"We started gently in Year 4 with extra reading and puzzles, ramped things up in Year 5 with structured practice, and by Year 6 our daughter felt confident rather than overwhelmed. That gradual build made all the difference." — Priya M., Parent, Parramatta
Data Sources for This Guide
Information in this article is based on the NSW Department of Education's publicly available selective school placement guidelines, the NSW Selective High School and Opportunity Class test structures administered by Cambridge Assessment, and BrainTree Coaching's experience supporting thousands of families across NSW. All test format details reflect the current computer-based assessment model.
When to Start Selective Prep: A Year-by-Year Guide for Parents
One of the most common questions parents ask is: when should we start preparing for the selective test NSW families face in Year 6? It is a question that carries real weight — start too early and you risk burning your child out before the test even arrives; start too late and there may not be enough time to build the depth of skills required.
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is sat in Year 6 for entry into Year 7. It is a computer-based assessment spanning 155 minutes across four equally weighted components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. With approximately 4,248 places available across 47 selective and partially selective schools — and more than 17,000 applicants each year — the preparation journey matters as much as the final sprint.
The good news? Building towards the selective test does not have to feel like a marathon of stress. With the right approach, the two to three years leading up to the test can be a period of genuine intellectual growth — one that benefits your child regardless of the outcome.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- The ideal three-year preparation timeline from Year 4 to Year 6
- What to focus on in Year 4 to build a strong academic foundation
- How Year 5 is the pivotal year for introducing structured practice and reasoning skills
- What Year 6 test-specific preparation looks like in practice
- How OC preparation in Year 4 transfers directly to selective test readiness
- The foundational skills that underpin success across every component of the test
- Warning signs that preparation has started too late — or too early
- How to keep the journey sustainable and enjoyable over two to three years
The Quick Answer: When Should You Start Selective Test Preparation?
Start gentle enrichment in Year 4, structured selective test practice in Year 5, and targeted selective exam preparation in Year 6. The NSW selective test is a 155-minute computer-based assessment covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. Year 4 is for building reading habits and curiosity. Year 5 is the pivotal year for introducing reasoning practice, typing skills, and test-format familiarity. Year 6 is for full-length selective test practice papers under timed conditions and mock exams. This phased approach — spanning two to three years — builds deep skills without burning your child out, and it works whether or not your child sat the opportunity class test in Year 4.
Navigate the complete parent's guide to building towards the selective test
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The 3-Year Preparation Roadmap: Year 4 → Year 5 → Year 6
The most effective selective school preparation is not a sudden burst of intensive coaching in Year 6. It is a gradual, layered approach that builds skills progressively over two to three years. Think of it as constructing a house: Year 4 lays the foundation, Year 5 builds the walls and structure, and Year 6 puts on the roof and fine-tunes everything.
Each phase has a distinct purpose, and rushing through the earlier stages undermines the work of the later ones.
The Selective Test Preparation Journey
Year 4 — Foundation Phase
Objectives
- Build a love of reading across genres
- Develop mathematical confidence beyond the syllabus
- Cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and general knowledge
- Optional: Prepare for OC test (sat during Year 4)
Key Activities
- Daily independent reading (20–30 minutes)
- Maths puzzles, problem-solving challenges
- Discussion-based learning at home
- Introduce logic and pattern-recognition games
Year 5 — Skill-Building Phase
Objectives
- Introduce structured reasoning and test-format practice
- Develop typing proficiency for the computer-based test
- Strengthen written expression and argument construction
- Build time awareness and exam stamina
Key Activities
- Weekly practice in reading comprehension, maths reasoning, and thinking skills
- Regular writing exercises (persuasive, narrative, analytical)
- Typing practice targeting 30–35 WPM
- Begin timed short exercises
Year 6 — Test-Specific Phase
Objectives
- Master the selective test format across all four components
- Refine time management under exam conditions
- Build confidence through mock tests and feedback
- Address individual weaknesses with targeted revision
Key Activities
- Full-length practice papers under timed conditions
- Regular mock tests with performance analysis
- Targeted revision of weak areas
- Stress management and exam-day strategies
This timeline is a guide, not a rigid schedule. Every child is different. Some may need a longer runway; others may pick up skills quickly. The critical insight is that Year 5 is the pivot point — the year where casual enrichment transitions into intentional, structured selective test preparation before the year 6 selective test arrives.
