🗓 The Selective School exam is fast approaching. Don’t wait – get started today!
We get students into selective schools.
Tutoring and resources to help your child prepare for the Selective School Exam
Trusted by:
Experience you can rely on
250,000+ lessons and almost 20 years of Selective School Success
Three reasons parents love working with us:
More than just content
Our tutors form a real, authentic relationship with your child and help them grow in confidence, do better at school and love the learning experience.
Every lesson is tailored to the unique needs of your child.
Completely risk-free
No contracts, prepayments or minimums. Cancel at any time.
Love your first lesson or it’s free.
We work around your busy schedule – not the other way around.
Trusted experience
Our numbers don’t lie: 250,000+ completed lessons, almost 20 years and thousands of success stories.
5000+ 5-star reviews across Google and other review sites. Proven selective school success.
And a few more:
✓ Get started in under 3 minutes. Book online and our team will have the perfect tutor matched with your child within 48 hours.
✓ Lessons when and where it suits you – online or in your home. No battling after school traffic or fighting for parking.
✓ Hand-selected tutors that pass our triple security check: a face-to-face interview, double reference checks and a verified Working with children check.
✓ Feedback emailed to you after every lesson with a detailed progress report sent every 10. Monitor your child’s progress even when you can’t be there.
✓ The world’s simplest payment system – submit your payment details and you’ll be charged 24 hours after each lesson occurs. You don’t even have to think about it.
✓ Communicate directly with your tutor about lesson times, rescheduling or breaks. No cancellation fees when you give your tutor 24 hours notice before a schedule lesson.
✓ Full time support team here when you need us. Call, email, SMS or live chat – available 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday.
✓ Thousands of additional resources available to your child; just chat to your tutor about what they need and they can give you access.
Combined with our expertly crafted, tried-and-tested Selective School preparation program, your child is in the safest of hands ❤️
Here’s how we were able to support students through lockdowns (via SBS News):
Selective School Tutoring
Everything your child needs to prepare for the Selective School exam
The selective school test is really hard – which is why a comprehensive selective school program is absolutely crucial to succeed.
With a success rate of only 30%, even the most naturally gifted students need to take the time to prepare – and with many students starting to work with a tutor from as young as third grade this is only getting more and more competitive.
The Alchemy preparation program is designed to familiarise your child with the exam content, show them strategies to confront the most challenging questions and ultimately walk in to the exam with confidence that they know what they are about to face.
Because what we do is one-on-one, every program is unique. After the initial assessment, your tutor will know exactly what your child needs to focus on and build the program around these core skills – something you won’t find in a classroom environment.
We work with students of all ages – for those aiming to take the test in year 6 for year 7 entry and even those looking for later entry up to year 10. Lessons can take place at your home or online – and we work around your schedule to find a tutor that matches your busy week.
To give your child the best support in the selective school exam, get them started with an accredited Alchemy tutor today.
Lessons Online
Connect with your child’s tutor from any device in our custom built online classroom. They’ll work face to face via video, review questions on the shared whiteboard and get interactive with our classroom tools.
Perfect for busy families as lessons can fit into your schedule without you needing to be home or taking your child somewhere.
Access to some of the best tutors in the country that are experts at forming relationships through the screen.
Lessons In Your Home
Our premium option for families that would prefer to have in-person lessons.
Your tutor will come to your home at a time that works for you and support your child from the comfort of home.
Local tutors with first hand experience of the local curriculum – and in many cases, will have attended your local selective school too.
Perfect for younger students or those that might struggle to maintain focus online.
How it works:
Book
Book your first lesson online or speak with one of our selective school experts. Our team will match your child with the perfect tutor for them and send through confirmation of the first lesson by email and SMS.
Assessment
In the first lesson, your tutor will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your child across the 4 core skills examined in the selective school test. From there, they will develop a learning plan to ensure all areas of need are covered over the next term.
Weekly lessons
Each lesson, your child will work through a practice paper under the guidance of their experienced tutor. Over time, they will recognise patterns in questions, enabling them to respond to each with speed and accuracy. Additional exercises will be completed to further refine subject knowledge and writing skills.
