly.
Practise Timed Writing Regularly
Write under timed conditions at least twice a week. Use varied prompts (persuasive, narrative, reflective) and focus on planning, idea development, and clear expression within the time limit.
Use Structured Preparation Programmes
Expert-designed preparation courses like BrainTree's BSHS Selective Exam Preparation programme provide practice materials that mirror ACER's testing philosophy without relying on leaked or recycled past papers.
Simulate Test Conditions
Practise completing all three components in sequence, under timed conditions, on paper. This builds the stamina, focus, and time management skills needed on test day.
The key insight is this: because the HAST tests aptitude, the best preparation resources are those that build genuine skills rather than those that promise "real HAST papers." Any resource claiming to offer actual past HAST papers is either misleading or using unofficial materials that may not reflect ACER's current test design.
Our BSHS selective exam preparation course is specifically designed around this reality — building the reasoning, comprehension, and writing skills that ACER genuinely assesses.
Preparation Timeline: 6 Months to Test Day
Effective HAST preparation is a gradual process of skill-building, not a last-minute cram. Here's a structured timeline that aligns with ACER's aptitude-focused approach.
BSHS HAST Preparation Timeline
Foundation Phase (6–4 Months Before Test)
Objectives
- Understand the HAST-P format and all three components
- Establish baseline skills through a diagnostic assessment
- Build sustainable daily practice habits
Key Activities
- Review ACER's official sample materials and the Candidate Information Bulletin
- Begin daily reading across diverse text types — 15 to 20 minutes per day
- Introduce mathematical reasoning puzzles and unfamiliar problem types
- Start weekly timed writing practice with varied prompts
- Identify your child's strongest and weakest component for targeted focus
Development Phase (4–2 Months Before Test)
Objectives
- Build speed and accuracy across all three components
- Develop effective time management strategies
- Deepen skills in the weakest component while maintaining strengths
Key Activities
- Complete timed practice sections to build pacing awareness
- Practise inference and critical analysis in reading comprehension
- Work through progressively harder mathematical reasoning challenges
- Write under strict 30-minute conditions at least twice per week
- Review errors systematically to identify recurring patterns
Refinement Phase (Final 2–4 Weeks)
Objectives
- Simulate full test conditions on paper
- Build confidence through consistent performance
- Establish test day routines and manage anxiety
Key Activities
- Complete full practice sessions (all 3 components in sequence, paper-based)
- Refine time allocation strategy for each component
- Practise relaxation and focus techniques for test day
- Confirm test logistics: venue, arrival time, required materials
- Reduce preparation intensity in the final days — rest matters more than last-minute revision
Daily Practice Routine
Consistency is more valuable than intensity. A sustainable daily routine builds skills gradually and avoids the burnout that undermines performance.
Weekdays (30–40 minutes):
- 10–15 minutes: Reading a challenging text and answering comprehension questions
- 10–15 minutes: Mathematical reasoning puzzles or problem-solving (alternate styles daily)
- 5–10 minutes: Vocabulary building through reading or contextual word study
Weekends (60–75 minutes, one focused session):
- Complete a timed practice section for one component
- Write a timed piece (30 minutes) on a new prompt
- Review the week's errors and discuss what was learned
Test Day Essentials for BSHS HAST
- ✓Multiple sharpened HB or 2B pencils and a quality eraser
- ✓A pencil sharpener in case of breakage during the test
- ✓A black or blue pen for the Written Expression component
- ✓A watch (non-digital, no smart features) for personal time management
- ✓Water bottle and a light, nutritious snack for any breaks
- ✓Registration confirmation or documentation requested by BSHS
- ✓Comfortable clothing — test rooms can vary in temperature
- ✓Arrive early to settle in and reduce anxiety from rushing
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the HAST test used by Brisbane State High School?
The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a standardised assessment developed by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). Brisbane State High School uses the HAST-P (Primary) level for Year 5 students seeking Year 7 selective entry. The test has three components — Reading Comprehension (35 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (35 minutes), and Written Expression (30 minutes) — and is designed to measure skills and aptitude rather than curriculum knowledge.
Are HAST past papers available for practice?
No. ACER does not release past HAST test papers, and this is intentional. Releasing papers would allow students to memorise question patterns, undermining the test's ability to assess genuine aptitude. However, ACER provides a Sample Question Booklet for the HAST Secondary level that gives families useful insight into the style of questioning. The Candidate Information Bulletin from BSHS also provides preparation guidance.
