"We started preparing in Year 5 and it made all the difference. By the time the test came around, our daughter felt confident and prepared — not overwhelmed. That early start gave her time to build skills gradually instead of cramming." — Michelle T., Parent, North Shore
Data Sources for This Guide
All test information is based on the NSW Department of Education's official Selective High School Placement Test structure, administered by Cambridge Assessment. Test format and component weightings reflect the current computer-based assessment model. NAPLAN references are sourced from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) via nap.edu.au.
When Should You Start Preparing for the Selective Test 2027?
The ideal time to begin selective test preparation for the 2027 NSW Selective High School Placement Test is during Year 5 (2026) — approximately 12 months before the exam. Starting early gives your child time to build foundational skills in reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills, and writing, while also developing the 30–35 WPM typing speed required for the computer-based test. A structured selective exam preparation plan that begins in mid-2026 allows for gradual skill development, regular selective test practice, diagnostic assessments, and full test simulations — without the stress of last-minute cramming. Year 5 students who follow a phased approach consistently outperform those who start only a few months before the year 6 selective test.
Your Child's Selective Test 2027 Journey Starts Now
If your child is currently in Year 5 (2026), they will sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test in 2027 during Year 6. With approximately 17,000 students competing for around 4,248 places across 47 selective schools, early and structured preparation is not just helpful — it is essential.
The difference between students who perform at their best and those who fall short often comes down to one factor: when they started preparing. Starting in Year 5, a full year before the test, gives your child the time to develop deep skills rather than surface-level familiarity. It transforms preparation from a stressful sprint into a manageable, confidence-building journey.
This guide provides a complete roadmap for parents who want to know how to prepare for selective test success in 2027. Whether you are just beginning to explore selective schools or have already decided to pursue a placement, this forward-looking selective test preparation plan will help you structure every stage from mid-2026 through to test day in 2027.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Why Year 5 is the optimal time to begin structured selective test preparation
- Exactly what the 2027 selective test involves — all four components explained
- A detailed month-by-month preparation timeline from mid-2026 to May 2027
- How to build the four foundational skills your child needs for success
- Why typing speed matters and how to reach the required 30–35 WPM
- How Year 5 NAPLAN results can guide your preparation strategy
- A proven selective test practice progression from diagnostic to full simulation
- Essential selective test tips for balancing preparation with regular school work
Everything Year 5 parents need to plan ahead for the selective test in 2027
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Why Starting Selective Test Preparation Early Matters
Many parents wonder whether beginning selective exam preparation in Year 5 is too early. The short answer is no — and the research on skill development strongly supports an early start.
The Case Against Last-Minute Preparation
The selective test is not a knowledge-based exam that rewards memorisation. It assesses reasoning ability, reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and written communication — skills that develop over months and years, not weeks. Students who begin preparation only a few months before the test often find themselves trying to simultaneously learn test strategies, build foundational skills, and manage the pressure of an approaching deadline.
This compressed approach leads to surface-level preparation. A child might learn to recognise certain question types without developing the deeper reasoning skills needed to tackle unfamiliar problems on test day. When the test presents a question in an unexpected format — as it inevitably will — students who relied on pattern recognition alone can struggle.
The Advantages of a Year 5 Start
Beginning structured preparation in Year 5 offers several distinct advantages:
Gradual skill development. Complex skills like mathematical reasoning and analytical writing improve incrementally. Starting early allows your child to build these skills layer by layer, with each new concept reinforcing what came before.
Reduced pressure. When families have twelve months rather than three, preparation becomes part of a regular routine rather than an all-consuming crisis. This leads to better retention, healthier attitudes towards learning, and stronger performance under test conditions.
Time for identification and correction. An early diagnostic assessment reveals specific strengths and weaknesses. With a year ahead, there is ample time to address gaps methodically. A child who struggles with reading inference, for example, can spend months developing that skill through targeted reading and structured practice.
Confidence through familiarity. By test day, a well-prepared student has encountered hundreds of varied selective test questions across all four components. This familiarity through consistent selective test practice breeds confidence, and confidence is a powerful factor in high-stakes assessments.
"The families who see the best results are almost always those who started early and stayed consistent. It's not about doing more — it's about doing the right things over a longer period."
Academic Team
What the 2027 Selective Test Involves
Understanding the test structure is the first step in effective preparation. The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based assessment developed and administered by Cambridge Assessment. It consists of four equally weighted components completed in a total of 155 minutes.
