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Enhance your exam preparation journey with an extensive range of exam-style questions.

What is the Selective Test?

The Selective Test measures students' academic merit and critical thinking abilities. Your child's performance is calculated based on bands. To attain placement into your desired school, your child must achieve the minimum entry requirements. Primary schools will not be required to provide school assessment scores. Learn more here.

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test for Year 7 entry consists of 3 multiple choice tests (Reading, Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning) and a Writing task.

How much time left?

The Selective High School Placement Test is conducted online and is held between Thursday 2nd May, 2025 to Sunday 4th May, 2025.

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How does
NotesEdu help?

1. An affordable solution for parents and tutors looking to equip students with the skills and techniques to succeed.
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2. Build confidence by providing students with the understanding of the test structure, time constraints and question types.
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3. Regularly updated to prepare students for a higher level of reading, problem-solving and thinking skills.

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Access 3 Selective Style Tests for Free

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Basic

$59Valid for 31 days

$50.99

See if your child is exam ready. Starting package so you know where your child stands.

  • 3 Tests
  • 1 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 1 x Reading
  • 1 x Thinking Skill
  • 31 Days Validity
  • 3 Test Attempts
  • Detailed answer explanations
  • Free Vocabulary Book
  • 2 x Writing Tests (Marked by teacher)
  • First Priority to New Resources
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$99Valid for365 days

$50Valid for 30 days

$149 $199Valid for 365 days

Get exam ready with NotesEdu. Every test comes with detailed explanations.

  • 46 Total Tests
  • 15 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 13 x Reading
  • 18 x Thinking Skills (Full Tests & Concept Checks)
  • 365 Days Validity
  • Detailed answer explanations
  • Unlimited Test Attempts
  • 1 x Vocabulary Booklet
  • NEW 2025 Selective Simulation Tests includes 15 tests
  • NEW Multiple extracts, drag and drop & dropdown digital question types.
  • ‍2 x Writing Tests with feedback
  • Thinking Skills Course
  • Reading Course
  • Mathematical Reasoning 5 Tests‍
  • First Priority to New Resources
Get Premium - $149
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Test Pack + Courses + Writing

Platinum

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$249 $349Valid for 365 days

All-in-one package includes test packs, courses and writing marking with detailed teacher feedback.

  • NEW 2026 Selective Simulation Platform: Includes 5 full sets of tests to simulate the new digital platform.
  • 77 Total Tests
  • 15 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 13 x Reading
  • 18 x Thinking Skills (Full Tests & Concept Checks)
  • 2 x Writing Tests with feedback
  • 365 Days Validity
  • Detailed answer explanations
  • Unlimited Test Attempts
  • 1 x Vocabulary Booklet
  • First Priority to New Resources
Get Platinum – $249

Test Packs + Courses + Writing

Super Bundle

$339 $449Valid for 2 years

Get access to exam-style tests for Selective, NAPLAN & Writing. Everything your child needs to prepare for the last two years of primary school.

  • NEW 2026 Selective Simulation Platform: Includes 5 full sets of tests to simulate the new digital platform.
  • 107 Total Tests
  • 15 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 13 x Reading
  • 18 x Thinking Skills (Full Tests & Concept Checks)
  • 2 x Writing Tests with feedback
Get the Super Bundle– $339

ADD-ONS
Courses

Get exam-ready with our new course packs. These resources are crafted to support your child's exam preparation journey.

COURSE

Thinking
Skills

Sharpen your skills

  • 1400+ Exam Style Questions in Courses & Quizzes
  • 89 x Booklets
  • ‍Strengthen, Weaken, Conclusion, Deduction, Flaws & Mistakes, Ordering & Grouping and Spatial and Analytical Reasoning
  • 72 x Concept Quizzes
  • 15 x Thinking Skills Tests (Different from test packs)
Get Course – $249
COURSE

Reading

Connect with literature

  • 770+ Exam Style Questions in Courses & Quizzes
  • 22 x Booklets:
  • ‍Passage Types, Question Types, Theme/Main Idea, Fact and Opinion, Tone and Style, Mood and Setting, Sequence (Cause and Effect) and Inference
  • 22 x Concept Quizzes
  • 15 x Reading Tests (Different from test packs)
Get Reading Course – $249
COURSE

Writing

Write to engage

  • 50 x Exam Style Selective Writing Prompts
  • 46 x Videos
  • 90 x Booklets:
  • ‍Narrative Writing, Persuasiive Writing, Informative Writing, Literary techniques, Characterisation, Settings, Cohesion, Sentence Structure, Introduction, Conclusion, Persuasive Techniques
  • 37 x Concept Quizzes
Get Writing Course – $249
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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.

Writing Course
NotesEdu offers a comprehensive selective writing course to make your child's writing stand out on exam day by offering a wide range of unseen prompts, marked writing with detailed feedback, quizzes, videos and writing lessons to master all genres and skills.
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Also, the writing test is now of equal weighting in the Selective High School Placement test, as compared to all other components of the Selective Test (at 25%), so it must not be overlooked.
  • 50 × Selective Style Writing prompts
  • 3 × Additional marked responses with teacher feedback
  • 35 × Writing Skills Quizzes
  • 50 × Videos
  • 90 × total lessons across writing guides:
Creative
  • Flash Fiction
  • Diary Entry
  • Drama/Play
  • Poetry
Informative
  • Article
  • Review
  • Newspaper
  • Blog Post
Persuasive
  • Essay
  • Letter
  • Speech
  • Debate
Get Selective writing course for $249   $499  
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Selective Test Categories

Thinking Skills
Reading
Mathematical Reasoning
Writing

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 (25% Weighting)
‍Consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 40 minutes.

