NSW Selective High School Practice Tests for Year 7 Entry

Name: Selective Online Practice Tests
Brand: NotesEdu
Rating: 4.9 (425 reviews)

Computer-Based Selective Test Preparation for Year 5 and 6 Students

Prepare your child for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test with NotesEdu's online practice tests for Year 5 and Year 6 students. Practise all four test sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.

Build essential skills through timed Selective-style practice tests, structured courses, detailed answer explanations and personalised feedback on eligible writing responses. Track your child's progress, identify strengths and focus on areas for improvement with student performance reports.

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based test used for Year 7 selective high school placement. It has four equally weighted sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.

Get Selective Test Pack From $89

Practise Selective-style Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing tests.

3 Free NSW Selective High School (SHS)-Style Practice Tests

100% Free. No payment details required.

Try NotesEdu's Free Selective Entry Practice Questions
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NotesEdu offers free online NSW Selective High School Placement Test-style practice questions for Year 5 and Year 6 students preparing for Year 7 entry.

Students can practise Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills through different question types and difficulty levels. They can also explore Selective Writing practice prompts to become familiar with written tasks.

These questions help students understand the test format while developing reading, reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Detailed answer explanations help students understand incorrect answers and learn from mistakes. Parents can review their child's strengths and identify areas needing further practice before the NSW Selective High School Placement Test.

FREE Learning Resources for Years 3–10 | NotesEdu
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Help your child strengthen reading, writing and handwriting skills for everyday schoolwork and exam preparation across Australia.‍

NSW Selective High School Placement Test Sample Papers and Answers
The NSW Department of Education provides free online practice tests and downloadable PDF sample papers covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. The older PDF papers provide additional practice but do not reflect the current computer-based test format. These official resources help students understand what to expect before the Year 7 selective entry test.

Students can practise computer-based question formats and review available answers and explanations.

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What is the NSW Selective High School Placement Test?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based entrance test for students seeking Year 7 entry to selective high schools in NSW. These schools provide challenging learning opportunities for high potential and gifted students.

Year 6 students sit the test, which has four equally weighted sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. Each section contributes 25% to the overall test score.

The test assesses reading comprehension, reasoning, problem-solving and written communication skills. Students answer multiple-choice questions and complete one writing task.

NSW Selective High School Placement Year 7 Entry: Application Process, Key Dates and Test Information

How Can NotesEdu Support NSW Selective Test Preparation?

NotesEdu's online NSW Selective High School practice tests help Year 5 and Year 6 students become familiar with the test format, practise essential skills and identify areas for improvement before Year 7 entry.
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1. Practise all four sections: Access Selective-style practice tests covering Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.
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2. Review answers and performance: Use detailed answer explanations and student performance reports to understand mistakes, identify strengths and focus on weaker areas.
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3. Practise computer-based question types: Practise timed questions, different computer-based question formats ( including multiple choice, drag and drop, dropdown and multiple extracts) and writing prompts, with personalised feedback on written responses to support further improvement.

Selective Test Sections

The Selective reading comprehension component are multiple choice questions that measure your child's ability to inference and interpret meaning from a passage and then problem solve to find out the answer. Reading passages could range from poems, novel extracts, cartoons and articles.

Reading Test Structure:
17 questions (including 3 with multiple parts, requiring 38 answers) | 45 minutes | 25% weighting

Answer Requirements:
Questions 1–8: Choose 1 answer per question
Question 9: Choose 8 answers (Word/Phrase Gaps)
Questions 10–15: Choose 1 answer per question
Question 16: Choose 6 answers (Drag and Drop)
Question 17: Choose 10 answers (Multiple Extracts)

The Selective mathematical reasoning component consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess various mathematical skills. Topics covered may include data interpretation, spatial awareness, measurements, number patterns, arithmetic, and algebraic & geometric operations.

‍Mathematical Reasoning Test Structure:
35 questions | 40 minutes | 25% weighting ‍

The Selective thinking skills test is crafted to analyse a student's problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills. Some of the foundational topics include logical reasoning, mathematical deduction, and spatial reasoning.

Thinking Skills Test Structure:
40 questions | 40 minutes | 25% weighting

The writing test in Selective is an open response where students have to write either a creative, informative or persuasive text depending on the stimulus.

‍Writing Test Structure (Updated to 25% weighting)
‍Consists of a stimulus where students have to write a written response to a single prompt in a time frame of 30 minutes.

Selective Performance Outcome Report

In the test, this student has performed in the lowest 50% of students who sat the test.
Half of all students who took the test performed in this range.

In the test, this student has performed better than 50% of students who sat the test.

In the test, this student has performed in the top 25% of students who sat the test.

