Application process

Learn how to submit your application for opportunity class entry in Year 5 or selective high school entry in Year 7.

The general application process for selective high school Year 7 entry and opportunity class entry are the same. These processes are both managed by the Selective Education Unit. For more detailed information please refer to the department's relevant policies and procedures:

Years 8 to 12 selective high school entry

The application process for selective high school entry in Years 8 to 12 is different from that for Year 7 entry. Individual schools manage their vacancies, placement processes, assessments and reserve lists (where available) for Years 8 to 12 entry at their school.

Learn about the application process at Selective high schools – Years 8 to 12 applications.

Student entry in 2025

For placement information about entry in 2025 into a selective high school or opportunity class, please visit: Student entry in 2025

Placement stages

Key dates

Student entry in 2025

For placement information about entry in 2025 into a selective high school or opportunity class, please visit: Student entry in 2025

Check the key dates for the application activities and when they occur.

Select the correct tab below (OC or SHS entry year) to see the relevant dates and activities. Be careful to choose the correct tab for either selective high school (SHS) or opportunity class (OC) placement and note that it relates to entry next year.

There may be changes to dates and activities, so please check back regularly for any updates.

Who can apply


Submitting your application

How to apply in 5 easy steps

1. Register


Register to start your application

Parents and/or carers enter their own details to register (not their child’s).

2. Verify email


Verify your email address

Go to your verification email. No email?

Check your junk folder or wait a little while – the email does not always arrive immediately.

3. Log in


Log in to start. Go to the application website and log in.

Forgotten your password? Select forgot password to reset it. Make sure it has the required number and types of characters.

4. Complete


Complete the 8 sections

Answer all the application questions. You can save your application and come back to update it and complete the questions.

You will need to upload a photo of your child with the application. The photo will be included on the test admission ticket for verification purposes at the test centre. Principals will also be asked to verify student photos.

Note that saving your application does not submit it – see the next step.

5. Submit


Select ‘submit’ to finish your application

Check you have received the confirmation email and application dashboard message.

You can log in to your application dashboard and make changes after you have submitted the application. For example, you can update details, upload documents and send and receive messages. See the full list of key dates above for deadlines for updates you can make after submitting.

Need help using the application website?

Need help with making your school choices?

Changing your school choices after submitting your application

If you are not yet certain about your school choices, you can still submit your application and change them later.

You have time after the placement test to finalise your choices (see last day to change choices in the Key dates above).

You may be able to change your school choices after the cut-off date in extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Selective high schools and opportunity class placement procedures.

Applying for boarding at agricultural high schools

For boarder placement, parents/carers apply directly to the school or through the online application process depending on the school. Placement for the boarding schools may involve some extra steps, including:

  • Students may need to attend an interview at the school.
  • Parents of students from rural and remote locations may be asked to provide their child's school reports to be considered for an early offer.

Learn more about how to apply for places at each school at Boarding at agricultural high schools.

Can I submit a late application?

Closing dates for applications are strictly observed. No late applications will be accepted.

Adjustments for the test for students with disability

Parents of students with disability or medical conditions can request reasonable adjustments for the placement test. These are practical arrangements that support students to have fair access when taking the test.

Talk to your child about the benefits and challenges of selective education and address their questions and concerns

Ask your child’s teacher (or other staff who know them well) whether they think selective education will suit your child.

Apply for any required reasonable adjustments for disability or medical conditions.

Support your child to continue co-curricular activities, see friends, eat healthily and sleep well in the lead-up to the test.

Remind your child they only need to do a small amount of preparation for the placement test, and don’t need coaching.

Encourage your child to use the department's free resources to prepare for the test.

High school students working at desk holding a robotic device with male teacher High school students working at desk holding a robotic device with male teacher

Current selective high school and opportunity class students wanting to change schools

Selective high school students

Students cannot automatically transfer to another selective high school

If a current selective high school student wishes to change to another selective high school, an application for Years 8 to 12 must be submitted.

Opportunity class students

Students cannot automatically transfer to another opportunity class.

More information

For more information about the full placement policy and procedures for selective high schools and opportunity classes, visit:

Category:

  • Teaching and learning

Topics:

  • High school
  • Primary school

Business Unit:

  • Educational Standards
Return to top of page Back to top