Queensland Selective Schools Directory
Quick answer
Quick answerQueensland's academically selective options fall into two groups that use two different entrance tests. Brisbane State High School and the Programs of Excellence at schools such as Benowa State High School use the ACER HAST, while the three Queensland Academies (QASMT, QACI and QAHS) use an EduTest-style assessment. This directory lists the main options with their entry test, entry levels and indicative application timing so families can see which pathway — and which preparation — fits. Cut-offs are not published by these schools; selection is holistic, so treat any figures as a guide only.
HAST (ACER) schools
| School | Location | Entry test | Entry levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane State High School | South Brisbane | ACER HAST | Year 7 (Year 5/6 entry) |
| Benowa State High School | Gold Coast | ACER HAST | Year 7 (Programs of Excellence) |
EduTest-style (Queensland Academies)
| School | Location | Entry test | Entry levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) | Toowong, Brisbane | EduTest-style | Year 7 and Year 10 |
| Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) | Kelvin Grove, Brisbane | EduTest-style | Year 10 |
| Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) | Gold Coast | EduTest-style | Year 10 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between HAST and the EduTest-style assessment in Queensland?
- Brisbane State High School and Programs of Excellence such as Benowa use the ACER HAST, while the three Queensland Academies use an EduTest-style entrance assessment. They are different tests with different timings and section structures, so families targeting both pathways must prepare for each separately.
- Do Queensland selective schools publish cut-off scores?
- No. Brisbane State High School and the Queensland Academies do not publish cut-off scores or release individual results. Selection is holistic, weighing test performance alongside school reports, NAPLAN results and, for some schools, an interview or portfolio.
- Which Queensland schools use the EduTest-style assessment?
- The three Queensland Academies — QASMT in Toowong, QACI in Kelvin Grove and QAHS on the Gold Coast — use an EduTest-style entrance assessment. QASMT offers both Year 7 and Year 10 entry; QACI and QAHS offer Year 10 entry only.
- Can a student apply to more than one Queensland selective school?
- A student can apply to a HAST school such as Brisbane State High School and a Queensland Academy, because they use different tests and application processes. For Year 10 entry across the three Queensland Academies, however, only one campus application is permitted per year.
Prepare for Queensland selective entry
Queensland's selective pathways use two different tests. Start with the right hub for your child's target school — the EduTest-style Queensland Academies or the HAST-based Brisbane State High School.
Explore Queensland Academies preparationRelated guides and preparation.
- Queensland Academies preparationThe Queensland Academies hub — EduTest-style format, strategies and practice.
- Brisbane State High School selective entry preparationHAST coverage for Brisbane State High School selective entry.
- Queensland Academies campus selection guideHow to choose between QASMT, QACI and QAHS.