"The registration process felt overwhelming at first — there were so many details to get right. Once we broke it down step by step, it was much more manageable than we expected." — Priya M., Parent, Parramatta
Data Sources & Methodology
Official Sources Cited:
- NSW Department of Education — Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment — Test Specifications
- BrainTree Coaching Internal Data — Based on 10+ years of student preparation
Last verified: January 2026 | Next review: April 2026
How to Register for the NSW Selective School Test 2026: Everything Parents Need to Know
Every year, more than 17,000 families across New South Wales apply for approximately 4,248 places across the state's 47 selective high schools. The competition is fierce — but before your child can sit the test, you need to navigate the registration process correctly.
Getting the application right matters more than most parents realise. A missed deadline, an incorrect document, or a poorly considered school preference list can affect your child's chances before they even pick up a pencil. Yet the registration process itself is straightforward once you understand each step.
This guide walks you through the entire NSW Selective School Placement Test registration process for 2026, from checking eligibility to what happens after you hit submit.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Who is eligible to apply for the NSW Selective School Test in 2026
- Where and how to register through the NSW Department of Education online portal
- Every document and detail you need before starting your application
- How to list your school preferences strategically to maximise placement chances
- How the 20% equity placement model works and whether your child qualifies
- What happens after registration — from test booking to results day
- Common registration mistakes that cost families time and opportunity
- Key deadlines you cannot afford to miss
Navigate to any section for detailed information
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Before you begin the registration process, confirm that your child meets the eligibility criteria set by the NSW Department of Education.
The core requirement is simple: your child must be in Year 6 during the year they sit the test, with entry into Year 7 the following year. For the 2026 test cycle, this means students currently in Year 6 in 2026 who will start Year 7 in 2027.
NSW Selective School Test 2026 at a Glance
Key figures for the current application cycle
Selective Schools
25 fully selective, 22 partially selective
Available Places
Across all selective schools
Applicants
Expected applications in 2026
Minutes
Total test duration
Eligibility Checklist
Your child is eligible if they meet all of the following:
- Currently in Year 6 (or equivalent) at the time of the test
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or holds an eligible visa category
- Enrolled in a school in NSW (government, Catholic, or independent), or home-schooled in NSW
- Not already placed in a selective high school through a previous application cycle
Students attending schools interstate or overseas may also be eligible under certain conditions — check the NSW DoE website for details on special circumstances, including students with disabilities who may require adjustments.
International Students
Students on certain temporary visa categories may be eligible to apply. If your child holds a temporary visa, check the NSW Department of Education's selective schools page for the current list of eligible visa subclasses before you begin registration.
Where and How to Register
Registration for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is completed entirely online through the NSW Department of Education's application portal.
There is no paper-based application option. You will need a computer or tablet with internet access to complete the registration. The process is managed through the department's online system, and you will receive email confirmations at each stage.
Accessing the Application Portal
The registration portal is available through the NSW Department of Education's Selective High Schools page. The direct link is published on the official DoE website each year when applications open.
Use the Official Portal Only
Only register through the official NSW Department of Education website. Do not use third-party sites claiming to handle selective school applications. The official URL will be on the education.nsw.gov.au domain.
To access the portal, you will typically need to create a parent/carer account (or log in to an existing one). This account is linked to your email address and will be used for all communications about your child's application throughout the process.
Required Documents and Information
Before you sit down to complete the application, gather everything you need. Having all documents and details ready will make the registration process smooth and reduce the risk of errors.
Registration Document Checklist
- ✓Child's full legal name (as it appears on official documents)
- ✓Child's date of birth
- ✓Child's current school name and address
- ✓Child's Student Registration Number (SRN) — available from their current school
- ✓Parent/carer contact details (name, address, phone, email)
- ✓Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa status
- ✓Any relevant medical or disability documentation (if requesting test adjustments)
- ✓Equity consideration documentation (if applicable — see equity section below)
- ✓Up to 3 selective school preferences (decided in advance)
Key Details to Have Ready
Student Registration Number (SRN): Every student enrolled in a NSW school has a unique SRN. If you don't know your child's SRN, contact their current school's front office — they can provide it immediately.
