25 Oct 2023
Parents who have a child in Year 5 can now apply for a place in one of 47 selective high schools across NSW. This includes, Aurora College, the online selective high school for rural and remote students that is available in 182 local high schools.
Selective high schools are one of the ways that we provide support for academically gifted and high potential students.
High potential and gifted students are supported across all NSW public high schools through the High Potential and Gifted Education policy.
Is a selective high school the right fit for my child?
If your child learns quickly, asks complex questions, has a good memory or is intensely focused in their area of interest, then a selective high school might be a good fit.
Where are they are located?
There are 47 selective high schools for Year 7 entry in NSW with:
- 17 selective high schools
- 25 partially selective high schools
- 4 agricultural selective high schools (3 that offer boarding)
- An online class, Aurora College, for rural and remote students available in 182 authorised host schools.
Check the selective high school map to find one near you. Or look up the selective high schools list.
Fair and equitable access
The Equity Placement Model helps make access fairer for more high potential students in our community.
We know that some students are missing out not because they aren't talented, but because they experience educational disadvantage.
Under the Model, up to 20% of student places at each selective high school are held for high potential:
- students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
- students from rural and remote locations
- students with disability.
These students may be offered a place if their test performance is within 10% of the lowest general applicant first-round offer for the school.
Learn more at Equity Placement Model.
How to apply?
Complete the online application. Applications close on 20 November 2023.
Once the application has been submitted your child will be invited to sit the Selective High School Placement Test on 9 May 2024. Selective high school places are offered based on students’ test performance (academic merit).
For more information go to Selective high schools—Year 7