What are Selective high schools?

Selective high schools cater for academically gifted students with high potential who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates of their own academic standard.

Selective high schools help these students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, using specialised teaching methods and materials. Selective high schools are unzoned so parents can apply regardless of where they live.

Learn more at:

• Selective high schools entry for Year 7
• Selective high school entry for Year 8-12.

What parents and carers need to know

• Key dates for the SHS entry in Year 7 and Years 8-12.
• SHS entry in Year 7 application process – you should apply for your child's entry to a Selective high school when they're in Year 5, for entry to Year 7. For a placement in Year 7, your child will be required to sit the SHS test.
• The test – learn more about the SHS test for Year 7 placement, including what's involved, what to bring and how to best prepare. Includes sample tests from previous years.
• SHS entry in Years 8-12 application process – the application process for placement in selective high schools for Years 8-12 is different to that for Year 7 entry. You should contact the school directly to find out about specific assessment requirements and selection criteria for entry to Years 8-12.
  
• List of Selective High Schools in NSW - these include fully or partially selective high schools, as well as Aurora College – a virtual selective high school for children in rural or remote areas.