How much does it cost to apply for BSHS selective entry?
The application fee is $420 and is non-refundable. This covers the administration of the HAST and the application process. Ensure you understand all requirements and deadlines before submitting payment. Contact the BSHS enrolment office directly for the most current fee and payment information.
How is the HAST different from the Edutest used by Queensland Academies?
The HAST (by ACER) and Edutest are developed by different organisations with different testing philosophies. The HAST focuses more purely on aptitude and skills, while Edutest includes five components with curriculum-adjacent content. The HAST is paper-based; Edutest is computer-based. Importantly, HAST past papers are not available, whereas Edutest has limited sample materials. Your preparation approach should reflect which test your target school uses. See our HAST exam preparation guide for more detail.
What does BSHS mean by "best preparation is active engagement in current learning"?
Brisbane State High's official advice reflects ACER's test philosophy: the HAST measures aptitude and reasoning skills, not memorised content. A child who actively engages in school — reading widely, thinking critically, solving problems with curiosity, and writing regularly — is building exactly the skills the test measures. The school is signalling that rote memorisation and excessive drilling are not the path to success. Strategic, skill-focused preparation complements this philosophy perfectly.
Is the HAST paper-based or computer-based?
The HAST is entirely paper-based. Your child will read passages, answer multiple-choice questions, and write their Written Expression response on paper. This means practising on paper (rather than exclusively on screens) is important, particularly for the writing component where handwriting legibility affects how markers can assess the work.
How should we prepare if there are no past papers?
Focus on building the underlying skills the HAST measures. Read widely to develop comprehension and inference abilities. Solve unfamiliar mathematical problems to build reasoning flexibility. Write regularly under timed conditions to develop fluency and organisation. Use ACER's official sample materials to understand the question style. And consider structured preparation programmes like BrainTree's BSHS selective exam preparation that mirror ACER's philosophy without relying on recycled past papers.
How important are HAST results in the BSHS selection process?
Test results are the primary selection criterion for Brisbane State High School's selective entry programme. While the school considers the overall application, HAST performance is the central factor in determining which students receive offers. This makes thorough, skill-focused preparation particularly important.
When should we start preparing for the BSHS HAST?
We recommend beginning structured preparation 4–6 months before the test date. The foundation phase focuses on establishing good habits and understanding the format, while later phases build speed, accuracy, and confidence. Starting earlier allows for gradual skill development without the stress of last-minute cramming — which is largely ineffective for an aptitude-based test.
Can my child sit the HAST for multiple schools?
Because each school that uses the HAST manages its own testing schedule independently, it may be possible to sit the test at multiple schools if their test dates don't overlap. Contact each school directly to confirm their test date and whether they accept HAST results from sittings at other schools. Some Queensland schools beyond BSHS also use the HAST for selective entry.
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BSHS HAST Preparation Resources
Carefully curated resources to support your preparation journey
BrainTree BSHS Selective Exam Preparation
Comprehensive preparation programme designed specifically for Brisbane State High School selective entry, covering all three HAST-P components
Access ResourceBSHS Practice Resources
Targeted practice materials for each HAST-P component, aligned with ACER's aptitude-focused testing philosophy
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Access free practice tests to assess your child's current skill levels and identify areas for improvement
Access ResourceFree Competitive Exam Welcome Pack
Download our free resource pack with sample questions, preparation tips, and a study planner for selective school candidates
Access ResourceACER Official HAST Sample Booklet
Official sample questions from ACER showing the style and level of HAST questioning
Access ResourceHAST Exam Preparation Course
Broader HAST preparation covering all test components for families considering multiple HAST schools
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Explore more resources to support your child's Brisbane State High School preparation journey:
- BSHS Selective Exam Preparation — Our comprehensive preparation programme for Brisbane State High entry
- BSHS Exam Format Guide — Detailed breakdown of the HAST-P format and what to expect
- BSHS Preparation Strategies — Proven study approaches aligned with ACER's testing philosophy
- HAST Exam Preparation — Broader HAST preparation for families considering multiple selective schools
- Queensland Selective Schools Overview — Compare Brisbane State High with other QLD selective entry programmes
- Free Mock Tests — Practise with free assessments to gauge your child's readiness
Last updated: 3 February 2026
Have questions about BSHS HAST preparation? Contact our team for personalised advice tailored to your child's needs and target school.