Selective Test at a Glance
Four components, equally weighted at 25% each
Total Test Duration
Across all four components
Test Sections
Reading, Maths, Thinking, Writing
Equal Weighting
Every section counts equally
Available Places
Across 47 selective schools in NSW
The Four Test Components
Reading (45 minutes, 25%) — Your child will answer 17 questions based on three multi-part reading passages. These passages span a range of genres and complexity levels, testing comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context, and the ability to analyse an author's purpose and techniques. Strong readers who engage with diverse texts regularly have a clear advantage.
Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes, 25%) — This section contains 35 questions that go well beyond standard school mathematics. It tests logical reasoning, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts to unfamiliar scenarios. Calculators are not permitted — mental arithmetic and estimation skills are essential.
Thinking Skills (40 minutes, 25%) — With 40 questions in 40 minutes, this fast-paced section assesses abstract and logical reasoning. Questions involve sequences, spatial reasoning, deductive logic, and analytical thinking. This component rewards students who can think flexibly and process information quickly.
Writing (30 minutes, 25%) — Students complete one extended writing task in 30 minutes. Because the test is computer-based, typing proficiency is critical. Students need to type at 30–35 words per minute (WPM) to produce a sufficient response. This component assesses the ability to construct a coherent argument or narrative with clear structure, varied vocabulary, and accurate language conventions.
For a detailed breakdown of each component, see our complete guide to NSW selective school test components.
Typing Speed Is Non-Negotiable
The writing component is completed entirely on a computer. Students who cannot type fluently at 30–35 WPM will not have enough time to plan, write, and review a quality response in 30 minutes. Begin building typing skills now — this is one area where early preparation makes an enormous difference.
Month-by-Month Preparation Plan: Mid-2026 to May 2027
A structured timeline removes guesswork and keeps preparation on track. The following plan assumes your child is in Year 5 during 2026 and will sit the selective test during Term 2 of Year 6 in 2027.
Your 12-Month Selective Test 2027 Preparation Roadmap
Phase 1: Foundation Building
Objectives
- Establish baseline skill levels across all four components
- Build daily reading habits and mathematical fluency
- Begin regular typing practice
Key Activities
- Complete a diagnostic practice test to identify strengths and gaps
- Start a daily reading routine (20–30 min of varied genres)
- Introduce weekly mathematical reasoning practice
- Begin typing practice (10–15 min daily) targeting 25 WPM by end of phase
- Explore the selective school landscape and shortlist preferred schools
Phase 2: Targeted Skill Development
Objectives
- Address specific weaknesses identified in diagnostic
- Develop test-specific strategies for each component
- Increase typing speed towards 30 WPM
Key Activities
- Work on targeted reading comprehension skills (inference, vocabulary, analysis)
- Practise multi-step mathematical reasoning problems weekly
- Introduce thinking skills exercises (sequences, spatial, logic)
- Begin timed writing practice (one piece per week)
- Complete a second diagnostic to measure progress
Phase 3: Consolidation & Practice
Objectives
- Consolidate skills across all four areas
- Build test stamina and time management
- Achieve 30–35 WPM typing speed
Key Activities
- Use school holidays for intensive but balanced practice sessions
- Complete full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Refine writing structure and speed (plan, write, review cycle)
- Focus on weakest component with targeted exercises
- Practise switching between component types to build mental agility
Phase 4: Test Simulation & Refinement
Objectives
- Fine-tune test technique and time management
- Build confidence through realistic simulations
- Maintain wellbeing and manage pre-test anxiety
Key Activities
- Complete weekly full-length practice tests in test-like conditions
- Review every practice test to identify recurring error patterns
- Simulate computer-based test environment (screen, keyboard, timer)
- Taper intensity in final two weeks — light revision and confidence building
- Ensure adequate sleep, nutrition, and relaxation before test day
Key Milestones to Track
Throughout this timeline, monitor progress at regular intervals. By the end of Phase 1, your child should have a clear diagnostic profile. By the end of Phase 2, you should see measurable improvement in their weakest areas. Phase 3 is where stamina and speed come together, and Phase 4 is about polishing performance and maintaining confidence.
The most common mistake families make is spending too long in Phase 1 and rushing through Phase 4. Aim to enter the new year (2027) with foundation skills firmly established, so the final months can focus on practice, simulation, and refinement.
Building the Four Foundational Skills
Success in the selective test rests on four pillars: reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, writing fluency, and typing proficiency. Each requires a deliberate approach.
