"We almost missed the registration window last year because we didn't know the exact dates. This time, we started planning in Term 4 and everything went so much smoother — our daughter felt confident and prepared on test day." — Priya M., Parent, Parramatta
📋 Data Sources & Official References
This guide references official information from the NSW Department of Education selective high schools application process page. All dates below are sourced directly from the Department's published 2027 entry timeline (test held in 2026). We recommend checking the official page regularly for any updates.
NSW Selective Test 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Dates, Registration and Applications
If your child is currently in Year 6, the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is one of the most important academic milestones ahead. With approximately 4,248 places available across 47 selective schools — and more than 17,000 students applying each year — understanding the exact timeline, registration process, and application requirements is essential.
The 2026 selective test is a computer-based assessment developed by Cambridge Assessment, consisting of four components tested over 155 minutes. Missing a registration deadline or submitting incomplete documentation can mean your child loses their chance entirely, regardless of their academic ability.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every date, every step, and every document you need — so nothing falls through the cracks.
In this guide, you will discover:
- The confirmed 2026 selective test date and complete timeline of key milestones
- How the online registration and application process works step by step
- Exactly which documents and information you need before applying
- Strategies for selecting and ordering your school preferences wisely
- What happens after the test — from results to offers and appeals
- How the 20% equity placement model affects your child's chances
- Practical preparation tips to ensure your child is test-ready by May
- Answers to the most common parent questions about the 2026 process
Navigate to any section for the information you need most.
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Key Dates & Timeline for 2026
Staying on top of critical dates is the single most important thing you can do as a parent navigating the selective school process. Below is the complete timeline for the 2026 cycle.
⚠️ Official NSW Department of Education Dates
All dates below are sourced from the NSW Department of Education application process page for Year 7 entry in 2027. The Department notes that dates may change — check the official page regularly for updates.
2026 Selective Test at a Glance
The numbers that matter for your planning
Test Days
Students are allocated to attend one test day only
Total Test Duration
Four components tested across approximately 2.5 hours
Available Places
Across 47 selective and partially selective high schools
Expected Applicants
Competition remains intense — preparation is essential
The Complete 2026 Timeline
Understanding when each phase occurs helps you plan backwards from test day. Here is a typical timeline based on previous years' patterns:
6 November 2025 — Applications Open The NSW Department of Education opens the online application portal. Parents and carers enter their own details to register, then complete the application for their child. You can save your application and return to update it before submitting.
20 February 2026 — Applications Close This is also the last day to request reasonable adjustments for the test. The closing date is strictly observed — no late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. If you miss this deadline, your child cannot sit the test.
13 March 2026 — Last Day to Update Application Details After submitting, you can still update details in your application dashboard (including current school) until this date. After 13 March, changes may not be possible.
1-2 May 2026 — Selective High School Placement Test Your child sits the placement test at a designated test centre. Students are allocated to attend one test day only. The test is not held at your child's primary school. Important: From 2026, the test is only held in NSW — interstate and overseas students must return to NSW to sit the test.
22 May 2026 — Make-up Test For students who were unable to sit the test on 1-2 May due to approved illness or misadventure.
5 June 2026 — Last Day to Change School Choices You can update your school preferences after the test, right up until this date. If you are not yet certain about your choices when you apply, you can submit and change them later.
Late August 2026 — Placement Outcomes Released The Department releases placement outcomes. You will be notified whether your child received an offer, a waiting list placement, or was unsuccessful.
Your 2026 Selective Test Journey
Application Phase
Objectives
- Register and create account on application portal
- Complete all 8 application sections and upload child's photo
- Submit application before 20 February deadline
Key Activities
- Gather documents (birth certificate, citizenship/visa proof)
- Research and rank school preferences (can change later)
- Request reasonable adjustments if needed (deadline: 20 Feb)
Update & Confirm Phase
Objectives
- Finalise application details by 13 March
- Receive and verify test logistics
- Confirm test centre and session
Key Activities
- Update current school details if changed (deadline: 13 March)
- Check email regularly for Department communications
- Note the test centre address and plan transport
Preparation Phase
Objectives
- Complete structured revision programme
- Build computer-based test familiarity
- Strengthen typing speed to 30-35 WPM
Key Activities
- Complete timed practice tests weekly
- Practise all four components under test conditions
- Focus on areas needing improvement
Test & Results
Objectives
- Sit the test on 1-2 May (allocated one day)
- Change school choices if needed by 5 June
- Respond to offers promptly when released late August
Key Activities
- Arrive early with required identification
- Make-up test available 22 May if illness/misadventure
- Accept or decline offer within the specified timeframe
Understanding the Selective Test Format
Before diving into the application process, it helps to understand exactly what your child will face on test day. The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based assessment developed in partnership with Cambridge Assessment. It evaluates students across four equally weighted components.