Year 4: Building Strong Foundations
Year 4 is not about test papers and exam techniques. It is about creating the intellectual habits and confidence that will sustain your child through the harder work ahead. The goal is simple: help your child become a curious, capable learner who reads widely, thinks carefully, and enjoys problem-solving.
Reading: The Single Most Important Habit
If there is one thing you prioritise in Year 4, let it be reading. Consistent, wide-ranging reading is the foundation of success in three of the four selective test components — Reading, Writing, and Thinking Skills.
Encourage your child to read for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily, and expose them to a variety of genres: fiction, non-fiction, historical texts, science writing, biographies, and age-appropriate news articles. The aim is not to prepare for specific test questions but to build vocabulary, comprehension stamina, and an intuitive feel for how language works.
Year 4 Reading Goals
- ✓Read independently for 20–30 minutes daily
- ✓Explore at least 3 different genres each term
- ✓Discuss books together — ask 'Why do you think the character did that?'
- ✓Visit the library regularly and let your child choose freely
- ✓Introduce age-appropriate non-fiction (science, history, current events)
- ✓Read slightly above comfort level to stretch vocabulary naturally
Mathematical Confidence Over Speed
In Year 4, the focus should be on understanding mathematical concepts deeply rather than drilling speed. Children who develop genuine number sense — who can reason about why a method works, not just how to apply it — perform significantly better in the Mathematical Reasoning component of the selective test.
Encourage exploration through puzzles, pattern-based games, and real-world maths challenges. Board games like chess, Sudoku, and logic puzzles develop the kind of spatial and sequential reasoning that underpins the Thinking Skills section of the test.
Curiosity-Driven Learning
Year 4 children are naturally curious. Lean into that. Explore science experiments at home, discuss current events at the dinner table, visit museums, and encourage questions. This broad general knowledge feeds into comprehension passages, writing topics, and abstract reasoning — all of which are tested in the selective exam.
Parent Tip: Keep It Light in Year 4
The biggest risk in Year 4 is turning learning into a chore. If your child groans at the thought of reading or maths, something has gone wrong. At this stage, your role is to be a learning partner, not an exam coach. Celebrate curiosity, reward effort, and keep formal "test prep" to an absolute minimum.
Year 5: Structured Skill Building — The Pivotal Year
Year 5 is where the preparation journey shifts from general enrichment to intentional skill development. This does not mean hours of drilling every night — it means introducing your child to the types of thinking the selective test demands, in a structured and progressive way.
Understanding the Test Format
By Year 5, your child should become familiar with the four components of the selective test:
NSW Selective Test at a Glance
Computer-based assessment sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry
Reading
17 questions across 3 multi-part passages
Mathematical Reasoning
35 questions testing problem-solving and number sense
Thinking Skills
40 questions on abstract and logical reasoning
Writing
1 extended writing task assessed on quality
Familiarising your child with the format in Year 5 — not to master it, but to understand what is expected — removes the fear of the unknown and allows Year 6 preparation to focus on performance rather than orientation.
Developing Reasoning Skills
The thinking skills test component often catches families off guard. Unlike Reading or Maths, this part of the selective test assesses abstract, non-verbal reasoning — pattern recognition, spatial manipulation, and logical sequencing. These skills respond well to consistent, deliberate practice over time, which is why starting in Year 5 is so valuable.
Introduce your child to practice questions involving:
- Pattern completion — identifying the next element in a visual sequence
- Spatial reasoning — mentally rotating, reflecting, or folding shapes
- Logical deduction — drawing conclusions from given information
- Analogical reasoning — understanding relationships between concepts
Typing Proficiency: A Non-Negotiable
The selective test is entirely computer-based, and the Writing component requires students to type an extended response within 30 minutes. Students are expected to type fluently at approximately 30 to 35 words per minute — a skill that takes months of regular practice to develop.
Year 5 is the ideal time to begin building typing proficiency. Free online typing programmes can make this engaging, and even 10 to 15 minutes of practice three times a week yields significant improvement over a school year.
Don't Overlook Typing
Many academically strong students lose marks in the Writing component simply because they cannot type quickly enough to express their ideas fully within the time limit. Typing proficiency is not a bonus — it is a fundamental requirement for the computer-based selective test. Start practising in Year 5 at the latest.
