Master Edutest for NSW Selective Schools & Scholarships with Expert Online Coaching & Practice Tests

Edutest provides the gateway to Australia's most prestigious selective schools and scholarship programs, offering a standardized assessment that measures both academic potential and achievement across five critical areas. This comprehensive examination serves as the primary entrance test for NSW selective high schools accepting Years 8-11 transfers (including James Ruse Agricultural High School, Baulkham Hills High School, North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, and Sydney Girls High School), all three Queensland Academies (QASMT for Science/Mathematics/Technology, QACI for Creative Industries, and QAHS for Health Sciences), and hundreds of independent schools nationwide offering academic scholarships worth $7,000+ annually.

Unlike curriculum-based tests, Edutest assesses reasoning ability alongside learned knowledge, creating a holistic picture of student capability that schools use to identify exceptional talent. The test consists of five distinct sections—Verbal Reasoning (60 questions, 30 minutes), Numerical Reasoning (50 questions, 30 minutes), Reading Comprehension (50 questions, 30 minutes), Mathematics (60 questions, 30 minutes), and Written Expression (1 response, 15 minutes)—totaling approximately 2.5 hours of testing time, with most students completing only about half the questions by design.

The test format intentionally challenges students beyond typical completion rates—this is not a flaw but a deliberate design element allowing schools to identify exceptional performers. Questions deliberately exceed what most students can complete in allocated time, with no penalties for incorrect or unanswered questions, so strategic guessing and attempting every accessible question proves beneficial. Understanding this reality reduces test-day anxiety significantly and helps families set realistic expectations.

Edutest divides its assessment into two fundamental categories that together reveal both innate potential and academic achievement:

Ability Tests (Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning) measure thinking capacity without relying on curriculum knowledge—these sections predict how quickly students can learn and what complexity levels they can handle, essentially evaluating raw intellectual horsepower. Schools value these sections because they identify students who can thrive in faster-paced, higher-complexity academic environments regardless of prior educational opportunities.

Achievement Tests (Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Written Expression) demonstrate what students have already learned and how effectively they execute acquired skills. These sections measure curriculum-based knowledge at year-appropriate levels, revealing students' current academic standing and skill execution.

This dual-category system allows selective schools to distinguish between students who have simply memorized content and those with genuine capacity for accelerated, rigorous academic programs. NSW selective schools specifically seek students who enjoy asking questions, delving deep into topics, and being challenged academically. Queensland Academies look for high levels of commitment, work ethic, capacity for planning, and personal qualities enabling success in rigorous International Baccalaureate programs.

Schools value Edutest because it provides standardized comparison across thousands of students nationally. Traditional school reports vary dramatically between institutions, making relative performance assessment difficult, but Edutest ranks students against peers at the same year level across Australia. More than half of scholarship test-takers score in the "average" range—and these are already high-achieving students, which illustrates the test's difficulty and selective nature. Being placed in top percentiles significantly increases scholarship chances since schools typically offer only 1-3 scholarship positions per cohort.

The test's predictive validity—its ability to identify students who will actually succeed in selective environments—makes it particularly valuable. Results reflect performance on that specific testing occasion only and can be affected by fatigue, limited test-taking experience, and anxiety, which is why familiarization with format and strategic preparation prove valuable in helping students demonstrate their actual abilities effectively.

1. Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes, 60 questions) - Ability Test

This section evaluates language-based thinking and reasoning capacity without relying on curriculum knowledge. Question types include:

• Synonyms and Antonyms: Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings, testing vocabulary breadth
• Analogies: Identifying relationships between word pairs (e.g., "hot is to cold as tall is to short"), requiring precise logical thinking
• Classification: Grouping related concepts and identifying which word doesn't belong in a category
• Sentence Completion: Using context clues to select words that complete sentences logically
• Deduction: Applying logical reasoning to verbal statements to draw valid conclusions

Students with wider vocabulary ranges and strong reading habits typically perform better, though reasoning ability ultimately determines success. The "Build The Bridge" technique proves highly effective: define the relationship between the first word pair precisely before examining answer choices, then find the option with identical logical connection. For word rearrangement questions, identify parts of speech and create small phrases matching nouns with adjectives and adverbs with verbs rather than attempting whole sentences.

