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

What is the Selective Test?

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a computer-based test used as part of the placement process for Year 7 entry to NSW selective high schools.

The test has four equally weighted sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills use computer-based question formats, while Writing requires one open response.

Placement decisions are managed by the NSW Department of Education. Families should refer to the Department's website for current application, testing and placement information.

How does NotesEdu help?

NotesEdu provides Selective-style preparation journey resources for Year 5 and Year 6 students, including:

1. Practise the test format: Timed practice across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.
‍
2. Review answers and performance: Detailed answer explanations and student reports help identify strengths and areas for further practice.
‍
3. Practise computer-based question types: Students can practise question formats including multiple choice, drag and drop, dropdown and multiple extracts.

Selective Test Sections

Reading
Mathematical Reasoning
Thinking Skills
Writing

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 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.

Enhance your child's
exam preparation today

Access 3 Selective Style Tests for Free

No payment details required.

Join for free

Test Pack

Premium

NotesEdu grey logo

$99Valid for365 days

$50Valid for 30 days

$149 $199Valid for 365 days‍

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

  • New 2026 Reading Test Format (17 questions | 45 minutes)
  • 48 Total Tests
  • 15 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 15 x Reading
  • 18 x Thinking Skills (Full Tests & Concept Checks)
  • 365 Days Validity
  • Detailed answer explanations
  • Unlimited Test Attempts
  • 1 x Vocabulary Booklet
  • NEW 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
Most Popular

Test Pack + Courses + Writing

Platinum

NotesEdu colour logo

$249 $349Valid for 365 days‍

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

  • NEW 2026 Reading Test Format (17 Questions | 45 minutes) Inside
  • 83 Total Tests
  • 25 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 33 x Reading
  • 23 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 Reading Test Format (17 questions | 45 minutes) Inside
  • 113 Total Tests
  • 25 x Mathematical Reasoning
  • 33 x Reading
  • 23 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

  • 35 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
bulb icon

Click to view Sample Course

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.
‍
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.
  • 35 × Selective Style Writing prompts
  • 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  
Watch Video

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 icon green

Practice

Regularly updated questions.

learn icon

Learn

Detailed solutions are provided to guide students towards concept mastery.

Enhance

Enhance

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

Enhance

Perfect

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

Packs starting from $149

Our Features

bulb icon

Learning, finally organised.

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

thumbs up icon

Easy to learn system.

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

pie chart icon

Detailed analytics.

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

Prepare smart.

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

NotesEdu online tests image
NotesEdu question icon
student practice test report
Reading icon

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 familiar with the digital test format not only in the question types but also how to navigate through online test systems to maximise results.

Buy simulation testsTake trial test

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
NotesEdu text logo

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

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!

Explore all features

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:
‍
- 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.
  • Latest exam-style questions
  • Detailed solutions & comprehensive reports provided
  • No payment details required
Claim your free test today
boy with trophy and performance chart
Innovation forwards success

Download our iOS and Android apps

NotesEdu is Australia's leading online exam preparation platform.
Login
NSW
VIC
QLD
NT
SA
WA
TAS
ACT
VIC Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
SEAL
HAP Test
Selective High School
Scholarship
HAST
Writing Course
View All Products
QLD Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
Queensland Academies Test
Scholarship
HAST
Writing Course
View All Products
NT Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
Scholarship
Writing Course
View All Products
SA Change State?
Online Tests
NAPLAN
IGNITE
Scholarship
HAST
Writing Course
View All Products
WA Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
PEAC
GATE/ASET
Scholarship
HAST
Writing Course
View All Products
TAS Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
Scholarship
Writing Course
View All Products
ACT Change State
Online Tests
NAPLAN
Scholarship
HAST
Writing Course
View All Products
Why NotesEdu
Our Features
Reviews & Honour Roll
Resources
SuperClass
Free Resources
About Classroom
For Students
For Parents
For Teachers
For Educators
About
About Us
Careers (Hiring!)
Policies
Support
Blog
Careers
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.