Introducing Structured Practice
In Year 5, aim for a consistent weekly practice routine rather than intensive daily sessions. A sustainable schedule might look like:
Sample Year 5 Weekly Practice Schedule
Monday — Reading Comprehension (30 minutes)
Work through one age-appropriate reading passage with questions. Discuss tricky vocabulary and inference questions together.
Wednesday — Mathematical Reasoning (30 minutes)
Tackle problem-solving questions that go beyond school-level maths. Focus on reasoning and showing working, not just getting the answer.
Friday — Thinking Skills (20–30 minutes)
Complete a set of abstract reasoning or pattern recognition questions. Review errors together to build understanding of question types.
Weekend — Writing Practice (30 minutes)
Write one extended response — persuasive, narrative, or analytical. Focus on structure, vocabulary, and developing an argument rather than speed.
Ongoing — Typing (10–15 minutes, 3 times per week)
Use a free typing programme to build speed and accuracy. Track progress and celebrate milestones.
The total weekly commitment at this stage is approximately two and a half to three hours — manageable alongside school, sport, and social activities. Consistency matters far more than volume.
Year 6: Targeted Test Preparation
By Year 6, your child should have a solid foundation of skills and a working familiarity with the test format. The final phase of selective exam preparation is about sharpening performance under exam conditions: refining time management, building stamina, and addressing specific weaknesses. This is the year where consistent selective test practice translates directly into confidence on exam day.
Selective Test Practice Papers and Timed Conditions
Regular selective test practice under timed conditions is essential in Year 6. Working through selective test practice papers — full-length papers or at least full-length sections — helps your child develop the pacing instincts needed to complete each component within its time limit.
After each practice session, review the results together. Look for patterns: Are they running out of time on Reading? Struggling with a particular type of thinking skills test question? Making careless errors in Maths? Targeted revision of specific weaknesses is far more effective than blanket repetition of everything.
Mock Tests: Building Exam Confidence
Mock tests simulate the real exam experience and are one of the most valuable tools in the Year 6 preparation toolkit. They help your child:
- Experience the pressure of a timed, formal setting
- Practise the computer-based format in realistic conditions
- Identify areas of strength and weakness with measurable data
- Build the mental stamina required for 155 minutes of focused thinking
BrainTree offers free mock tests that replicate the selective test environment, giving students a realistic benchmark of their readiness.
Time Management Strategies
Within each component, effective time management separates strong students from top performers. Teach your child to:
- Read the question carefully before jumping to answer — misreading costs more time than careful reading
- Move on from difficult questions and return to them later rather than getting stuck
- Allocate time per question — for example, roughly one minute per question in the Mathematical Reasoning section
- Leave five minutes at the end to review flagged answers
Writing Under Pressure
The Writing component requires students to produce a well-structured, articulate response in just 30 minutes. By Year 6, your child should be comfortable with:
- Planning an essay in two to three minutes
- Writing a clear introduction, developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion
- Using varied vocabulary and sentence structures
- Proofreading quickly for errors
Regular timed writing practice — even one piece per week — builds the fluency and confidence needed to perform well under pressure.
Year 6 Test Preparation Checklist
- ✓Complete at least one full-length timed practice paper per fortnight
- ✓Sit 3–4 mock tests before the real exam
- ✓Review every practice paper to identify patterns in errors
- ✓Practise typing at 30–35 WPM with accuracy
- ✓Develop a consistent essay planning method for the Writing component
- ✓Build a question-skipping strategy for difficult items
- ✓Establish a calm exam-day routine (sleep, breakfast, arrival time)
- ✓Maintain balance — keep sport, hobbies, and downtime in the schedule
The OC Connection: Skills That Transfer
Many families first encounter competitive academic testing through the opportunity class test, which is sat in Year 4 for entry into Year 5. If your child has already been through OC test preparation — whether they secured a place or not — they carry a significant advantage into selective test preparation.
The OC test covers three components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. These overlap directly with three of the four selective test components. The key skills developed during OC preparation — close reading, logical reasoning, mathematical problem-solving, and working under timed conditions — are directly transferable to the selective test.