2. Numerical Reasoning (30 minutes, 50 questions) - Ability Test

This section assesses problem-solving with numbers through pattern recognition and logical thinking, measuring potential to learn mathematical concepts rather than curriculum knowledge. Question types include:

• Pattern Recognition: Identifying relationships between numbers in sequences
• Series Analysis: Completing numerical progressions by recognizing underlying rules
• Matrices: Solving grid-based numerical puzzles requiring spatial and logical reasoning
• Arithmetical Reasoning: Applying logic to solve quantitative problems
• Deductive Problems: Using numerical clues to reach logical conclusions

Mental math practice proves essential since calculators are strictly prohibited. For percentage calculations, rounding to simpler numbers accelerates problem-solving (calculate 10% then divide by 2 for 5%). In word problems, keywords signal operations: "within" indicates fractions, "total" means addition, "difference" requires subtraction. Multi-stage calculations require understanding which operations to perform and in what sequence.

3. Reading Comprehension (30 minutes, 50 questions) - Achievement Test

This section delivers varied text types including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, cartoons, and informational passages. Question types assess:

• Interpretation of Meaning: Understanding what passages communicate explicitly
• Sentence Correction: Identifying grammatical errors and proper language usage
• Sentence Completion: Selecting words that fit context appropriately
• Punctuation Understanding: Demonstrating knowledge of proper punctuation rules
• Inference: Using textual clues to reach conclusions not explicitly stated (most challenging)

Research demonstrates students who read entire passages before attempting questions achieve greater accuracy despite spending similar total time. The one-minute-per-question guideline helps with pacing (50 questions in 30 minutes). The single most critical mistake involves using prior knowledge instead of text evidence—answers must always derive from the passage itself, not from what students already know about topics. Note-taking while reading (jotting main ideas per paragraph), circling keywords, and using context to infer unfamiliar vocabulary meanings all improve comprehension efficiency.

4. Mathematics (30 minutes, 60 questions) - Achievement Test

This section evaluates year-appropriate mathematical knowledge across curriculum-based content:

• Numerical Concepts: Arithmetic operations, number properties, fractions, decimals, percentages
• Algebra: Equations, variables, expressions, simplification
• Measurement: Length, area, volume, capacity, mass, time
• Data Interpretation: Reading graphs, tables, charts, and statistical information
• Space Concepts: Angles, shapes, symmetry, transformations
• Geometry: Properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes

Edutest mathematics questions are considered more straightforward than other testing providers, emphasizing problem-solving with school-appropriate mathematics rather than advanced concepts. The speed requirement—one question every 30 seconds—demands both accuracy and efficiency developed through consistent mental math practice. Students must work mentally or in margins since scratch paper and calculators are not permitted.

5. Written Expression (15 minutes) - Achievement Test

This section provides just 15 minutes with no planning or reading time for students to produce one complete piece responding to a prompt. Prompts may request:

• Creative Writing: Imaginative stories with engaging narratives
• Descriptive Writing: Vivid depictions of scenes, characters, or experiences
• Narrative: Personal or fictional stories with clear structure
• Persuasive Arguments: Convincing readers of particular viewpoints
• Expository Explanations: Informing or explaining topics clearly
• Informative Texts: Presenting factual information organized logically

Assessment criteria include punctuation accuracy, creativity, text construction and structure, grammar, spelling, vocabulary sophistication, and relevance to the assigned task. The greatest mistake involves writing the wrong text type—if the prompt requests persuasive writing but students produce narrative stories, significant marks are lost regardless of writing quality. Given the severe time constraint, brief planning proves essential: start with how the piece should end, then work backward to create a logical structure, with one summarizing sentence per planned paragraph.