The test
Your child walks into the exam with confidence, knowing they have an unfair advantage over their classmates because they completed the Alchemy selective school preparation program. They respond to every question, manage their time well and showcase their full abilities.
As a parent, you can relax knowing that your child is doing everything they need to do to prepare for the test. No stress or uncertainty, no guessing or firing in the dark and hoping for the best. Our preparation program has proven successful thousands of times over the past 15+ years, and is refined and updated every year. Our selective school tutors go through our comprehensive selective school accreditation, and in most cases, will be former selective school students themselves. Get started today >
Please note: our Selective School preparation program is designed for high performers (usually the top 20% of their class). The content is hyper focussed on the selective school test and will not cover school foundations. If your child is struggling in class or needs broader tutoring support, we can still help, but we would not recommend the selective school preparation program for them as they will probably feel overwhelmed and out of their depth. You can organise a regular tutor here.
“Last year, I enrolled my son to a tutoring school as he was aspiring to study in a selective school. After a month, that school told me that my son won’t make it to selective school since there is only a year left for him to prepare. So, I went and look for other tutoring service and stumble on Alchemy. They assigned Natalie to us. I like their approach as they focus on my son’s weaknesses rather than just handing him out random worksheets. Today, my son had an offer for a selective school with just 9 months of tutoring with Alchemy. Natalie was very helpful and patient in helping my son. I can’t thank her enough. Definitely, recommending Alchemy for your tutoring needs.”
Rosalie, Sydney 2023
“After doing some research for tutoring for children who will be sitting the selective high school test, I came across Alchemy Tuition. I have been very impressed with our tutor Angelina. My daughter feels comfortable with her tutor and feels as though she has gained a lot out of the lessons. We do online lessons due to living in Wollongong, this has been so easy. We are very happy!”
Joelene, Wollongong 2023
“My daughter is so responsive to her. It was obviously a very considered selection when Chloe was selected as her tutor, based on my initial responses. Even after a few months I can see how much she has helped her confidence. My daughter doesn’t see it as a chore. Chloe has made it something that she really enjoys and looks forward to. She has also been very accommodating when we have had to make schedule adjustments with commitments for the new school year. Considering we only came across Alchemy by chance, we feel so lucky to have met Chloe and have her helping our daughter”
Kylie, Sydney 2021
Tutoring FAQ
When to start, what is covered and where to meet; we’ve got you covered in these frequently asked questions about selective school tutoring.
When is the best time to start preparing for the test?
The answer to this question is ultimately up to you as the parent and how important it is to you and your child that they get in to a selective school. We have worked with students for 4 years in the lead up to the exam and others only a few months. Naturally the more time you invest into preparing for the test, the better your child is going to perform. Working with a tutor is an investment of both time and finances, and so you need to decide the right balance for your family.
We generally encourage students to begin preparation at least a year before the exam, and no later than 3 months.
How often will lessons be?
This is up to you and your child, but we strongly encourage at least weekly lessons. In education, consistency is so important and will allow your tutor to build off the previous week; skipping just one week can really stall this progress.
Depending on when you are starting lessons and how much longer you have until the exam, we generally advise one lesson per week, increasing to two as you get 3 months out from the test.
All our services are contract-free and give you full flexibility, so you are welcome to have lessons as often or as frequently as you would like; just chat to your tutor directly and they can schedule them in.
When are lessons held?
You decide! When you book we will ask for all the availabilities that could work for you and your child, and will organise a tutor that matches.
Generally speaking most lessons happen after school during the week or on the mornings of the weekends.
We know you are busy and are juggling a lot. By working around your availabilities your child’s tutoring fits into your schedule; not the other way around.
Where do lessons happen?
We offer both in-home and online tutoring options.
Working online gives you the freedom and flexibility to connect with a tutor from anywhere and at any time. Your child will work face-to-face in our custom built online classroom, use a shared whiteboard and be able to engage with their tutor just like they were there in person.