OC Test vs Selective Test
How the two assessments compare across key dimensions
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Taken | Year 4 | Year 6 | 2-year gap allows skill development |
| Format | Computer-based | Computer-based | Same digital testing environment |
| Reading | 14 questions, 40 min | 17 questions, 45 min | Selective adds complexity and length |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 35 questions, 40 min | 35 questions, 40 min | Same structure, harder content |
| Thinking Skills | 30 questions, 30 min | 40 questions, 40 min | Selective increases volume |
| Writing | Not tested | 1 task, 30 min | New component requiring preparation |
| Typing Required | Minimal | 30–35 WPM | Must develop typing fluency |
For students who sat the OC test, the selective preparation journey is often smoother because the test-taking mindset is already established. They understand timed conditions, multiple-choice strategy, and the importance of practice. The main additions for the selective test are the Writing component and the increased difficulty level across all sections.
If your child did not sit the opportunity class test, do not worry. The same skills can be developed through a well-structured Year 5 selective test preparation programme. The OC pathway is an advantage, not a prerequisite for the selective test NSW students face in Year 6. For more on OC test preparation, visit our Opportunity Class preparation guide.
Foundational Skills Every Child Needs
Regardless of when you begin formal preparation, certain foundational skills underpin success across every component of the selective test. These are not test-specific tricks — they are the building blocks of academic capability that serve your child well beyond any single exam.
Reading Widely and Deeply
Students who read widely develop larger vocabularies, stronger comprehension skills, and a natural sense of how arguments and narratives are constructed. This feeds directly into the Reading, Writing, and Thinking Skills components.
Encourage reading across fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, science magazines, and opinion pieces. The breadth of material matters as much as the volume — a child who reads only fantasy fiction will struggle with the informational and analytical texts that frequently appear in the selective test.
Solving Puzzles and Problems
Mathematical reasoning and thinking skills are fundamentally about problem-solving. Children who regularly engage with puzzles — logic grids, Sudoku, chess, tangrams, coding challenges — develop the flexible, analytical thinking that these components demand.
The key is to normalise the experience of being stuck. Children who learn to persist through a difficult problem, try different approaches, and tolerate uncertainty are far better prepared for the challenging questions that differentiate top performers in the selective test.
Writing Regularly
Writing is a skill that develops through practice. Children who write regularly — journals, stories, letters, persuasive arguments, book reviews — build fluency, vocabulary, and the ability to organise their thoughts clearly under time pressure.
In the selective test, the Writing component is assessed on the quality of ideas, structure, vocabulary, and language conventions. These qualities cannot be crammed in a few weeks — they emerge from months and years of regular writing practice.
"The children who perform best in the selective test are not the ones who have done the most practice papers. They are the ones who read voraciously, think critically, and write with confidence — skills built over years, not weeks."
Academic Team
Warning Signs: Starting Too Late vs Starting Too Early
Finding the right balance is crucial. Both extremes — starting too late and starting too early — carry risks that can undermine your child's performance and wellbeing.
Signs You May Be Starting Too Late
If your child is entering Year 6 without any prior exposure to competitive test formats, there are warning signs to watch for:
- Unfamiliarity with question types — spending time understanding what questions are asking rather than solving them
- Slow typing speed — unable to type fluently enough to complete the Writing task
- Limited reading stamina — struggling to concentrate through longer, more complex passages
- Time pressure panic — freezing or rushing when faced with a timed task
- Gaps in mathematical reasoning — difficulty with multi-step problems or unfamiliar question formats
If you recognise these signs, intensive and well-structured preparation can still make a meaningful difference, but the window is narrower. Focus on the highest-impact areas: typing proficiency, test format familiarity, and timed practice.
Signs You May Be Starting Too Early
Conversely, beginning intensive, test-focused preparation in Year 3 or early Year 4 can create problems:
- Burnout and resentment — your child begins to associate learning with pressure and obligation
- Diminishing returns — skills plateau when pushed beyond age-appropriate levels
- Loss of intrinsic motivation — learning becomes about scores rather than curiosity
- Social and emotional cost — missing out on play, sport, and social development
- Repetitive practice fatigue — running out of fresh material before the actual test year
The Burnout Risk Is Real
Children who have been intensively coached since Year 3 sometimes arrive at the selective test in Year 6 exhausted and disengaged. Three years of test papers is too much for any child. If your child is in Year 4, focus on enrichment and enjoyment — there will be plenty of time for structured practice in Year 5 and Year 6.