Reading Comprehension
The reading component rewards students who read widely, deeply, and critically. This is not a skill that can be developed through test papers alone — it requires genuine engagement with diverse texts.
Encourage your child to read across multiple genres: fiction, non-fiction, news articles, opinion pieces, science writing, and historical accounts. The selective test uses passages from a variety of sources, and students who have encountered different writing styles and text structures are better equipped to analyse unfamiliar material under time pressure.
Practical strategies:
- Set a daily reading target of 20–30 minutes of self-selected reading
- Discuss what your child reads — ask about the author's purpose, main arguments, and hidden meanings
- Introduce a vocabulary journal for new words encountered during reading
- Practise reading comprehension questions that require inference rather than simple recall
Mathematical Reasoning
The mathematical reasoning section tests more than calculation — it tests logical thinking applied to mathematical contexts. Your child needs strong number sense, comfort with fractions, decimals, and percentages, and the ability to approach multi-step problems systematically.
Practical strategies:
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising procedures
- Practise mental arithmetic daily — this builds speed and confidence without a calculator
- Work through problems that require multiple steps and strategic thinking
- Encourage your child to explain their reasoning aloud — verbalising the thinking process deepens understanding
Writing Fluency
With only 30 minutes for the writing task, efficiency is paramount. Your child needs to plan quickly, write coherently, and review effectively — all while typing on a computer.
Practical strategies:
- Practise writing one timed piece per week (25–30 minutes) on a computer
- Teach a simple planning framework: 3 minutes to plan, 22 minutes to write, 5 minutes to review
- Focus on paragraph structure, varied sentence openings, and precise vocabulary
- Read high-quality writing together to build an instinct for effective expression
Typing Proficiency
This is the skill that most families underestimate. A student who types at 15 WPM will produce roughly half the content of a student typing at 30 WPM — with the same amount of thinking time. The required typing speed of 30–35 WPM takes months to develop, which is precisely why starting in Year 5 is so important.
Typing Development Milestones
- ✓Phase 1 target: Learn correct finger placement and reach 20–25 WPM
- ✓Phase 2 target: Build fluency and accuracy to reach 28–30 WPM
- ✓Phase 3 target: Achieve 30–35 WPM with consistent accuracy
- ✓Phase 4 target: Maintain speed while composing original text (not just copying)
- ✓Practise 10–15 minutes daily using free online typing programmes
- ✓Always practise on a full-sized keyboard similar to what will be used on test day
- ✓Transition from copying exercises to composing original paragraphs while typing
Using NAPLAN Year 5 Results to Gauge Readiness
Your child's NAPLAN Year 5 results (from March 2026) provide a valuable — though imperfect — indicator of their readiness for selective test preparation.
NAPLAN assesses Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, punctuation), and Numeracy using an adaptive online format. Results are reported across four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing, and Needs Additional Support.
NAPLAN Performance as a Selective Readiness Indicator
How Year 5 NAPLAN results can inform your preparation strategy
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Exceeding/Strong | Developing/Needs Support | Exceeding or Strong suggests solid foundation; focus on test-specific strategies. Lower bands indicate the need for intensive comprehension work before test practice. |
| Numeracy | Exceeding/Strong | Developing/Needs Support | Strong numeracy correlates with readiness for mathematical reasoning. Developing band students need foundational work on number sense and problem-solving. |
| Writing | Exceeding/Strong | Developing/Needs Support | Writing skill transfers directly. However, the selective test requires typing, which NAPLAN writing in Year 3 was on paper. Focus on both quality and typing speed. |
| Conventions of Language | Exceeding/Strong | Developing/Needs Support | Accurate spelling and grammar strengthen writing scores. Students in lower bands should incorporate daily language conventions practice. |
Important Caveats
NAPLAN and the selective test are fundamentally different assessments. NAPLAN is a broad curriculum-based assessment, while the selective test is designed to differentiate among high-achieving students. A child who achieves "Exceeding" in NAPLAN may still find the selective test challenging, because the selective test deliberately pushes beyond standard curriculum expectations.
Additionally, NAPLAN does not include a Thinking Skills component — the section that many students find most challenging in the selective test. There is no school-based equivalent, which means specific preparation for abstract and logical reasoning is essential regardless of NAPLAN results.
Use NAPLAN as a starting point, not a definitive predictor. It can guide where to focus early preparation, but it should not be the sole basis for deciding whether your child is "ready" to pursue a selective placement.
