The Selective School Test is an exam that students take to gain entry to a selective high school. The main intake occurs in year 7, with limited numbers being accepted from years 8 to 10. The below content is for the test taken in year 6 for year 7 entry.
When is the 2021 Selective School Test?
The exact date of the 2021 Selective School Test is yet to be confirmed by the NSW Department of Education, but it will take place in mid-March of 2021 and is open to students in year 6 in 2021.
Despite the disturbances of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, we expect the 2021 Selective School Test to go ahead as normal.
What is in the test?
The 2021 Selective School Test is made up of 4 separate test papers:
- Reading
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Thinking Skills
- Writing
All 4 components add up to give a total mark out of 200. An additional 100 marks come from internal school marks, giving a grand total out of 300.
With the exception of writing, all papers are multiple choice, and range from moderate to very difficult. The test is not negatively marked – so students do not lose marks for incorrect answers. Papers are written by hand and marked electronically.
The total testing time will be about 2 and a half hours with breaks in between each paper.
Once a mark out of 300 is assigned to a student, that mark will then determine the eligibility of that student to gain entry to a selective school. The minimum mark varies each year and by each school – in 2019 the lowest minimum score was 161 (Gorokan High School) and the highest minimum score was 250 (James Ruse Agricultural High School). You can view all minimum entry scores here.
How do you succeed in the Selective School Test 2021?
A comprehensive preparation program is crucial to succeed in the selective school test. It is very rare to see a student get in on natural talent – even the brightest students will work with tutors in the lead up to the test.
At Alchemy, we have been helping students get in to selective high schools for more than a decade. Our selective school preparation program has proven successful for thousands of students across the state.
Our program is one-on-one; so every lesson is tailored to your child’s needs based on their unique learning profile. Our research shows that one hour of one-on-one tuition is more effective that 4 hours in a classroom – as your child receives undivided attention through the entire lesson.
Your tutor can meet in your home, online or at a library or school at a time that works for you – giving you complete flexibility and ease; no battling after school traffic or fighting for parking.
Read our reviews from parents just like yourself here and see why we have more 5-star reviews than anywhere else. You can learn more about our program here or book your first lesson here and get your child started on the journey to selective school success!
Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!