The sweet spot for most families is gentle enrichment in Year 4, structured practice in Year 5, and targeted test preparation in Year 6. This phased approach builds skills progressively without sacrificing your child's love of learning.
Keeping Preparation Sustainable and Enjoyable Over 2–3 Years
A two-to-three-year preparation journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The families who navigate it most successfully are those who protect their child's wellbeing throughout the process and maintain a healthy relationship with learning.
Set Realistic Expectations
Not every child will secure a place at a fully selective school, and that is perfectly fine. The skills developed during preparation — critical thinking, disciplined study habits, strong literacy and numeracy — benefit your child regardless of the outcome. Frame the journey as one of growth, not just results.
Maintain Balance
Your child needs time for sport, creative activities, friendships, and unstructured play. These are not luxuries to be sacrificed for extra practice papers — they are essential for cognitive development, emotional resilience, and sustained motivation.
A preparation schedule that crowds out everything else is unsustainable. Protect at least two to three afternoons per week for non-academic activities, even in the final months before the test.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Scores
Focus on what your child is improving rather than fixating on marks. Did they manage their time better this week? Did they attempt a question type they previously avoided? Did their writing show more sophisticated vocabulary? These incremental improvements matter and deserve recognition.
Know When to Step Back
If your child is consistently anxious, tearful, or resistant to practice, it is a signal to reassess. A short break — even a week or two — can reset motivation and perspective. No selective test result is worth compromising your child's mental health or your relationship with them.
Sustainability Checklist for Parents
- ✓Keep at least 2–3 afternoons per week free from academic work
- ✓Maintain regular sport, music, or creative activities throughout preparation
- ✓Avoid comparing your child's progress with other families
- ✓Schedule regular breaks — a week off each school holiday is healthy
- ✓Talk about the journey positively — emphasise growth, not pressure
- ✓Seek professional support if your child shows signs of anxiety or distress
- ✓Remember: the selective test is one pathway, not the only pathway
Build a Support Network
Connect with other families on the same journey. Sharing experiences, resources, and encouragement can make the process less isolating for both parents and children. A structured preparation programme, like those offered through BrainTree's selective school preparation courses, provides expert guidance, regular benchmarks, and a community of families working towards the same goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year 4 too early to start preparing for the selective test?
Year 4 is not too early to build foundational skills — reading widely, developing mathematical confidence, and nurturing curiosity. However, Year 4 is too early for intensive, test-focused preparation such as drilling practice papers. Think of Year 4 as the enrichment phase: broad, enjoyable, and low-pressure. Structured selective test practice is best introduced in Year 5.
What if we missed the OC test? Is it too late?
Not at all. The OC test is a separate pathway that provides a useful head start, but it is not a prerequisite for selective school success. Many students who did not sit or did not pass the OC test go on to secure selective school places. A well-structured preparation programme starting in Year 5 provides ample time to develop the necessary skills. See our complete guide to NSW selective school entry for a full overview.
How many hours per week should my child practise in Year 5?
In Year 5, approximately two and a half to three hours per week of structured practice is sufficient — spread across three to four sessions. This allows time for each test component without overwhelming your child. Consistency is more important than volume. As Year 6 approaches, you may gradually increase to four to five hours per week.
Does my child need a tutor or coaching programme?
Many families manage early preparation independently using quality resources and a consistent schedule. However, a structured coaching programme becomes particularly valuable in Year 5 and Year 6, when expert guidance on test strategy, personalised feedback on writing, and access to realistic practice materials can make a significant difference. Explore BrainTree's selective preparation courses to see how structured support can complement your home efforts.
How important is typing for the selective test?
Typing is critically important. The entire selective test is computer-based, and the Writing component requires students to type an extended response in 30 minutes. Students who type slowly cannot express their ideas fully within the time limit. Aim for 30 to 35 words per minute with reasonable accuracy by the start of Year 6. Start practising in Year 5 — it takes months of regular practice to develop this skill.
What if my child is resistant to practice?
Resistance is a signal, not a defiance. It may indicate that the material is too hard, too easy, too repetitive, or that the child feels pressured. Try varying the format — swap worksheets for games, have discussions instead of written exercises, or take a short break. If resistance persists, consider whether the preparation schedule needs adjustment. A child who is engaged and willing will always outperform a child who is forced through the motions. For strategies to keep preparation effective and positive, see our selective school success strategies guide.