2026 Selective Test Components
Each component contributes 25% to the overall score
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 17 questions (3 multi-part) | 45 minutes | Comprehension, inference, and analysis of varied texts |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 35 questions | 40 minutes | Problem-solving, logic, and mathematical concepts |
| Thinking Skills | 40 questions | 40 minutes | Abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and critical thinking |
| Writing | 1 extended task | 30 minutes | Structured response requiring planning, drafting, and editing |
Why Typing Speed Matters
Because the test is entirely computer-based, your child's typing proficiency directly affects their performance — particularly in the Writing component. The Department recommends a typing speed of 30–35 words per minute (WPM) as a minimum. A child who types slowly will spend more time physically entering their response and less time thinking, planning, and editing.
If your child currently types below 30 WPM, building this skill should be a priority alongside academic preparation. Many families overlook this practical requirement, only to find it becomes a significant barrier on test day.
For a detailed breakdown of each test component and how to prepare for them, see our guide on NSW Selective School Test Components.
How to Register & Apply
The application process for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test is managed entirely online through the Department of Education's portal. Here is exactly what you need to do.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Your Child's Eligibility
Your child must be in Year 6 in 2026 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa. They must also be seeking entry into Year 7 at a NSW selective or partially selective high school. Confirm eligibility before beginning the application.
Access the Online Application Portal
Visit the NSW Department of Education's selective high schools placement website. You will need to create a parent/guardian account if you do not already have one. Bookmark the portal and ensure your email address is active — all correspondence comes through email.
Enter Your Child's Personal Details
Complete all required fields including your child's full legal name (as it appears on their birth certificate or passport), date of birth, current school, residential address, and any relevant visa or citizenship details. Double-check every entry for accuracy.
List Your School Preferences (Up to 3)
You will be asked to select and rank up to three selective high schools in order of preference. This is a critical step — see the School Preferences Strategy section below for guidance on how to approach this decision thoughtfully.
Declare Any Special Provisions
If your child has a diagnosed disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty that may affect their test performance, you can apply for special provisions. This might include extra time, a separate testing room, or assistive technology. Supporting documentation from a qualified professional is required.
Review and Submit the Application
Carefully review every section of the application before submitting. Once the registration window closes, changes may not be possible. Print or save a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.
Confirm Receipt and Monitor Communications
After submission, you should receive an email confirmation. In the months leading up to the test, monitor your email for updates about test logistics, your child's assigned test centre, and session timing. Check your spam folder regularly.
💡 Do Not Wait Until the Last Day
The registration portal can experience heavy traffic in the final days before the deadline. Technical issues, forgotten passwords, or missing documents can turn a simple process into a stressful one. Aim to complete your application at least one week before the closing date.
Documents & Requirements Checklist
Having your documents ready before you begin the application prevents delays and last-minute scrambles. While specific requirements may vary slightly each year, the following are typically needed.
Application Documents Checklist
- ✓Birth certificate or passport (proving identity and date of birth)
- ✓Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa status
- ✓Current school enrolment details (school name, student ID if applicable)
- ✓Residential address and contact details (email and phone)
- ✓School preference selections (up to 3 schools, researched and finalised)
- ✓Special provisions documentation if applicable (medical or psychological reports)
- ✓Parent/guardian identification details for the application account
- ✓Confirmation of your child's Year 6 enrolment for 2026
Special Provisions
If your child requires adjustments during the test, the application for special provisions must be submitted during the registration period — not after. You will need a report from a registered psychologist, paediatrician, or relevant specialist that clearly outlines the diagnosis and recommended adjustments.
Common provisions include additional time (typically 10–15 minutes per component), a separate testing room, use of assistive technology, or modified test formats. The Department assesses each application individually.
School Preferences Strategy
Selecting and ranking your three school preferences is one of the most consequential decisions in the entire process. Your preferences directly influence which school your child is offered a place at — and getting the strategy wrong can mean missing out on a school where your child would have been accepted.