In the test, this student has performed in the top 10% of students who sat the test.

Selective Practice Test Packs and Pricing

Refine exam technique before test day.

Online Selective Practice Tests

Test Pack + Courses + Writing

Selective Year 7 entry

$89 Weekly-to-yearly Access Options

All-in-one package that includes all latest test format covering reading, mathematical reasoning thinking skills

77 Full-Length Practice Tests With 2800+ Questions | 28 Writing Tasks
80 Learning Modules | 101 Quizzes | 1,171 Course Questions

Practise exam-style questions across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills
Become familiar with different question types and test conditions
Review detailed explanations to understand mistakes and improve reasoning
See which subjects, topics and question types need further attention.
Compare results across multiple practice tests to identify recurring errors and weaker skills

28 Mathematical Reasoning Tests

Practise questions covering major mathematics strands.
Develop mathematical reasoning, calculation and problem-solving skills

26 Reading Tests

Practise reading comprehension, inference and interpretation questions
Develop skills in understanding, analysing and comparing texts

23 Thinking Skills Tests

Evaluate arguments and identify strengths and weaknesses
Develop deductive and logical reasoning skills
Identify flaws and mistakes in arguments
Practise ordering, grouping and reasoning problem

28 Writing Tasks

Submit responses to 28 exam-style writing tasks for personalised feedback.
Practise exam-style writing tasks under timed conditions.
Receive criteria-based feedback on written responses
Review practical improvement tips and exemplar responses

Thinking Skills Course

70 Modules | 75 Quizzes | 794 Questions

Reading Course

10 Modules | 26 Quizzes | 377 Questions

‍Unlimited Test Attempts

Get Selective Test Pack From – $89

How NotesEdu has helped
in the preparation journey

The best online learning device out there to help train my child's brain to the questions and time limits of the Selective High School test. In addition, NotesEdu’s thorough explanations helped my child learn through her mistakes, making it possible for her to achieve the score she did.

Parent's Initials: S.E.‍

Baulkham Hills High School

Really helped to achieve this result. She prepared well and NotesEdu helped to get there.

Parent's Initials: N.B.

Girraween High School

It was very useful and it given me a broader idea about the exam. I would recommend Year 5 students to use this platform.

Parent's Initials: S.O.

Normanhurst Boys High School

NotesEdu helped my child prepare for the Selective HS Placement Test by giving practice tests which then got reviewed so that my child could improve her mistakes and learned shortcuts to the questions! Thank you so much!

Parent's Initials: T.B.

Penrith High School

Helped with time management and with a range of English texts.

Parent's Initials: N.B.

Sydney Boys High School

The questions are pretty hard but thanks to the detailed solutions and regular practice, my daughter built her confidence.

Hana
‍‍Selective High School

If I could hug the people who made the
questions, I would!

Maddie N
Selective High School

As a parent, I tried one test and found it very challenging. All parents should try it first before pressuring their child for the selective exam. I respect my child's hard work.

Pedro
‍Selective High School Placement

NotesEdu has provided me with special tips and tricks I have not learnt anywhere else. I was then able to answer questions faster and improve my marks.

Joshua
‍NAPLAN Year 5

Quite relevant tests. I wish I could have provided these tests to my son earlier.

Mario
‍‍OC Test

My child enjoys doing numeracy questions. His numeracy performance improved from reviewing the questions.

William
‍NAPLAN Year 3

Getting information about the test structure and challenging questions was what we were searching on Google. At last, we found it. Thank you team.

Pham
‍OC Placement Test

My child got top band in NAPLAN. Great questions.

Aiko
‍NAPLAN Year 3

The examination journey plan helped us track our child's test preparation from Opportunity Class Placement to Selective High School.

Raj
‍Selective High School

Very affordable and challenging tests.

Ashraf
‍Selective High School Placement

Please Note: NotesEdu is not affiliated with or endorsed by any Selective School.

Selective Writing Test

Selective Writing practice prompts included at no additional cost with NotesEdu test packs. Explore writing strategies, feedback and improvement tips.

Prepare for the NSW Selective High School Placement Writing Test with NotesEdu's exam-style writing prompts, structured lessons, quizzes and videos. Practise creative, informative and persuasive writing across formats such as stories, diary entries, news reports, emails, speeches and advice sheets.

Develop essential writing skills through criteria-based feedback on eligible written responses, practical improvement tips and exemplar responses. Learn to generate and organise ideas, structure writing effectively and use appropriate language to communicate clearly for different purposes and audiences.