Proof of Residency/Citizenship: You may be asked to upload or declare citizenship or visa details. Have your child's birth certificate, passport, or visa documentation accessible.
School Preferences: You will need to nominate up to three selective schools in order of preference. Research your options before starting the application — changing preferences after the deadline can be difficult or impossible.
Step-by-Step Registration Walkthrough
Here is the complete registration process broken down into manageable steps. Follow each one carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
How to Register: Complete Step-by-Step Process
Check eligibility
Confirm your child is in Year 6, holds eligible residency or citizenship status, and is enrolled in a NSW school. Review the Department of Education eligibility criteria on their website.
Gather required documents
Collect your child's SRN, date of birth, citizenship or visa documentation, and your own contact details. If applying for equity consideration or disability adjustments, prepare supporting documents.
Research selective schools
Review the list of 47 selective schools across NSW. Consider location, transport, school culture, and entry requirements. Decide on your top 3 preferences before you start the application.
Access the online application portal
Visit the NSW Department of Education's Selective High Schools page. Create a parent/carer account or log in to your existing account. The portal opens when the application period begins — check the DoE website for exact dates.
Complete student details
Enter your child's full legal name, date of birth, gender, current school, and Student Registration Number (SRN). Double-check every field — errors in names or SRNs can cause processing delays.
Enter parent/carer details
Provide your full name, residential address, phone number, and email address. The email you provide will receive all correspondence about the application, test details, and results.
Select school preferences (up to 3)
Nominate up to three selective schools in your preferred order. Your first preference is the school you most want your child to attend. The order matters — list your genuine first choice as Preference 1.
Declare equity considerations (if applicable)
If your child qualifies for equity consideration (financial disadvantage, geographic isolation, disability, or other criteria), complete the relevant section and upload supporting documentation.
Review and submit
Carefully review every section of the application before submitting. Check names, dates, SRN, school preferences, and contact details. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
Save your confirmation
Save or print the confirmation email and any reference number provided. You will need this for future correspondence, including test booking and any amendments to your application.
Pro Tip: Complete Early, Review Twice
Don't wait until the final day to register. Submit your application early in the registration window. This gives you time to contact the Department of Education if any issues arise, and avoids the risk of website congestion close to the deadline.
Choosing Your School Preferences Strategically
One of the most important decisions in the registration process is selecting your three school preferences. This is not a decision to make lightly — your preference order directly affects where your child may be offered a place.
How the Preference System Works
The NSW selective school placement system uses a merit-based allocation combined with your preference list. Here's the key principle:
- Your child receives a single test score that applies to all three preferences
- The system attempts to place your child at their highest-ranked preference first
- If they don't meet the cut-off for Preference 1, the system checks Preference 2, then Preference 3
- If your child's score doesn't meet the cut-off for any of the three nominated schools, they will not receive a selective school placement
Strategic Preference Tips
List your genuine first choice as Preference 1. The system is designed so that listing a school as your first preference does not disadvantage you at your second or third preference. Always put the school you truly want most at the top.
Consider a realistic spread. If your Preference 1 is a highly competitive school (such as James Ruse, Sydney Boys, or North Sydney Girls), consider listing schools with a broader range of competitiveness across your three preferences.
Factor in geography. A six-year daily commute matters. Consider travel time from home and whether the route is sustainable for your child throughout high school. Explore our NSW Selective Schools Directory for details on each school's location.
Understand fully selective vs. partially selective schools. Of the 47 selective schools, 25 are fully selective (all students enter through the placement test) and 22 are partially selective (a portion of places are selective, the rest are local intake). Cut-off scores and competition levels differ significantly between these types.
Can You Change Preferences After Submitting?
You can change your school choices after submitting your application and even after the placement test. The last day to change school choices is 5 June 2026. This means you do not need to be 100% certain when you first apply — you can submit and update your preferences later through the application dashboard.
Understanding the Equity Placement Model
The NSW Department of Education operates a 20% equity placement model across all selective schools and opportunity classes. This means that up to 20% of places at each school are reserved for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who Qualifies for Equity Consideration?