As a premium option, you can have a tutor come to your home giving you convenience and allowing your child to work comfortably one-on-one with their tutor.
Both options have their pros and cons – when you book with us you can decide what is right for you!
Are there contracts or do I pay a term in advance?
No – our tutoring services are entirely pay-as-you-go.
No contracts, prepayments or minimums. If you don’t love the first lesson, it is free.
After the first lesson you submit your card details and then you’ll be charged 24 hours after each lesson. Cancel at any time.
What parts of the test are covered by the tutor?
The selective school test consists of 4 sections:
- Thinking Skills (general ability)
- Maths
- Reading
- Writing
All 4 components will be covered by your child’s tutor over the course of your lessons together. Because all areas need to be strong, they will tend to spend more time on the areas that they encounter the greatest struggles.
Does my child really need a tutor?
It is rare to see a student receive an offer at a selective school without having some sort of support from a tutor. It is a fiercely competitive exam and if your child is not partnering with a tutor, they will be disadvantaged against those who do.
But we also understand that tutoring is a financial commitment that may not be right for every family, which is why we also offer a range of resources such as practice papers and self-paced courses to help those that may not be able to afford a regular weekly tutor.
Does the tutor provide the content?
Yes, your tutor will come equipped to every lesson with content relevant to your child’s skill level.
They will have access to our full resource center, with more than 5000 worksheets, textbooks and practice papers.
We use our own practice papers, developed and refined by our team over more than a decade.
Is there an assessment?
Yes – in the first lesson your tutor will deliver an assessment on your child to identify their strengths and weaknesses in alignment with the selective school test standards.
From there they will develop a learning plan (which you will receive by email shortly after) and work towards those goals over the coming 10 lessons.
Every 10 lessons your tutor will then submit a detailed progress report, tracking your child’s development over that time.
Why choose Alchemy over coaching colleges?
Everything we do is tailored around the unique needs of your child. Lessons are one-on-one, allowing your tutor to really get to know the unique strengths, weaknesses and learning styles of your child. Each lesson is tailored to your child.
In a coaching college, they will be one of 20 working through a generic workbook.
But don’t trust our word for it. Check out one of the 5000+ 5-star reviews from parents just like you that we have recieved over the last 15+ years.
Pricing
Our one-on-one selective school preparation is affordable and flexible.
Online Lessons
Connect with your tutor from any device at any timeIn-Home Lessons
Your tutor comes to youWhat’s included:
Customised matching service
After talking with one of our experts or booking online, our team will match your child with the perfect tutor for them based on their unique needs and personality.
Feedback after every lesson
After each lesson your tutor will summarise what was covered, how your child performed and any additional comments about their progress, bundled up in an email and sent to you.
Initial benchmark assessment
Your tutor will deliver our first lesson assessment to identify how they are performing across the 4 core skills assessed in the Selective School test: reading, writing, maths and general ability.
Detailed progress report every term
Every 10 lessons your tutor will reflect on how well they achieved their goals, as well as establishing some new ones to work towards in the coming term.
Personalised learning plan
After analysing the results of the benchmark assessment, your tutor will establish goals to work towards over the next 10 lessons, ensuring all core skills are elevated.
Our full suite of practice materials
More than 15 years of experience has crafted some of the mot effective Selective School resources in the country. Your child will have access to all of this through their tutor.
✓ First lesson covered by our 100% happiness guarantee – if you aren’t happy after the first lesson it’s on us
✓ No contracts. prepayments or hidden fees – the price you see above is what you will pay
✓ The world’s easiest payment system – your payment information is stored securely and charged 24 hours after each lesson
✓ No charge for missed lessons – just give your tutor at least 24 hours notice before a scheduled lesson
Extra resources to help you and your child prepare for the exam
Practice papers are one of the best things your child can do to prepare for the test.
Check out our practice paper bundles below. Download a free sample here.
Thinking Skills Bundle
10 papers with 40 questions and answers each.
400 unique questions and 7+ hours of practice for your child.
Mathematical Reasoning Bundle
10 papers with 35 questions and answers each.