Five premier NSW selective high schools participate in a coordinated Edutest program enabling students to apply to multiple schools while sitting one examination on the same date:

James Ruse Agricultural High School (JRAHS)

Maintains the most rigorous standards, expecting Edutest scores comparable to current JRAHS students and requiring High Distinctions in academic competitions, top bands in all NAPLAN categories, and strong evidence of resilience and agricultural interest. Their multi-stage process includes Edutest comparison against current students, application reading by at least two teacher assessors rating on A-D criteria, rank ordering, and interviews where students must attend alone (parental prompting viewed negatively). Very few if any Year 8 positions available, up to 25 Year 11 spots offered.

Baulkham Hills High School

Accepts Years 8-11 applications with competitive entry standards. Selection process evaluates Edutest results alongside school reports, NAPLAN performance, and holistic application assessment.

North Sydney Boys High School (NSBHS)

Offers selective entry for Years 8-11 with up to 15 additional Year 11 students accepted. May require shortlisted Year 11 applicants to sit additional short tests determining suitability for science, mathematics, and extension courses.

North Sydney Girls High School (NSGHS)

Provides Years 8-11 entry opportunities with up to 25 Year 11 places available annually. Selection based on comprehensive evaluation of academic potential and personal qualities.

Sydney Girls High School (SGHS)

Uses Edutest to create a longlist, then evaluates portfolios emphasizing balanced and resilient students with extracurricular participation, sport involvement, leadership, and service. Up to 25 Year 11 positions available annually.

Coordinated System Benefits:

The coordinated system requires separate registration and payment for each school ($160 per school), but test results are automatically shared with all schools the student applies to, eliminating the need for multiple test sittings. Students must sit at the location with the earliest testing date when applying to multiple schools, or if dates align, Edutest allocates the testing venue.

• Applications opened: June 18, 2025
• Applications closed: July 25, 2025
• Testing date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at each school's campus
• Registration: 8:30-8:45 AM
• Examination begins: 9:00 AM sharp
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (ending 12:00-12:30 PM)

Realistic Expectations:

Generally very few places become available in Years 8-11 at any school, with Year 8 having minimal vacancies. Year 11 offers relatively more opportunities across all five schools. Competition remains extremely intense regardless of year level, with rigorous admissions processes evaluating academic potential, character traits, leadership ability, and extracurricular achievement beyond test scores alone.

Interstate and Overseas Applicants:

Can arrange remote testing by contacting remote@edutest.com.au at least three weeks prior to the exam date, with additional fees applying. Students must arrange independent supervisors (parent/guardian responsibility) and pay additional $160 fees at least five days before the school's advertised date.

Queensland operates three fully selective academies using Edutest for entrance examinations, each specializing in distinct academic domains and partnering with major universities:

QASMT (Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology)

Located in Toowong, partners with University of Queensland, focusing on STEM education through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (Years 7-9) and IB Diploma Programme (Years 10-12). Uniquely offers Year 7 entry as the primary pathway into its six-year program, with applications opening for students in Year 5. The comprehensive application requires $250 non-refundable fee, recent photograph, birth certificate or visa details, two most recent semester reports, NAPLAN results, and optional evidence of giftedness.

QACI (Queensland Academy for Creative Industries)

In Kelvin Grove, partners with Queensland University of Technology, emphasizing creative thinking, artistic expression, design principles, and media in a purpose-built seven-story vertical school. Accepts Year 10 applications for the three-year IB Diploma Programme focused on creative industries careers.

QAHS (Queensland Academy for Health Sciences)

In Southport, partners with Griffith University, specializing in health sciences, medical research, and biological sciences within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. Accepts Year 10 applications with emphasis on health sciences career pathways.