How the Preference System Works
The placement algorithm considers both your child's test score and their preference rankings. A student is placed at their highest-ranked school where their score meets the cutoff. This means:
- First preference matters most. If your child's score is high enough for their first choice, that is where they will be placed.
- If their score falls below the first preference cutoff but meets the second or third, they will be placed at the highest available option.
- If their score does not meet any of the three preferences, they will not receive a selective school offer (though waiting list placement is possible).
Strategic Considerations for Ranking Schools
📊 Understanding the 20% Equity Placement Model
The NSW Selective Schools system includes a 20% equity placement model, which reserves a proportion of places for students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. This means that the competitive cutoff for any given school can vary depending on the applicant pool's composition. Cutoff scores are not published in advance.
Be realistic with your first preference. If your child is a strong candidate, placing a highly competitive school (such as James Ruse, Sydney Boys, or North Sydney Girls) as first preference makes sense. But if practice test scores suggest a mid-range performance, listing a school with an achievable cutoff as first preference increases the likelihood of an offer.
Consider geography. Your child will attend this school for six years. A 90-minute commute each way is not sustainable for most families. Prioritise schools that offer a reasonable daily travel time.
Research each school's culture and strengths. The 47 selective schools in NSW are not identical. Some have strong STEM programmes, others excel in humanities or the arts. Visit open days, read school reviews, and talk to current families. Our NSW Selective Schools Directory provides a comprehensive overview of every selective school.
Understand the difference between fully and 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, with the remainder through local enrolment). Partially selective schools often have lower cutoffs and can be an excellent strategic choice for your second or third preference.
Do not waste a preference. Listing the same school twice or leaving a preference blank reduces your child's chances. Use all three slots strategically.
For detailed information about individual schools, entry requirements, and historical context, visit our complete guide to NSW selective school entry.
What Happens After the Test
Understanding the post-test process reduces anxiety for both parents and students. Here is what to expect once your child has completed the test on 1-2 May 2026.
Results and Offers
Placement outcomes are expected to be released in late August 2026. You will receive notification via email and through the application dashboard. The notification will indicate one of the following:
- Offer of placement at one of your preferred schools
- Waiting list placement for one or more of your preferred schools
- Unsuccessful — your child's score did not meet the cutoff for any of the three listed preferences
Accepting or Declining an Offer
If your child receives an offer, you must accept or decline within the specified timeframe — usually around two weeks. Failure to respond is typically treated as a decline, and the place is offered to the next student on the waiting list.
If your child receives an offer at their second or third preference, they remain on the waiting list for any higher-ranked school. Waiting list movement continues through the acceptance period and sometimes into Term 1 of Year 7.
The Appeals Process
If you believe an error occurred in the assessment or placement process, you may lodge a formal appeal. Appeals are assessed on procedural grounds — they are not a mechanism for re-scoring or re-ranking. Valid grounds include administrative errors, documented special circumstances that affected test performance, or processing mistakes.
If Your Child Is Unsuccessful
Not receiving an offer is disappointing, but it is not the end of the road. Several pathways remain:
- Waiting list movement — places regularly open as families decline offers or relocate.
- Partially selective schools — some partially selective schools accept students through alternative entry points.
- HAST-entry schools — many selective schools use the HAST exam as their entry assessment rather than the Department's placement test.
- Year 8+ entry — some selective schools offer limited places in later years.
Use our Selective Test Calculator to estimate how your child's practice scores compare to historical cutoffs and plan your strategy accordingly.
Preparation Tips for 2026
With the test scheduled for 1-2 May 2026, the preparation window is defined and finite. Here is how to make the most of it.
Essential Preparation Priorities
- ✓Begin structured preparation at least 6 months before the test date
- ✓Ensure your child can type at 30-35 WPM — practise regularly if below this threshold
- ✓Complete full-length timed practice tests under realistic conditions (computer-based, timed, quiet environment)
- ✓Focus equally on all four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing
- ✓Build strong reading comprehension habits through diverse, challenging texts
- ✓Develop a writing process: plan, draft, edit — within the 30-minute timeframe
- ✓Practise Thinking Skills patterns with unfamiliar question types to build flexibility
- ✓Review Mathematical Reasoning fundamentals and practise multi-step problem-solving
- ✓Simulate test-day conditions at least 3-4 times before the actual test
- ✓Prioritise your child's wellbeing — consistent, moderate preparation is more effective than last-minute cramming
Building Computer-Based Test Familiarity
One of the most underestimated aspects of preparation is familiarity with the digital testing environment. Children who have only ever completed assessments on paper can find the transition to a computer-based test disorienting. Navigating between questions, managing on-screen timers, typing extended written responses, and using digital tools all require practice.
