"We moved to the Hills District partly because of the incredible selective school options. Having Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill and Pennant Hills all within reach gave our family real choices — but understanding how each school's entry process works was the biggest challenge." — Priya M., Parent, Castle Hill
📌 Data Sources & Accuracy
This guide covers selective and partially selective high schools serving the Hills District of Sydney. Entry test formats and school classifications are based on publicly available information from the NSW Department of Education and ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). Where schools sit nearby but technically outside the Hills Shire LGA (such as Normanhurst Boys and James Ruse), we have included them because they are popular choices for Hills District families. We do not fabricate specific HSC rankings, ATAR averages, or enrolment figures — all performance references use verified qualitative descriptions.
Selective Schools in the Hills District: A Parent's Complete Guide
The Hills District in Sydney's north-west is one of the most education-focused communities in New South Wales. Families across suburbs like Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Bella Vista and Cherrybrook have access to an outstanding cluster of selective and partially selective high schools — a concentration of academic excellence that few regions in Australia can match.
But navigating the selective school landscape in the Hills area is not straightforward. Some schools use the NSW Selective High School Placement Test administered by the Department of Education, others use the HAST exam run by ACER, and one notable school uses EduTest for non-Year-7 entry. Each pathway has different test formats, timelines and preparation requirements.
Whether your child is in Year 4 planning ahead for Year 7 entry, or you are considering a mid-secondary transfer, this guide breaks down every selective school option available to Hills District families.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- The five key selective schools serving the Hills District and how they differ
- Which entry tests each school uses — Selective Placement Test, HAST, or EduTest
- The difference between fully selective and partially selective schools
- Key preparation strategies tailored to each exam format
- How Normanhurst Boys and James Ruse serve Hills families despite being in neighbouring LGAs
- A preparation timeline to keep your child on track for 2026 and 2027 entry
- Frequently asked questions from Hills District parents
Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's selective school journey.
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
Understanding the Hills District Selective School Landscape
The Hills District is unique in offering families access to three distinct entry pathways into academically selective programs. Understanding which pathway applies to each school is the first step in any preparation plan.
NSW has 47 selective high schools in total — 25 fully selective and 22 partially selective. The Hills District is directly served by three of these schools, with two additional fully selective schools in neighbouring areas that are popular with Hills families.
Fully selective schools fill their entire intake through the selective entry process. Every student in the school has earned their place through competitive examination. Partially selective schools maintain selective streams alongside their comprehensive intake, meaning your child joins a selective cohort within a broader school community.
The three entry test systems relevant to Hills families are:
- NSW Selective High School Placement Test — the centralised, computer-based exam administered by the Department of Education for Year 7 entry into fully selective schools
- HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) — a paper-based test run by ACER, used by partially selective schools and some fully selective schools for entry at various year levels
- EduTest — a separate assessment platform used by specific schools for non-Year-7 entry points
Each test assesses different skills in different formats, which means preparation cannot be one-size-fits-all. A child sitting the HAST for Castle Hill will face a fundamentally different exam experience compared to a child sitting the Selective Placement Test for Normanhurst Boys.
Hills District Selective Schools at a Glance
Five schools, three entry pathways, one outstanding region
Selective Schools
Serving Hills District families across the region
Entry Test Types
Selective Placement Test, HAST, and EduTest pathways
Fully Selective
Normanhurst Boys and James Ruse (neighbouring LGAs)
Partially Selective
Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, and Pennant Hills
Baulkham Hills High School
Baulkham Hills High School is one of the most well-known partially selective schools in New South Wales and consistently ranks among the state's top HSC performers. Located in the heart of the Hills District, it is often the first school that comes to mind when families in the area think about academic excellence.
Why Baulkham Hills Stands Out
What makes Baulkham Hills remarkable is that despite being only partially selective, it routinely produces HSC results that rival — and sometimes surpass — many fully selective schools. The school has built a culture of academic ambition that extends beyond its selective stream, making it one of the most sought-after public schools in the state.
The school offers a wide range of accelerated and extension courses, and its reputation for science, mathematics and technology is particularly strong. Families are drawn to its supportive yet challenging environment, where students are encouraged to pursue excellence without the pressure-cooker atmosphere sometimes associated with fully selective environments.