Equity placements are designed to ensure selective education is accessible to students regardless of their socioeconomic background. Criteria may include:
- Financial disadvantage — families receiving certain government support payments or holding a Health Care Card
- Geographic isolation — students from rural or remote areas with limited access to educational resources
- Identified disadvantage — other circumstances recognised by the Department as creating barriers to educational opportunity
Equity Consideration Is Not a Separate Test
Students applying under the equity pathway sit the same test as all other applicants. The equity model adjusts the selection process to recognise that students from disadvantaged backgrounds may not have had the same access to preparation resources. Your child still needs to perform well — the equity provision provides a pathway, not a guaranteed place.
How to Apply for Equity Consideration
During registration, you will be asked whether your child qualifies for equity consideration. If you believe your family meets the criteria:
- Select the equity consideration option during the application
- Provide supporting documentation as specified (e.g., Centrelink statements, Health Care Card)
- Submit documentation by the deadline — late equity submissions may not be processed
If you're unsure whether your family qualifies, it's worth investigating. The 20% equity model has meaningfully increased access to selective schooling for families across NSW.
What Happens After Registration
Submitting your registration is just the beginning. Here's the timeline of what to expect after your application is confirmed.
Post-Registration Timeline
Application confirmation
You will receive an email confirming your registration has been received. Save this email and note any reference numbers provided.
Test booking notification
Closer to the test date, you will receive information about your child's allocated test venue, date, and session time. The test is computer-based and held at external test centres across NSW.
Test day
Your child sits the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. The test is 155 minutes total, covering Reading (45 min), Mathematical Reasoning (40 min), Thinking Skills (40 min), and Writing (30 min). All four components are weighted equally at 25% each.
Results and offers
Results are released by the NSW Department of Education. If your child receives an offer, you will be notified with details of the school and the acceptance deadline. If no offer is made, you will be advised of your child's placement on waiting lists (if applicable).
Accept or decline
If your child receives a placement offer, you must formally accept or decline by the specified deadline. Failure to respond by the deadline may result in the offer being withdrawn.
Preparing for the Test Itself
While this guide focuses on registration, it's never too early to think about preparation. The NSW Selective School Placement Test is a computer-based assessment developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It evaluates students across four equally weighted components:
- Reading: 17 questions (including 3 multi-part), 45 minutes
- Mathematical Reasoning: 35 questions, 40 minutes
- Thinking Skills: 40 questions, 40 minutes
- Writing: 1 extended task, 30 minutes
Students should be comfortable typing at approximately 30–35 words per minute, as the entire test is completed on a computer. For comprehensive preparation strategies, visit our Selective School Preparation page.
"Registration is the first step in a long journey. The families who succeed are the ones who plan early, stay organised, and give their child time to prepare — not just for the test, but for the transition to high school."
Selective School Preparation Specialists
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Every year, families encounter avoidable problems during the registration process. Here are the most common mistakes — and how to steer clear of them.
Mistakes That Can Derail Your Application
Missing the registration deadline
The most critical mistake. The Department of Education enforces strict deadlines, and late applications are generally not accepted. Set calendar reminders well before the closing date and submit early.
Entering incorrect student details
Typos in your child's name, date of birth, or Student Registration Number (SRN) can cause significant delays. Cross-check every field against official documents before submitting.
Using an unreliable email address
All correspondence — test booking, results, offers — is sent to the email you provide. Use a reliable email address that you check regularly. Add the DoE's email domain to your safe senders list so nothing goes to spam.
Rushing school preference choices
Listing schools without research can lead to regret. Visit school websites, attend open days, and consider travel logistics before nominating preferences. Changing preferences after the deadline may not be possible.
Ignoring equity consideration eligibility
Some families who qualify for equity consideration don't apply because they're unaware of the criteria. If you hold a Health Care Card or receive government support payments, check whether you're eligible. The 20% equity model exists for exactly this purpose.
Not saving the confirmation email
Your confirmation email and reference number are your proof of registration. Save them immediately. If any issue arises — a missing booking notification, a name correction — you will need these details to resolve it.
Waiting until the last day to register
Online portals can experience heavy traffic close to the deadline. Technical issues, forgotten passwords, or missing documents become urgent problems when there's no time buffer. Aim to complete registration at least a week before the deadline.