Writing Test Pack Inclusions

Exam-style Selective Writing practice prompts
Marked responses with personalised feedback
Writing Skills Quizzes
Videos

Creative

Writing Prompts
Feedback
Improvement Tips
Exemplar Responses

Informative

Writing Prompts
Feedback
Improvement Tips
Exemplar Responses

Persuasive

Writing Prompts
Feedback
Improvement Tips
Exemplar Responses

Online Writing Practice

Practise Exam-style writing online. Read the prompt, type your response and use the formatting tools.

Highlighted Feedback

Review colour-coded writing feedback. Identify errors, areas for improvement and sentences that need no changes.

Writing Profiles

Each spider graph shows performance across narrative or persuasive writing criteria, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Criteria-Based Feedback

Receive personalised feedback for each writing criterion. Understand what works, identify weaknesses and apply suggestions to improve writing.

Writing Exemplars

Each exemplar shows a sample response with different viewpoints, arguments and persuasive techniques. Students can apply these approaches to improve their own writing.

Exemplar

Notice how the introduction uses a hook to engage readers, states a clear position and previews supporting reasons.

Key Takeaways

Choose a clear argument, address opposing views, support ideas with evidence and apply these tips to your next writing task.

Year 5 & 6 NSW Selective Style
Test Packs

With over eight years of experience in preparing students for competitive exams, we are here to build your child's confidence for exam day.

Practice

Regularly updated questions.

Learn

Detailed solutions are provided to guide students towards concept mastery.

Enhance

Video courses & free resources are available to practise different question types & exam techniques

Perfect

Performance reports help students review their results and weaker topics.

Our Features

New digital selective reading test format

Updated to match the new test format

Practice with our internally developed platform that aligns with the latest exam format and question types. Using our simulation platform, you can help your child prepare for exam day and become familiar with the digital test format not only in the question types but also how to navigate through online test systems.

NotesEdu Platform

Unique Exam Preparation Process

Choose Your Test Pack

Select a Exam-style practice test pack suited to your child's year level and preparation needs.

Start Practising Immediately

Access your purchased tests online and begin practising at a time that suits your child.

Complete Timed Tests

Practise exam-style questions under timed conditions to develop familiarity with the Exam test format.

Review Your Performance

Review scores, answer explanations and detailed reports to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Practise and Improve

Focus on weaker skills, revisit incorrect answers and track progress through further practice.

Other Features

Analytics.

Detailed analytics reports include topic-wise analysis, time taken per question, and more to educate your child.

Anytime, Anywhere.

We are an online learning provider. That means our servers run 24/7, ready for any time that your child wants to learn.

Unlimited Test Attempts

We want your child to succeed. Do the test once or as many times as you want, we believe practice makes perfect.

Live Chat Support

We are here to help explain any questions or concepts over live chat. Message our friendly team anytime!

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Frequently Asked Questions

01. Common Questions

What is the Selective Test?

Selective schools aim to cater to the educational needs of academically gifted students. The test is designed to assess a range of abilities, including reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills, and writing, with the goal of identifying students who would benefit from the specialised learning environment that selective high schools offer.

The test consists of 3 multiple choice tests (Reading, Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning) and a Writing task with a stimulus.

How do I apply for placement into a selective high school?

Applications for NSW Selective High Schools are made online through the NSW Department of Education. Application dates can change each year. Families should check the official NSW Department of Education website for the opening date, closing date and requirements for the relevant entry year.

When is the Selective Test?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is generally held in May. Test dates change each year. Families should check the NSW Department of Education's official key dates for the relevant Year 7 entry year.

Where is the Selective Test held?

Students are allocated to local test centres based on their primary school location, and most centres are local public high schools.

When should my child start preparing?

There is no required preparation start date. NotesEdu’s NSW Selective resources are designed for Year 5 and Year 6 students. NSW Education advises that applications for Year 7 selective high school entry open from November in Year 5, with the Selective High School Placement Test held in Year 6. Starting regular practice during Year 5 can provide more time to become familiar with the test format and continue preparation into Year 6.

Completed the Opportunity Class test? Keep moving with your preparation. Watch our video: After Opportunity Class Test, Keep Moving.

02. Why go to a Selective High School?

What are the benefits of sending my child to a selective high school?

Selective high schools in New South Wales (NSW) are designed to cater to the educational needs of high-potential and gifted students. These schools present a unique educational environment that supports the student's academic growth and emotional well-being. Selective schools foster a strong focus on problem-solving and independent thinking. They also help students develop independent learning strategies and time management skills, which are crucial for success in high school and beyond.

Students in selective high schools have the opportunity to learn at a faster pace, delve into increasingly complex concepts in greater depth, and are often given more challenging and complex tasks to engage and excite them.

Like all New South Wales public schools, selective high schools provide access to a broad range of extra-curricular groups and activities, contributing to a well-rounded education.

How many selective high schools are there in New South Wales?