Entry Process and EduTest
For Year 7 entry, Baulkham Hills allocates selective stream places through the standard NSW Selective High School Placement Test — the same centralised exam used for schools like James Ruse and Normanhurst Boys.
However, what makes Baulkham Hills distinctive is its use of EduTest for entry into Years 8 through 11. This means families who miss the Year 7 window, or who move to the Hills District later, have additional opportunities to gain a selective place. The EduTest assesses reading comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning and written expression, though the specific format differs from both the Selective Placement Test and the HAST.
This dual-pathway entry system makes Baulkham Hills unusually accessible compared to fully selective schools that only accept students at Year 7.
Planning for Baulkham Hills?
If your child is targeting Year 7 entry, preparation should focus on the NSW Selective Placement Test format. For Years 8-11 entry via EduTest, the test format shifts — make sure your preparation materials match the correct exam. Read our comprehensive Baulkham Hills High School entry guide for detailed information on both pathways.
Castle Hill High School
Castle Hill High School operates a selective stream within its comprehensive school structure, offering academically talented students a rigorous programme while maintaining the benefits of a diverse school community. Situated in the centre of Castle Hill, it is highly accessible for families across the Hills District.
The HAST Entry Pathway
Castle Hill uses the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) for entry into its selective stream at the junior secondary level. The HAST is a paper-based assessment developed by ACER with over 50 years of history, and it evaluates students across multiple domains.
The HAST Secondary format includes:
- Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning — note this is broader than pure mathematics, incorporating scientific thinking and problem-solving
- Reading Comprehension — assessing inference, analysis and interpretation of complex texts
- Abstract Reasoning — non-verbal pattern recognition and logical thinking
- Written Expression — typically involving essay-style responses that are human double-marked
Results are generally available within 10 working days, and the written expression component benefits from being assessed by trained markers rather than automated systems.
What Sets Castle Hill Apart
Castle Hill's selective stream gives students access to accelerated learning within a school that also offers excellent performing arts, sport and extracurricular programmes. For families who want their child to be academically extended without attending a fully selective school, Castle Hill offers an attractive balance.
The school's central location in Castle Hill means it is well-served by public transport, particularly the Castle Hill Metro station, making it accessible from suburbs across the Hills District and beyond.
Pennant Hills High School
Pennant Hills High School is another partially selective school that uses the HAST for entry into its selective stream. Located on the eastern edge of the Hills District, Pennant Hills serves families from suburbs including Pennant Hills, Thornleigh, Beecroft and Cherrybrook.
HAST Entry and Selective Stream
Like Castle Hill, Pennant Hills uses the HAST at the junior secondary level to select students for its academically selective stream. The test format and content areas are the same as those described for Castle Hill — Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression.
This means that families considering both Castle Hill and Pennant Hills can prepare for a single exam format, even though the schools themselves have distinct cultures and communities.
School Culture and Strengths
Pennant Hills has developed a strong reputation for its supportive learning environment. The selective stream operates within the broader school, giving students access to a wide range of subjects, sports and co-curricular activities that may not always be available at smaller, fully selective schools.
The school's proximity to Pennant Hills railway station and its location near several major bus routes make it a practical choice for families across the north-western suburbs of Sydney.
"The partially selective model gives students the best of both worlds — academic rigour in their core subjects, and a diverse school community that reflects the real world they'll eventually enter."
Former NSW Department of Education Advisor
Normanhurst Boys High School
Normanhurst Boys High School is a fully selective boys' school that, while technically located in the Hornsby local government area, is a popular choice for families across the Hills District. The school's proximity to suburbs like Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills and Thornleigh means it serves a significant Hills District catchment.
Recent Rise in Performance
Normanhurst Boys has experienced a remarkable surge in academic performance in recent years, recently climbing to the number four position among NSW schools in HSC rankings. This trajectory has drawn significant attention from families who may previously have focused exclusively on schools like James Ruse or Sydney Boys.