What does the NSW selective test actually assess?
The selective test NSW students sit in Year 6 is a 155-minute computer-based assessment with four equally weighted components: Reading (45 minutes, 17 questions across three passages), Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes, 35 questions), a thinking skills test (40 minutes, 40 abstract reasoning questions), and Writing (30 minutes, one extended response). The test is designed to identify students who would benefit from a selective high school environment — it rewards deep comprehension, flexible problem-solving, logical reasoning, and clear written communication rather than rote memorisation. Understanding the test structure early helps families plan their selective test preparation effectively across Year 4 to Year 6.
Can OC test preparation help with the selective test?
Absolutely. The opportunity class test and the selective test share three of four components — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. Students who have completed OC test preparation have already developed core reasoning skills, test-taking stamina, and familiarity with the computer-based format. The main addition for the selective test is the Writing component, which requires typing fluency and the ability to construct a well-argued extended response in 30 minutes. Families who have invested in OC test preparation will find that much of the selective exam preparation journey is already underway, giving their child a meaningful head start in Year 5 and Year 6.
What selective test practice papers should we use in Year 5 and Year 6?
In Year 5, start with age-appropriate selective test practice papers that introduce your child to question types without overwhelming them — focus on building understanding rather than speed. By Year 6, shift to full-length selective test practice papers sat under timed conditions to simulate the real exam. Use a mix of official practice resources from the NSW Department of Education, reputable publishers, and structured coaching platforms like BrainTree that provide realistic selective test practice with detailed performance feedback. Avoid over-relying on a single source — variety ensures your child develops flexible thinking rather than pattern-matching to one style of question.
Is one year of selective test preparation enough?
One year of focused selective exam preparation — typically Year 6 — can be sufficient for students who already have strong foundational skills in reading, maths, and reasoning. However, two years (starting in Year 5) is ideal for most students because it allows time to develop the thinking skills test abilities, build typing proficiency, and introduce each test component gradually without pressure. Students who start with just one year often find themselves cramming multiple skill areas simultaneously, which increases stress and limits depth of understanding. If you are starting in Year 6, prioritise the highest-impact areas: test format familiarity, selective test practice under timed conditions, and typing speed.
How can I tell if my child is on track for the selective test?
Key benchmarks to look for include: by the end of Year 5, your child should be comfortable with age-appropriate reasoning questions, able to type at approximately 25 to 30 words per minute, reading independently for 30 minutes or more, and producing structured written responses of 300 to 400 words. By mid-Year 6, they should be completing full selective test practice papers within time limits, scoring consistently on mock tests, and demonstrating improvement in their weakest component. If your child is struggling across multiple areas in Year 6, consider a structured selective test preparation programme that provides expert diagnosis of gaps and a targeted revision plan. Regular mock tests — such as those offered through BrainTree's free mock tests — provide the most reliable benchmarks.
BrainTree's structured courses guide students from Year 4 foundations through to Year 6 test mastery — with expert teaching, realistic practice, and a supportive learning community.
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- ✓3 Reading Comprehension tests
- ✓3 Mathematical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Numerical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Verbal Reasoning tests
- ✓Detailed explanations for every question
- ✓Performance analytics and progress tracking
- ✓90 days unlimited access
- ✓Email support

- ✓60+ Verbal Reasoning lessons
- ✓Pattern, analogy, and logic mastery
- ✓Timed practice sets
- ✓Detailed explanations
- ✓Self-paced
- ✓Email support
Further Reading and Resources
Continue exploring our guides to support your child's selective school journey
NSW Selective School Entry: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the selective school test — format, dates, eligibility, and preparation strategies.
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation Courses
Structured programmes for Year 5 and Year 6 students covering all four test components with expert guidance.
Access ResourceFree Selective School Mock Tests
Realistic practice exams that simulate the actual test environment and provide detailed performance analysis.
Access ResourceSelective School Success Strategies 2026
Proven strategies for maximising performance across Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, and Writing.
Access ResourceOpportunity Class Preparation
For families with children in Year 3 or Year 4 — build the skills that transfer directly to selective test readiness.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 6 February 2026