Year 7 Entry Timeline (QASMT only - for 2027 entry):

• Applications closed: August 20, 2025
• Testing dates: Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 2025 (students assigned to one date, must be available both)
• Selection process: Edutest results assessment → Initial shortlisting → Letters of recommendation from primary school principals → Engagement activities (interviews) → Final offers
• Unsuccessful applicants may be placed in merit pool for continued consideration through Term 2 of Year 7

Year 10 Entry (All Three Academies):

Students can submit only one Year 10 application per year and must choose which academy best suits their interests. Application process requires $250 non-refundable fees, but documentation must include Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 NAPLAN results. Shortlisted Year 10 candidates must provide samples of academic work demonstrating excellence and innovation in their interest area, plus maximum one-page statements of academic journey outlining highlights and challenges.

Selection Criteria:

Successful candidates demonstrate appropriate academic ability, high commitment and work ethic, capacity for planning and organization, excellent personal behavior, and personal qualities enabling success in rigorous IB academic programs. Interviews use academic work samples and personal statements as discussion foundations, assessing whether students possess the creative mindset, academic foundation, and specialized passion suited to each academy's focus area.

Important Distinction:

Brisbane State High School offers Year 7 selective entry but uses ACER HAST testing, not Edutest. BSHS provides partially selective entry (academic category plus local catchment and sporting/cultural streams) with $420 application fees and different test format. Students seeking Year 7 academic selective entry in Queensland have only two options: QASMT (fully selective, uses Edutest) or Brisbane State High School (partially selective, uses ACER HAST).

Preparation effectiveness depends far more on quality than quantity, with the recommended timeline spanning 6-12 months for optimal results. Research shows students who begin preparation 3-6 months in advance demonstrate significant improvement, though skill development varies by test section.

12 Months Before Test Date:

Begin reading and writing improvement since these skills develop gradually rather than through intensive cramming. Build vocabulary systematically through voracious reading across varied genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, informational texts) while maintaining vocabulary journals capturing unfamiliar words with definitions and example sentences. Learning prefixes, suffixes, and root words enables deciphering new vocabulary during testing. Practice activities like crosswords, Sudoku, and logic puzzles enhance reasoning capacity beyond vocabulary alone. Start regular journal or blog writing to develop natural expression skills and writing fluency.

6 Months Before Test Date:

Start intensive mathematical and reasoning sections practice. Follow the five-step preparation cycle proven most effective: 1. Complete practice tests without time limits focusing purely on accuracy (not speed) 2. Review every incorrect answer to understand why the correct answer works and why selected answers were wrong 3. Develop specific strategies for similar question types based on error analysis 4. Refine approaches to reduce unnecessary steps and improve efficiency 5. Repeat cycle until achieving 95-100% accuracy before introducing time constraints

This methodology prioritizes deep understanding over superficial coverage—doing fewer difficult questions thoroughly produces better outcomes than rushing through many easy problems. For Numerical Reasoning, begin daily practice of 10 mental math calculation problems, developing speed and accuracy without calculators. Strategic games including Sudoku, Rubik's cube, and chess build problem-solving frameworks transferable to test questions.

3 Months Before Test Date:

• 10 mental math problems daily building calculation speed for Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning
• Timed Reading Comprehension passages (one-minute-per-question pacing) with emphasis on finding answers in text
• 15-minute Written Expression drills with varied prompts (narrative, persuasive, descriptive, expository)
• Full-length practice exams under strictly timed conditions (2.5 hours) to build stamina and pacing skills

Take multiple complete practice tests replicating actual testing conditions: no calculators, no scratch paper (work in margins), strict time limits per section, and proper answer sheet bubble-filling. This familiarization reduces test-day anxiety and builds comfort with the intentional challenge where most students complete only about half the questions.

Final Month Before Test:

Complete 2-3 full practice tests weekly under timed conditions, refining time management strategies for each section. Address identified weak areas through targeted practice while maintaining breadth across all five sections. Implement stress management techniques including proper sleep (no sacrificing rest for additional study), regular physical activity (60 minutes daily recommended), and maintaining balanced nutrition. Reduce study intensity in final week to prevent burnout—light review and confidence-building activities prove more beneficial than intensive cramming.