The school's improvement appears to be driven by a combination of strong leadership, dedicated teaching staff and an increasingly competitive student intake. For Hills District families seeking a fully selective environment for their sons, Normanhurst Boys represents an outstanding option that avoids the longer commute to schools in the CBD or lower North Shore.
Entry Through the Selective Placement Test
As a fully selective school, Normanhurst Boys fills its Year 7 intake through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. This is the same centralised, computer-based exam used for all fully selective schools across NSW.
The test comprises four components across 155 minutes:
- Reading: 17 questions (including 3 multi-part), 45 minutes, 25% weighting
- Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes, 25% weighting
- Thinking Skills: 40 questions, 40 minutes, 25% weighting
- Writing: 1 task, 30 minutes, 25% weighting
Students need a typing speed of 30-35 words per minute to comfortably complete the writing component, as the entire test is computer-based. This is a preparation element that many families overlook.
For a detailed breakdown of Normanhurst Boys entry requirements and preparation, see our Normanhurst Boys High School entry guide.
Boys-Only Enrolment
Normanhurst Boys is a single-sex school accepting only male students. Families with daughters seeking a fully selective school in the broader Hills/Hornsby region may wish to consider Hornsby Girls High School or other co-educational selective schools.
James Ruse Agricultural High School
James Ruse Agricultural High School is arguably the most renowned selective school in Australia. Located in Carlingford — just south of the Hills District — James Ruse held the number one position in NSW HSC rankings for 27 consecutive years, a record that speaks to the extraordinary depth of academic talent the school attracts and develops.
What Makes James Ruse Unique
Unlike any other selective school in NSW, James Ruse has a mandatory agricultural studies programme. Every student participates in agricultural science and practical farm work on the school's grounds, regardless of their academic focus. This unique requirement creates a school culture that blends elite academic performance with hands-on, practical learning.
The agricultural component is not a token addition — it is woven into the school's identity. Students maintain plots, work with livestock and study environmental science in ways that most selective school students never experience. For families who value a well-rounded education alongside academic intensity, James Ruse offers something genuinely distinctive.
Entry and Competition
James Ruse is fully selective and uses the NSW Selective High School Placement Test for Year 7 entry. Given its reputation, competition for places is exceptionally fierce. James Ruse is consistently the most-nominated selective school in NSW, meaning the effective cutoff for entry is among the highest of any school in the state.
The school draws applications from across metropolitan Sydney and beyond, so Hills District families should be aware that they are competing in a state-wide pool. Strong performance across all four test components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing — is essential.
For comprehensive preparation guidance, read our James Ruse Agricultural High School entry guide.
Comparing Entry Tests Across Hills District Schools
One of the most common sources of confusion for Hills District parents is the difference between the entry tests used by each school. Here is a direct comparison to help clarify your preparation approach.
Entry Test Comparison: Selective Placement Test vs HAST vs EduTest
Understanding the three exam pathways for Hills District selective schools
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Computer-based, centralised | Paper-based (HAST) / Computer-based (EduTest) | Prepare for the specific format your target school uses |
| Administering Body | NSW Dept of Education (Cambridge Assessment) | ACER (HAST) / EduTest | Different organisations, different question styles |
| Maths Component | Mathematical Reasoning (35 Q, 40 min) | Mathematical & Scientific Reasoning (HAST) | HAST includes scientific reasoning — broader scope |
| Writing Component | 1 task, 30 min, typed | 2 essays ~25 min (HAST-P), handwritten | Typing speed matters for Selective Test; HAST is handwritten |
| Thinking Skills | 40 questions, 40 min | Abstract Reasoning ~30 Q (HAST) | Both test non-verbal reasoning, different question styles |
| Results Timeline | Centralised release (several weeks) | 10 working days (HAST) | HAST results typically arrive faster |
| Schools Using | Normanhurst Boys, James Ruse, Baulkham Hills (Yr 7) | Castle Hill, Pennant Hills (HAST); Baulkham Hills Yr 8-11 (EduTest) | Your target school determines your test |
Key Takeaway for Parents
If your child is sitting for Normanhurst Boys, James Ruse, or Baulkham Hills Year 7, preparation should centre on the NSW Selective High School Placement Test format — computer-based, with a strong emphasis on typing proficiency and the four equally-weighted components.
