Selective high schools – Years 8 to 11 applications
The application process for entry into Years 8 to 11 at NSW selective high schools differs from the Year 7 process. Each selective school manages its own vacancies, assessments, and placement decisions.
Vacancies
Vacancies depend on student departures and each school is different. Some may:
- have no vacancies in certain years
- create reserve lists for future vacancies
- open additional places for some year groups.
Contact individual selective high schools about available vacancies.
Placement stages
When to apply
Apply the year before the placement year, during the application period. For example, apply for Year 8 placement when your child is in Year 7.
Test?
Check school websites to understand how schools place students in Years 8 to 11 – some schools require students to take a placement test.
Placement outcomes
Placement outcomes are released the same year applications close.
Key dates
Check the dates below for the key application stages and their timing.
There may be changes to these dates and procedures, so please check back regularly for any updates.
Years 8 to 11 entry in 2026
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 18 June 2025 | Applications for Years 8-11 entry open |
| 25 July 2025 | Applications for Years 8-11 entry close |
| July to August 2025 | Schools advise of assessment requirements |
| August to September | Assessments conducted (if applicable) |
| September to October | Placement outcomes for Years 8-11 entry released |
| Late January 2026 | Entry into a selective high school for successful applicants |
Selective high school types and locations
Students can apply for entry in Years 8 to 11 at all types of selective high schools.
View the map and list of these schools at Find a selective high school.
Application process
You can apply to up to 3 schools.
You must submit a separate application form for each school and list the schools in the same order of preference.
How to apply
- Find the correct application form
Go to the school’s website and check if they use their own online application form or the general application (linked below). - Complete the application form (available here from 17 June 2025). Include:
- A copy of the student’s birth certificate, citizenship or passport, and
- Any extra forms the school asks for.
- Return the completed form by 25 July 2025
Submit the application form to the school that you are applying to.
Boarding school applications
Some agricultural schools offer boarding for students from remote areas.
Find out more about boarding at agricultural high schools, fees for boarding and financial support.
Student assessments
Some schools hold tests; others review school reports and other information.
- The school will tell you if testing is required and whether there is a fee.
- If your child has a disability and needs adjustments, please contact the school early.
Selection outcomes
Selection committees assess applications based on academic performance as demonstrated in their application, and if applicable through testing. They may:
- offer a place
- add a student to the reserve list
- advise if a student was unsuccessful.
Note: Reserve lists apply only for that school year and may close after Term 2.
If you receive an offer from a school, please reply as soon as you can. If you do not accept within the time mentioned in your offer letter, you may lose your offer. If the offer is made by phone, you must accept or decline your offer within 24 hours.
Equity placement
Students from the following under-represented groups may receive extra consideration if their results are similar to others:
- students attending school in areas of low socio-educational advantage
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
- students living in rural and remote locations
- students with disability.
Learn more about the Equity Placement Model at Fair Access.
Residency and citizenship
Parents must be aware that:
- students and their families must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry.
- conditions may apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand. Review the conditions at Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions.
If you accept a place, you must provide:
- a birth certificate, visa or proof of citizenship
- proof of your NSW address (for example, a utility bill).
Transfers
- Students cannot transfer automatically between selective schools – parents and carers must reapply.
- If your child is unsuccessful in a previous year, you need to submit a new application when applications open.
Requesting a review of the school’s decision
You can ask for a review within 7 days of receiving the result if:
- the school didn’t follow its published process, or
- you have valid grounds (with proof) to request a residency rule waiver.
Invalid grounds:
- NAPLAN or other tests the school didn’t ask for.
- Classroom rankings or competition results.
- Disruptions due to holidays, illness or moving house.
- Failing to provide required application documents.
If you disagree with the review finding, you may request a review from the school’s Director, Educational Leadership.
Need help?
Contact the school directly if you have questions about:
- applying
- assessment or test requirements
- supporting documents
Visit the school’s website, phone or email the school for more information.