Important Deadlines
The following dates are sourced from the NSW Department of Education application process page for Year 7 entry in 2027 (test held in 2026).
Official 2026 Dates — Sourced from NSW Department of Education
These are the confirmed dates published by the NSW Department of Education for the current cycle. The Department notes dates may change — check the official page for any updates.
2026 Selective Test Registration Timeline (Official)
Applications Open
Objectives
- Register on the online portal
- Complete all 8 application sections
- Upload child photo for Test Admission Ticket
Key Activities
- Gather citizenship/residency documents
- Research and select school preferences
- Complete equity documentation if applicable
Applications Close
Objectives
- Submit application before this strict deadline
- Last day to request reasonable adjustments for the test
Key Activities
- No late applications accepted under any circumstances
- Save confirmation email and dashboard access
- Contact DoE immediately if no confirmation received
Last Day to Update Details
Objectives
- Finalise all application details including current school
Key Activities
- Review and update details through application dashboard
- Confirm all information is accurate
- After this date, changes may not be possible
Selective High School Placement Test
Objectives
- Child sits the placement test (allocated one test day only)
Key Activities
- Arrive at allocated test centre with Test Admission Ticket
- Test is ONLY held in NSW (interstate students must return)
- Make-up test available 22 May 2026 for approved illness/misadventure
Last Day to Change School Choices
Objectives
- Finalise school preference selections
Key Activities
- Update preferences through application dashboard if needed
- You can change choices after the test until this date
Placement Outcomes Released
Objectives
- Receive results and respond to any offer
Key Activities
- Check email and application dashboard for outcomes
- Accept or decline placement offer by specified deadline
- If no offer, check waiting list status
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to register for the NSW Selective School Test?
Registration for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test through the Department of Education is typically managed without a fee for standard applications. Check the DoE website for the most current information on any associated costs.
Can my child apply if they attend a private or Catholic school?
Yes. The selective school placement test is open to students from all school sectors — government, Catholic, and independent schools, as well as home-schooled students in NSW.
What if I miss the registration deadline?
Late applications are generally not accepted. The Department of Education enforces strict cut-off dates. If you have exceptional circumstances, contact the DoE directly as soon as possible, but there is no guarantee a late application will be processed.
Can my child apply for more than three schools?
No. The application allows a maximum of three school preferences. Choose carefully, as this is your complete list.
What if my child is offered a place at their second or third preference?
If your child is offered a place at a preference other than their first choice, you can accept or decline that offer. Accepting a lower-preference offer does not prevent your child from being placed on a waiting list for a higher-preference school, depending on the Department's policies for that year.
Does my child need to prepare for a specific test format?
The selective test is computer-based, developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It includes multiple-choice components and a typed writing task. Students should be comfortable with keyboard use and typing at approximately 30–35 words per minute. For preparation advice, see our Selective School Preparation guide.
How are students with disabilities accommodated?
Students with disabilities can request adjustments during the registration process. Supporting documentation from medical professionals or the child's school may be required. The Department assesses each request individually to determine appropriate provisions.
Where can I find the full list of selective schools?
Our NSW Selective Schools Directory provides comprehensive details on all 47 selective schools, including location, type (fully or partially selective), and nearby transport options. You can also find the official list on the Department of Education website.
For more answers, visit our comprehensive NSW Selective School FAQ.
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Essential Registration Resources
Trusted guides and tools to support your selective school journey
Selective School Preparation
Comprehensive preparation programs, practice tests, and expert coaching for the NSW Selective School Placement Test.
Access ResourceNSW Selective Schools Directory
Explore all 47 selective schools across NSW — locations, entry types, and key details to inform your preference choices.
Access ResourceNSW Selective School FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about eligibility, test format, results, and the placement process.
Access ResourceComplete Guide to NSW Selective School Entry
In-depth guide covering every aspect of the selective school system — from understanding the test to accepting a placement.
Access ResourceSelective School Placement Outcomes 2026
Detailed analysis of placement outcomes, trends, and what they mean for families applying in the current cycle.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Assess your child's readiness with free practice tests designed to mirror the real selective school test format.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: February 2026