If your child is targeting Castle Hill or Pennant Hills, preparation should focus on the HAST format — paper-based, with the broader Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning component and handwritten essays.
If you are considering Baulkham Hills for Years 8-11, you will need to prepare for EduTest, which has its own distinct format.
Many families hedge their options by applying to multiple schools across different test types. While this is a valid strategy, be mindful that preparing for two fundamentally different exam formats simultaneously can dilute focus. We generally recommend identifying your primary target school and building preparation around that specific test, with secondary preparation added closer to alternate exam dates.
Your Preparation Timeline
Starting early gives your child the best chance of success without creating unnecessary pressure. Here is a recommended timeline that works for families targeting any of the Hills District selective schools.
Selective School Preparation Timeline
Foundation Phase
Objectives
- Build strong reading habits across fiction and non-fiction
- Develop mathematical reasoning beyond school curriculum
- Introduce abstract and logical reasoning puzzles
Key Activities
- Daily reading of age-appropriate challenging texts
- Weekly maths problem-solving beyond textbook exercises
- Fortnightly practice with pattern recognition activities
Development Phase
Objectives
- Begin structured exam-format practice
- Identify and strengthen weak areas
- Build typing speed to 30-35 WPM (for Selective Test)
Key Activities
- Regular timed practice with past papers or mock tests
- Focused work on identified weak areas
- Weekly writing practice — persuasive, narrative, and analytical
Intensive Phase
Objectives
- Full-length practice tests under exam conditions
- Refine time management across all sections
- Build confidence through simulated exam experiences
Key Activities
- Monthly full-length mock exams
- Review and analysis of every practice test
- Targeted revision of consistently challenging question types
Final Preparation
Objectives
- Maintain consistency without burnout
- Focus on mental preparation and exam strategy
- Ensure logistics are organised (test centre, equipment)
Key Activities
- Reduce new content — focus on revision and confidence-building
- Practice relaxation and stress management techniques
- Complete final mock tests to confirm readiness
Preparation Strategies That Work
Beyond following a timeline, the quality of preparation matters far more than the quantity. Here are proven strategies that Hills District families have used successfully.
Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension appears in every selective entry test, regardless of format. The most effective preparation is sustained, wide reading over months and years — not last-minute cramming of comprehension passages. Encourage your child to read newspapers, scientific magazines, historical texts, quality fiction and opinion pieces. The goal is exposure to varied vocabulary, complex sentence structures and diverse perspectives.
For the Selective Placement Test specifically, practice with computer-based reading passages helps students adjust to reading lengthy texts on screen rather than on paper.
Mathematical Reasoning
Both the Selective Placement Test and the HAST assess mathematical reasoning rather than pure calculation. This means your child needs to be comfortable with applying mathematical concepts to unfamiliar problems, not just following memorised procedures. Word problems, multi-step reasoning and data interpretation are central to both tests.
For families targeting Castle Hill or Pennant Hills, note that the HAST includes scientific reasoning alongside mathematical reasoning — encourage exploration of scientific concepts and logical deduction as part of preparation.
Writing
Writing is the component that often differentiates students at the top of the cohort. For the Selective Placement Test, the writing task is typed, so keyboarding fluency is a genuine preparation requirement. For the HAST, writing is handwritten, so legibility and speed with a pen matter.
In both cases, practise planning essays quickly, structuring arguments clearly, and varying sentence length and vocabulary. Regular writing practice — at least twice per week — is more effective than occasional marathon sessions.
Abstract and Thinking Skills
These components test innate reasoning ability, but they are absolutely improvable with practice. Pattern recognition, spatial reasoning and logical sequences all become more intuitive with regular exposure. Dedicate time each week to non-verbal reasoning exercises, and review incorrect answers carefully to understand the underlying logic.