NAPLAN Results as a Starting Point
If your child scored in the Exceeding band across all NAPLAN domains, they likely have the foundational academic skills for selective preparation. Focus your early efforts on thinking skills, typing, and test-specific strategies. If results were mixed, use the weaker areas to prioritise your Phase 1 and Phase 2 preparation focus.
Practice Test Strategy: From Diagnostic to Full Simulation
Not all practice is equal. A structured approach to practice tests — progressing from diagnostic assessment through to full simulation — produces far better results than simply completing test after test without a clear purpose.
The Three-Stage Practice Test Progression
Stage 1: Diagnostic Assessment (June–August 2026)
Begin with one or two full-length practice tests completed in a relaxed, untimed setting. The goal is not to achieve a high score — it is to identify exactly where your child's strengths and weaknesses lie. Analyse results by component and question type. Which reading question types cause difficulty? Where do mathematical errors cluster? How does your child approach thinking skills questions? This diagnostic profile becomes the foundation of your entire preparation plan.
Stage 2: Targeted Practice (September 2026–February 2027)
Based on diagnostic findings, focus practice on specific skill areas. If your child struggles with reading inference questions, dedicate sessions to inference-specific exercises. If mathematical reasoning breaks down on multi-step problems, isolate and practise that skill. During this phase, introduce timed conditions gradually — start with generous time limits and progressively tighten them. Complete a mid-point diagnostic in November to measure improvement and adjust focus areas.
Stage 3: Full Simulation (March–May 2027)
In the final phase, replicate test conditions as closely as possible. Complete full-length practice tests in a quiet environment, on a computer, with strict timing. Practise the transition between components. After each simulation, conduct a thorough review — not just marking right and wrong answers, but understanding why errors occurred and how to prevent them. Taper the frequency in the final two weeks to avoid burnout and maintain confidence.
Getting the Most from Practice Tests
The review process after each practice test is more valuable than the test itself. Encourage your child to categorise their errors:
- Careless errors — understood the concept but made a silly mistake (address through checking habits)
- Knowledge gaps — did not know the concept or skill required (address through targeted teaching)
- Strategy errors — knew the concept but applied the wrong approach (address through worked examples and discussion)
- Time pressure errors — could have answered correctly with more time (address through speed-building exercises)
This error analysis directs preparation towards the highest-impact areas. A child who makes mostly careless errors needs different support than one who has fundamental knowledge gaps.
Explore our selective test practice papers for high-quality, test-aligned materials, or try a free mock test to get started with an initial diagnostic.
Balancing Preparation with Year 5 and Year 6 School Work
One of the greatest challenges parents face is maintaining balance. Your child still needs to engage fully with their regular schooling, maintain friendships, participate in extracurricular activities, and have time to simply be a child. Selective test preparation should enhance their education, not consume it.
Practical Scheduling Guidelines
During Year 5 (2026): Aim for 30–45 minutes of selective-focused preparation on most school days, with one longer session (60–90 minutes) on weekends. This is in addition to regular homework. The focus should be on building foundational skills — reading widely, mathematical reasoning, and typing — rather than intensive test practice.
During Year 6 (2027, pre-test): Increase to 45–60 minutes on school days, with longer weekend sessions that include full practice tests. As the test approaches, preparation naturally intensifies, but guard against over-scheduling. A fatigued, anxious child will not perform at their best.
Protecting Wellbeing
Watch for signs that preparation is becoming counterproductive: reluctance to study, increased anxiety, declining school performance, or withdrawal from activities they enjoy. These are signals to step back, reassess the schedule, and ensure your child still has adequate time for play, rest, and social connection.
The 80/20 Principle in Test Preparation
Most of your child's improvement will come from consistent, focused practice in their weakest areas — not from doing more of everything. Identify the two or three specific skills that will yield the greatest gains and prioritise those. Quality always trumps quantity.
Leveraging School Learning
Much of what your child learns in Year 5 and Year 6 directly supports selective test preparation. School literacy and numeracy programmes build the same foundational skills tested in the exam. Rather than viewing school work and selective preparation as competing demands, look for overlap. A school assignment on persuasive writing doubles as writing practice. A maths unit on fractions reinforces mathematical reasoning. The key is to supplement school learning with test-specific strategies, not replace it.
For broader strategies on building a long-term preparation plan, see our selective school preparation guide and our article on selective school success strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year 5 too early to start preparing for the selective test?
No. Year 5 is widely considered the ideal time to begin structured preparation. Starting 12 months before the test allows skills to develop gradually, reduces last-minute pressure, and provides time to address weaknesses methodically. The foundational skills tested — reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, analytical thinking, and writing — all benefit from extended practice periods.