350 unique questions and 7+ hours of practice for your child.
Value Bundle
20 papers – 10 of each section.
750 unique questions and 15+ hours of practice for your child.
Articles we have written over the years that have helped other parents:
Learn more
Unlocking Success: The Importance of Selective School Tutoring for Your Child
In the competitive landscape of education, securing a spot in a selective school can significantly impact your child’s academic journey. With the Selective School Test looming, parents often seek effective strategies to ensure their child’s success. This is where Selective School Tutoring emerges as a beacon of guidance and support.
Understanding Selective School Tutoring
Selective School Tutoring is not merely about preparing for an exam; it’s about empowering students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel academically. Through personalized one-on-one sessions and comprehensive resources, Selective School Tutoring equips students with the confidence and proficiency they need to tackle the Selective School Test with ease.
Tailored Learning Experience
One of the key advantages of Selective School Tutoring is its personalized approach to learning. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where students might struggle to keep pace with the curriculum, Selective School Tutoring provides individualized attention, allowing tutors to tailor their teaching methods to suit the unique learning style and pace of each student. This tailored approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and enhances retention, leading to improved academic performance overall.
In-Home and Online Options
At Selective School Tutoring, we understand the importance of flexibility and accessibility. That’s why we offer both in-home and online tutoring options, ensuring that students can access quality education regardless of their location or schedule. Whether it’s face-to-face sessions in the comfort of your home or virtual lessons conducted via cutting-edge online platforms, we are committed to delivering excellence in education. Our online tutoring platform leverages interactive tools and multimedia resources to create engaging learning experiences that rival traditional classroom environments.
Proven Track Record of Success
With over 15 years of experience and more than 250,000 completed lessons, Selective School Tutoring has established itself as a trusted name in the field of education. Our success stories speak volumes, with thousands of satisfied parents and students attesting to the effectiveness of our tutoring programs. Furthermore, our stellar reputation is underscored by the rave reviews we’ve received, boasting over 5000 5-star ratings from delighted clients. Our team of experienced tutors are not only subject matter experts but also skilled mentors who are dedicated to nurturing the academic growth and personal development of every student.
The NSW Selective School Test
In New South Wales (NSW), the Selective School Test is a rigorous examination that assesses students’ academic abilities in English, mathematics, and general ability. Administered by the NSW Department of Education, this test is designed to identify academically gifted students and offer them placement in selective schools across the state. Students typically undertake the Selective School Test in their final year of primary school, usually in Year 6.
Benefits of Selective Schools
Selective schools offer a range of benefits to students, including access to enriched learning environments, specialized academic programs, and a supportive community of peers who share their passion for learning. These schools are renowned for their high academic standards and innovative teaching approaches, providing students with opportunities to excel in their chosen fields of study. Additionally, selective schools often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and leadership programs, allowing students to explore their interests and develop valuable life skills outside of the classroom.
Acceptance to Selective Schools
Admission to selective schools is highly competitive, with only a limited number of places available each year. In addition to achieving high scores on the Selective School Test, students may also be required to submit school reports, participate in interviews, or provide evidence of their achievements in extracurricular activities. While academic performance is an important factor in the selection process, selective schools also consider students’ personal qualities, including their motivation, resilience, and willingness to contribute to the school community. Selective School Tutoring plays a crucial role in helping students prepare for the Selective School Test and enhance their chances of securing a place in a selective school.
In the journey towards securing a place in a selective school, Selective School Tutoring serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to success for students and parents alike. With our personalized approach, flexible learning options, and proven track record of excellence, we are committed to helping your child unlock their full potential and achieve their academic aspirations. Invest in your child’s future today with Selective School Tutoring, and pave the way for a lifetime of academic success and personal fulfillment.
The 2026 Selective Schools Guide
Everything you need to prepare your child for Selective School entry, including an introduction to Selective Schools, an overview of the test, application steps, key dates and interviews with previous students.
15+ years of Selective School experience packaged up into one easy to read guide.
Free to download and share with family and friends.