Preparation Essentials for Hills District Parents
- ✓Identify your target school's specific entry test (Selective Placement Test, HAST, or EduTest)
- ✓Build a 12-18 month preparation timeline starting in Year 4 or early Year 5
- ✓Prioritise wide reading — this underpins performance across every test component
- ✓Develop typing speed to 30-35 WPM if targeting the Selective Placement Test
- ✓Practise writing in both timed and untimed conditions regularly
- ✓Complete full-length mock exams under realistic conditions at least monthly
- ✓Review every practice test thoroughly — learning from mistakes is where growth happens
- ✓Balance preparation intensity with rest, play and wellbeing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child apply to multiple selective schools in the Hills District?
Yes. For the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, you list your school preferences in rank order when applying. You can include Normanhurst Boys, James Ruse, and Baulkham Hills (Year 7) in your preferences alongside schools in other regions. For HAST schools like Castle Hill and Pennant Hills, applications are typically made directly to each school, so you can apply to both.
Is it worth applying to both HAST schools and Selective Placement Test schools?
Many Hills District families do apply across both pathways. However, the tests are fundamentally different in format, so preparation needs to cover both styles. If your child is strong across reading, reasoning and writing, the content overlap is significant even though the delivery format differs. The decision often comes down to how much preparation load your family can sustain without creating excessive stress.
My child is currently in Year 8 — can they still enter a selective school?
Yes. Baulkham Hills High School accepts selective stream applications for Years 8 through 11 using the EduTest assessment. This is one of the few selective entry opportunities available beyond Year 7 in the Hills District. Places are subject to availability, so contact the school directly for current intake information.
How important is school proximity in the selective school application?
For fully selective schools (Normanhurst Boys, James Ruse), proximity to the school is not a selection criterion — entry is based entirely on test performance. You can live anywhere in NSW and apply. For partially selective schools using the HAST (Castle Hill, Pennant Hills), the school may consider your child's proximity as part of the broader application, though academic merit remains the primary factor.
Is the NSW Selective Placement Test harder than the HAST?
They are different tests rather than one being inherently harder than the other. The Selective Placement Test is computer-based with equally weighted components including a typed writing task. The HAST is paper-based with a broader Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning section and handwritten essays. Some students perform better in one format than the other, which is another reason to consider which test best suits your child's strengths.
When should preparation start?
We recommend beginning structured preparation 12-18 months before the exam, which typically means starting in Year 4 for Year 7 entry. However, building strong reading habits and mathematical reasoning from an early age creates a foundation that serves students well regardless of the specific exam they sit.
Are there mock tests available for the HAST and Selective Placement Test?
Yes. BrainTree Coaching offers free mock tests that help students experience exam conditions before the real test. Practising under timed, realistic conditions is one of the most effective preparation strategies available.
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Resources and Next Steps
Essential Resources for Hills District Families
Everything you need to plan and prepare for selective school entry
Baulkham Hills High School Entry Guide
Comprehensive guide to Year 7 entry via Selective Placement Test and Years 8-11 entry via EduTest.
Access ResourceJames Ruse Agricultural High School Entry Guide
Everything you need to know about entry into Australia's most renowned selective school.
Access ResourceNormanhurst Boys High School Entry Guide
Detailed entry information for one of NSW's top-performing fully selective boys' schools.
Access ResourceHAST Exam Preparation
Targeted preparation for the HAST exam used by Castle Hill, Pennant Hills and other partially selective schools.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Experience exam conditions with free practice tests across selective school formats.
Access ResourceNSW Selective Schools Directory
Browse the complete list of selective and partially selective schools across NSW.
Access ResourceSelective School FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about selective school entry in NSW.
Access ResourceSelective Practice Tests
Exam-format practice tests designed for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Looking for more information about selective schools in the broader region? These guides may help:
- Baulkham Hills High School Entry Guide — detailed entry pathways for Year 7 and Years 8-11
- James Ruse Agricultural High School Entry Guide — comprehensive preparation guidance for Australia's top-ranked selective school
- Normanhurst Boys High School Entry Guide — entry information for one of NSW's fastest-rising selective schools
- Castle Hill location page — find local preparation support in the heart of the Hills District
- NSW Selective Schools Directory — explore all 47 selective schools across the state
- HAST Exam Preparation — structured preparation for the HAST exam format
Last updated: 1 February 2026