How many hours per week should a Year 5 student spend on selective preparation?
During Year 5, aim for approximately 4–6 hours per week of selective-focused preparation, spread across daily sessions of 30–45 minutes with a longer weekend session. This is sustainable alongside school commitments and extracurricular activities. The total will increase modestly in Year 6 as the test approaches.
Does my child need a tutor, or can we prepare at home?
Both approaches can be effective. Home preparation works well for families who can dedicate time to structured practice and have access to quality materials. Professional coaching adds value through expert guidance on test strategies, realistic practice test environments, and the ability to benchmark your child's progress against other candidates. Many families use a combination — structured coursework supplemented by independent practice at home.
What if my child's NAPLAN results are not in the Exceeding band?
NAPLAN results in the Strong band still indicate a solid foundation for selective preparation. Students in the Developing band face a greater challenge but are not excluded — they will need more intensive foundational work before moving to test-specific practice. Remember that NAPLAN and the selective test assess different things, and dedicated preparation can significantly close gaps over 12 months.
How important is the writing component compared to the other sections?
All four components are equally weighted at 25%. The writing section is just as important as reading, mathematical reasoning, or thinking skills. Because it requires typing proficiency in addition to writing skill, many students find it the most challenging to prepare for. Starting typing practice early is one of the highest-impact actions you can take.
When is the 2027 selective test expected to take place?
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is typically held during Term 2 of Year 6. Exact dates for 2027 will be announced by the NSW Department of Education. Monitor the official School Selective High School website for confirmed dates and registration details.
Can my child apply to multiple selective schools?
Yes. During the application process, students list their preferred selective schools in order of preference. NSW has 47 selective schools — 25 fully selective and 22 partially selective. Your child's test performance, combined with their school preference list, determines placement offers.
How do I use NAPLAN Year 5 results to guide selective test preparation?
Your child's NAPLAN Year 5 results offer a useful starting point for identifying strengths and gaps. If your child scored in the Exceeding band across Reading, Writing, and Numeracy, their foundational academic skills are likely strong enough to focus on selective test practice and thinking skills strategies. If results were mixed — for example, Strong in Reading but Developing in Numeracy — prioritise the weaker area in Phases 1 and 2 of your preparation. Remember that NAPLAN does not test Thinking Skills, so dedicated preparation for abstract reasoning is essential regardless of NAPLAN outcomes.
What selective test practice papers should we use for 2027 preparation?
Choose selective test practice papers that match the current computer-based, four-component format: Reading (17 questions, 45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions, 40 minutes), Thinking Skills (40 questions, 40 minutes), and Writing (1 task, 30 minutes). Avoid older papers designed for the previous pen-and-paper format. Start with official NSW Department of Education sample questions as a benchmark, then supplement with high-quality provider materials that include detailed answer explanations and progress tracking.
What are the most effective selective test tips for Year 5 students?
The most effective selective test tips for Year 5 students include: start with a diagnostic assessment to identify your child's specific strengths and weaknesses; build a consistent daily routine of 30–45 minutes rather than occasional long sessions; develop typing speed to 30–35 WPM early; read widely across fiction, non-fiction, and persuasive texts; practise mental arithmetic daily; and introduce selective test questions gradually under timed conditions rather than jumping straight into full practice tests.
How does the year 6 selective test differ from school exams?
The year 6 selective test is fundamentally different from regular school assessments. It is a competitive placement exam designed to differentiate among high-achieving students, not a curriculum-based test of what has been taught in class. The Thinking Skills component has no school equivalent, the Mathematical Reasoning section goes well beyond standard Year 6 maths, and the Writing component requires typing on a computer within a strict 30-minute time limit. This is why specific selective exam preparation beyond regular school work is essential.
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Essential Resources for 2027 Selective Test Preparation
Guides, practice materials, and tools to support your child's journey
Selective School Preparation Guide
Comprehensive overview of what it takes to prepare effectively for the NSW selective school placement test.
Access ResourceSelective Practice Tests
High-quality practice materials aligned to the current test format, covering all four components.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Try a complimentary diagnostic test to establish your child's baseline and identify preparation priorities.
Access ResourceTest Components Complete Guide
Detailed breakdown of all four selective test components with strategies for each section.
Access ResourceSelective School Success Strategies
Proven approaches to selective school preparation covering mindset, planning, and execution.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 6 February 2026