Age-Appropriate Adjustments:

Year 5-6 students (preparing for Year 7 entry): Study sessions should remain shorter (30-45 minutes) with breaks, focusing on building strong foundations through gradual introduction of practice materials. Making preparation manageable and maintaining enjoyment through games and engaging activities prevents burnout. Parents should remain closely involved with study planning, review sessions, and motivation.

Year 7-8 students (preparing for Year 8-9 entry): Can handle longer study sessions of 3-4 hours on weekends with greater independence. Should learn to identify their own weaknesses through diagnostic practice tests and target improvement areas strategically. Less parental intervention in actual studying balanced by continued emotional support.

Year 9-10 students (preparing for Year 10-11 entry): Face highest academic expectations since questions require understanding 1-2 years beyond school curriculum. Should engage in largely self-directed preparation with intensive study sessions spanning 6-12 months. The key challenge involves balancing test preparation with existing school workload and extracurricular commitments. Need exposure to concepts beyond current grade levels through extension materials.

Verbal Reasoning Mastery:

The "Build The Bridge" technique transforms analogy performance: precisely define the relationship between the first word pair before examining answer choices, then identify the option with identical logical connection. For classification questions, determine what the majority of words have in common, then identify the outlier. Word rearrangement benefits from grammar knowledge—identify parts of speech first. Vocabulary development through systematic reading and vocabulary journals provides the foundation, but reasoning techniques determine ultimate success.

Numerical Reasoning Excellence:

Mental math mastery through daily practice of 10 calculation problems builds essential speed. Pattern recognition forms the core skill—students must identify relationships between numbers in series and matrices by asking "what operation transforms the first number into the second?" For percentage calculations, rounding to simpler numbers accelerates problem-solving. Multi-stage calculations require understanding which operations to perform and in what sequence—write brief notes in margins to track steps.

Reading Comprehension Accuracy:

Research confirms reading entire passages before attempting questions produces greater accuracy despite similar total time investment. The one-minute-per-question guideline maintains appropriate pacing. Inferential questions requiring textual clues rather than stated information challenge most students—elimination methods work best when similar answers appear. The single most damaging mistake involves using prior knowledge instead of finding answers in passages. Every answer must derive from the text regardless of students' existing subject knowledge. Note-taking while reading (main ideas per paragraph), circling keywords, and using context for unfamiliar vocabulary all improve efficiency.

Mathematics Speed and Accuracy:

Since calculators are prohibited and questions average 30 seconds each, mental math drills prove essential—10 daily problems build necessary speed and accuracy. Mastery of year-appropriate curriculum content across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data interpretation forms the foundation. Understanding multi-step problem-solving frameworks and practicing with graphs, tables, and charts develops required analysis skills. Learn to recognize when questions require estimation rather than exact calculation—this saves valuable time.

Written Expression Excellence:

Regular timed practice with 15-minute sessions builds essential speed and confidence. The most critical skill: answering the exact task type requested—writing narrative when persuasive is required loses substantial marks regardless of writing quality. Start by deciding how pieces should end, then work backward to create logical structures with one summarizing sentence per planned paragraph. Practice with varied prompts (narrative using specific words, persuasive arguments, descriptive scenes, expository explanations, informative texts) builds versatility. Assessment criteria include punctuation, creativity, construction, grammar, spelling, vocabulary sophistication, and relevance—address all six areas systematically.

Registration Process:

Visit specific school websites for application requirements and follow provided links to Edutest's portal at www.edutest.com.au. Parents must create one account using a single email address for all applications—this consistency enables results transfer between schools. Each school requires separate registration and payment even when results transfer, with fees set individually ($160 per school for NSW selective schools, $250 for Queensland Academies). Payment accepts only Visa and Mastercard through online gateways, with transactions required before application deadlines. Passwords require minimum 14 characters, with passphrases recommended.