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 (25% Weighting)
‍Consists of 16 questions (2 having multiple parts) with the time limit of 40 minutes.

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 (25% weighting)
Consists of 35 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 40 minutes.‍

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 Bands

50% of students who sat the test
25% of students who sat the test
15% of students who sat the test
10% of students who sat the test

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.

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.

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Detailed solutions are provided to guide students towards concept mastery.

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Video courses and free resources are available to get ahead of the competition.

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Advanced analytics help students understand their academic standing and pin-point weaknesses.

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Our Features

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Test taking has never been easier with an organised dashboard designed to engage students and improve performance.

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Easy to learn system.

Focused on student engagement, our platform development team focused on making our online tests intuitive and accessible to all.

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Comprehensive reports, analytics and
topic-wise analysis. Find your child's strengths and weaknesses.

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Solutions with detailed explanations of all relevant concepts. Strive towards mastery.

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New digital test format available in Platinum & Super Bundle

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 an expert not only in the question types but also how to navigate through online test systems to maximise results.

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Add-ons.

Increase confidence and speed with our add-ons.

Reading Whiz

Ace the reading test by practicing high quality, vetted passages. Make sure your child is not scared about reading with this add-on.

$79

Valid for 365 days
  • 100 Reading Passages
  • Latest articles from science to Australian news
  • 500 Questions
Purchase Add-On

2 Writing Tests

Submit writing responses to NotesEdu's stimulus. Verified markers provide insightful feedback and a mark out of 20.

$49

Valid for 365 days
  • 2 Exam-style Writing Stimuli
  • 2 Responses Marked out of 20 by Experienced Teachers
  • Detailed Comments & Suggestions to improve
Purchase Add-On

Speed Booster

Increase speed in critical and abstract thinking to become competitive in these increasingly difficult exams.

$49

Valid for 365 days
  • 20 Tests
  • 1000 Questions
  • 10 Mental Maths Quizzes
  • 10 Vocabulary Quizzes
Purchase Add-On
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Unique Preparation Process

01
Purchase a Test Pack

Join NotesEdu's industry-leading exam platform, purchase a test pack and begin your exam preparation journey.

02
Gain Access Instantly

After you have joined, your child can start taking tests straight away. You will have access to Premium / Platinum for 365 days.

03
Take the First Test

Start by taking one of NotesEdu’s crafted exam-style tests. These tests are under exam conditions and are timed. Use the first attempt of the test to gauge your child's understanding level.

04
Evaluate Your Results

This is one of the most important aspects of reviewing your success while preparing. Utilise NotesEdu’s detailed answer solutions combined with comprehensive result analysis to pin point your strengths and weaknesses.

05
Excel Extraordinarily!

Repeat the test with unlimited test attempts to improve your understanding of key concepts. Repeat this process and you are on the path to success.

Packs starting from $149

Other Features

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

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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.

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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?

To apply for a Selective High School, there is an online application which the NSW Education Department offers. The application opens around Mid-October and closes Mid-November depending on when it is issued. NotesEdu will update the Selective page and send email reminders when the time comes to apply.

When is the Selective Test?

The Selective Test from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May 2025. The test is held annually in early May, depending on NSW's Education Department schedule. 

Where is the Selective Test held?

The Selective Test is held at the nearest High School, depending on where you live and your child's current primary school. The location is sent aside with the confirmation details for your Selective Test by the Department of Education closer to the exam date. It is often the closest high school to your child's primary school.

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 25 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 Thinking Skills (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 40 minutes to answer 16 questions (2 with multiple parts).

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’s approach is to help students prepare for the test by familiarising them with the test format they can expect based on past tests which in turn will boost their confidence heading in to the test.

Students are given access to selective-style test papers with detailed explanations.

While the test may be challenging, appropriate preparation including gaining familiarity with the format of the Selective Test and completing practice tests can help students  perform to the best of their abilities.

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.

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

Many believe that besides natural talent, consistent and focused practice can contribute significantly to a person's expertise in any field. A concept known as 'deliberate practice' suggests that differences in performance, such as those between top and average students, might be influenced by how and how much one practices. Motivation and continuous effort are often key factors in seeking improvement. Regularly reviewing one's performance to identify areas for enhancement can be helpful.

To potentially aid in improving your child's test performance, consider these approaches:
– Enhancing subject knowledge, which could improve abilities.
– Techniques to manage anxiety, familiarise with test formats and improve time management.
– Engaging in practice tests might help get accustomed to question types and test formats. 

Practising under simulated test conditions could be useful in preparing for actual test situations, reducing stress on exam day. While practice may not guarantee perfection, it's commonly thought that it can lead to improvement. However, it's important to note that individual experiences and results may 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 and thinking skills. 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.

Remember: Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.

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.