There are 17 fully Selective High Schools, 4 Agricultural High Schools and 27 Partially Selective High Schools in New South Wales.

03. About Test & Structure

What is the Selective Placement Test Structure?

The Selective Test Placement Structure consists of 4 tests. Three multiple choice tests with 5 answer options for Mathematical Reasoning (A,B,C,D, E) and four answer options for the rest.

The weighting of the test components have now been made equal at 25% each.

The first test is Reading with 45 minutes to answer 17 questions (including 3 with multiple parts, requiring 38 answers).

The second test is Mathematical Reasoning with 40 minutes to answer 35 questions.

The third test is Thinking Skills with 40 minutes to answer 40 questions.

The last test is Writing with an Open Response and is 30 Minutes.

How difficult is the Selective Placement Test?

The test is challenging and is designed to assess students' abilities across reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills, and writing.

NotesEdu provides selective-style practice to help students become familiar with the test format and the types of questions they may encounter. Practice tests can also help students become more familiar with the computer-based testing experience and review their answers and explanations.

Practice test results do not predict how a student will perform in the actual Selective High School Placement Test.

Are NotesEdu practice tests similar to the Selective Test?

NotesEdu's tests are inspired by common exam formats to offer a similar testing experience. We continually review and adjust our questions, incorporating a range of difficulty levels for practice purposes.

04. How NotesEdu helps

What is the purpose of NotesEdu Online Tests?

NotesEdu's online tests challenge students' academic ability and intends to measure the level of knowledge gained in a particular concept. From this information, we empower students, parents and teachers to discover area for further improvement.

How do NotesEdu test results help parents?

NotesEdu test results provide valuable information to the parent about their child's performance and enables them in identifying the subject areas their child needs improvement.

How can my child improve Thinking Skills?

Practise critical thinking and problem-solving across different question types. The NSW Selective Thinking Skills Test has 40 questions in 40 minutes and requires no prior subject knowledge. NotesEdu provides concept-based practice in areas such as strengthen, weaken, deduction, conclusions, flaws, ordering, grouping and spatial reasoning, with quizzes, practice tests and detailed explanations to help students identify and learn from mistakes.

How can my child improve Mathematical Reasoning?

The NSW Selective Mathematical Reasoning Test has 35 questions in 40 minutes, without a calculator. NotesEdu provides timed mathematical reasoning practice with detailed answer explanations and repeat attempts, helping students identify weaker areas, review errors and practise applying mathematical concepts under test-style conditions.

How should my child prepare for Selective Reading?

Read and practise questions across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, articles, reports and other text types. Focus on skills such as main idea, inference, tone, fact and opinion, cause and effect, then practise the computer-based 45-minute Selective Reading Test format.

How should my child prepare for Selective Writing?

Practise responding to different Selective Writing prompts within the 30-minute time limit. Your child should practise planning and writing a clear response that addresses the stimulus, then use personalised feedback and sample questions to identify areas for improvement.

How many practice tests should my child complete?

There is no set number of practice tests your child needs to complete. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Use timed, exam-style practice that reflects the NSW Selective High School Placement Test format, then review answers and results to identify areas for improvement. This can help your child become familiar with the question types, timing and computer-based test format.

Will NotesEdu practice tests improve my child's test scores?

NotesEdu practice tests can support students to:
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- practise exam-style questions and test formats
- strengthen their understanding of different question types
- identify strengths and areas for improvement
- practise managing their time under test conditions
- become more familiar with completing tests in simulated exam conditions

Each student’s preparation, progress and test performance will vary.

How does NotesEdu support students to make them exam ready?

We provide a variety of practice tests aimed at helping students to familiarise themselves with the test format and question types.

NotesEdu's subscription offers unlimited access to a large bank of multiple-choice questions. NotesEdu online tests help identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses in reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills & writing. They will also allow you to develop a baseline to work from and develop your child’s academic journey plan for consistently testing their knowledge and further developing their skills.

I am disappointed with my score. What should I do?

If you are disappointed with your score, please do not give up or get sad about it. It is usual for a score to fluctuate and differ between tests. Various factors may impact your performance, for example, your knowledge about the concept, concentration level, review of answers or even luck with guessing.

Take the low score as an opportunity to improve further. Focus on what you can do about it. After finishing NotesEdu's practice tests, review all questions to check what went wrong and how can you improve next time.

Learn, Perfect & Excel

Get access to free Selective Style Tests for Year 5 & 6 students to see if your child is exam-ready.

Check if your child is exam-ready with a free Selective Style test. Prepare smarter, not harder.

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Our Selective Style Tests are not officially endorsed by the NSW Department of Education and is crafted by NotesEdu, independently of the NSW Department of Education.