Results Transfer System:

The system allows students applying to multiple schools to sit testing only once per cycle when schools participate in sharing programs. Testing cycles divide the year into Terms 1-2 (one session), Term 3 (separate session), and Term 4 (separate session), with results transferring forward to all applicable schools with later dates within each period. Students must sit at the school with the earliest testing date or if dates align, may request preferred locations via registrar@edutest.com.au before registration closes. Results cannot transfer backward to earlier dates or across calendar years.

Required Materials (Bring to Test):

• Photo ID (school photo, library card, passport, or birth certificate with photo)
• Two lead pencils
• Erasers and sharpeners
• Black or blue pens for Written Expression
• Simple time-telling watch (optional)
• Reading glasses or hearing aids (if needed)
• Water bottle and snacks for breaks

Absolutely Prohibited Items:

• Calculators (strictly forbidden across all sections)
• Rulers and dictionaries
• Scratch paper (though students can use margins)
• Mobile phones, smart watches, and fitness trackers
• Any watch capable of storing, receiving, or transmitting information

Students coughing or sneezing consistently may be removed from testing at school discretion.

Critical Answer Sheet Protocol:

Edutest cannot manually rescore tests if bubbles are filled incorrectly or answers entered out of order. Students must shade bubbles accurately on answer sheets rather than circling answers in question booklets, ensuring correct bubble selection for each question number and maintaining proper sequence. This mechanical requirement carries enormous stakes—losing place on the answer sheet can invalidate entire test sections.

Test Day Timeline:

• Registration: 15-30 minutes before 9:00 AM start time
• Examination begins: 9:00 AM sharp
• Total duration: Approximately 2.5-3 hours including all five sections
• Expected completion: 12:00-12:30 PM

Schools send testing information emails during the week before exams, detailing specific locations, timing, and requirements.

Special Testing Arrangements:

Students with disabilities or chronic medical conditions may request accommodations, though schools make final approval decisions. Requests must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to testing. Required documentation includes reports from diagnosing or treating professionals dated within 12 months, clearly outlining recommendations with evidence. Approved arrangements may include extra time, rest breaks, separate testing rooms, assistive technology, reader or scribe assistance, and noise-cancelling headphones.

Illness or Emergencies:

If students become too ill to attend, medical certificates must reach registrar@edutest.com.au by midday of the first working day after testing. Providing certificates does not automatically qualify for alternative arrangements—decisions remain with individual schools.

Results Distribution:

Edutest NEVER provides results directly to parents—all test outcomes flow exclusively to schools, which conduct selection processes independently and decide whether to issue parent reports. Results typically reach schools within seven working days of testing, but selection processes take 3-8 weeks or longer depending on applicant numbers, available places, and school procedures. If families receive no communication eight weeks after testing, they should contact schools directly rather than Edutest.

What Results Show:

• Ability scores (Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning) measuring potential to learn
• Achievement scores (Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Written Expression) measuring learned skills
• Raw scores for each section
• Standardized scores compared to year level nationally
• Percentile rankings against thousands of peers

Score Distribution Reality:

More than half of scholarship test-takers score in the "average" or "normal" range—and these are already high-achieving students competing for limited positions. Approximately 25% score higher and 25% score lower. Being placed in top percentiles significantly increases scholarship chances since schools typically offer only 1-3 scholarship positions per cohort.

Holistic Selection:

• School reports and academic history
• NAPLAN results across all tested areas
• Portfolios demonstrating extracurricular achievements
• Leadership experience and community service
• Interviews assessing character, resilience, and fit with school cultures
• For James Ruse: agricultural interest and evidence of resilience
• For Sydney Girls High: balanced students with sport involvement and service

Important Perspective:

Results reflect performance on that specific testing occasion only and can be affected by fatigue, limited test-taking experience, and anxiety—they are not necessarily prescriptive of future capability. The test's intentional design challenges most students to complete only about half the questions, which is a normal outcome rather than personal failure.

Withdrawal and Refunds:

Withdrawal requests submitted more than seven days before testing may receive partial refunds (minus 25% administration fees) when approved case-by-case. No refunds are provided within seven days of testing or when schools specify non-refundable fees in their terms.