Our Selective Practice Tests replicate the computer-based format so your child can build confidence with the testing interface well before test day.
A Balanced Approach to Preparation
The most effective preparation programmes balance academic skill-building with test technique and wellbeing. Children who are anxious, sleep-deprived, or burnt out do not perform at their best — regardless of how many practice papers they have completed.
Aim for consistent daily practice of 30–45 minutes rather than marathon weekend sessions. This builds sustainable habits, deepens understanding, and keeps motivation high across the months of preparation.
For a comprehensive preparation programme designed specifically for the NSW Selective Test, explore our Selective School Preparation courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NSW Selective Test in 2026?
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is scheduled for 1-2 May 2026 (students are allocated to attend one test day only). A make-up test is available on 22 May 2026 for approved illness or misadventure cases. These dates are published on the NSW Department of Education website.
When does registration open and close for the 2026 selective test?
Applications opened on 6 November 2025 and close on 20 February 2026. This is also the last day to request reasonable adjustments. The closing date is strictly observed — no late applications are accepted. You can check the official application process page for the latest dates.
How many schools can I list as preferences for the NSW selective test?
You can list up to three selective or partially selective high schools in order of preference. It is strongly recommended to use all three slots.
Is there a fee to sit the NSW selective test?
There is no fee to register for or sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. It is administered free of charge by the NSW Department of Education.
Can my child sit the selective test if we live outside NSW?
Parents can apply for placement if their child is in NSW public schools, non-government schools, home study, interstate schools, or overseas schools. However, from 2026 the placement test is only held in NSW — students who are interstate or overseas must return to NSW to sit the test. Students and their families must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry.
What typing speed does my child need for the selective test?
The Department recommends a typing speed of 30–35 words per minute (WPM). The Writing component requires an extended typed response within 30 minutes, so adequate typing proficiency is essential.
How is the 20% equity placement model applied?
The equity placement model reserves approximately 20% of available places for students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligibility is determined by specific criteria set by the Department, and qualifying students may receive placement at a lower score threshold.
Can I change my school preferences after submitting?
Yes — you can change your school choices after submitting and even after the test. The last day to change school choices is 5 June 2026. If you are not yet certain about your preferences when you apply, submit your application and update your choices later through the application dashboard.
What happens if my child is sick on test day?
If your child cannot attend the test due to illness or a serious unforeseen circumstance, you must contact the Department of Education as soon as possible. Provisions for an alternative test sitting may be available in documented cases, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How should I prepare my child for the 2026 selective test?
Start preparation at least 6 months before the test. Focus on all four components equally: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. Use computer-based practice tests to build familiarity with the digital format. Ensure your child can type at 30-35 WPM. Complete regular timed practice under realistic test conditions.
What are the four components of the NSW Selective Test?
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test consists of four equally weighted components: Reading (45 minutes, 17 questions), Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes, 35 questions), Thinking Skills (40 minutes, 40 questions), and Writing (30 minutes, 1 extended task).
For more answers, visit our comprehensive NSW Selective School FAQ page.
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Essential Resources for 2026
Everything you need to navigate the selective school journey
NSW Selective Schools Directory
Comprehensive profiles of all 47 selective and partially selective high schools across NSW, including entry methods and locations.
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation
Structured preparation courses covering all four test components with computer-based practice and expert guidance.
Access ResourceSelective Practice Tests
Full-length, timed practice tests replicating the computer-based format of the actual selective placement test.
Access ResourceSelective Test Calculator
Estimate how your child's practice scores compare to historical cutoffs for each selective school.
Access ResourceTest Components Guide 2026
Detailed breakdown of each test component — Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, and Writing — with preparation strategies.
Access ResourceComplete Entry Guide
The definitive guide to NSW selective school entry — covering eligibility, pathways, and everything in between.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 6 February 2026. All dates sourced from NSW Department of Education.