We recommend enrolling in our practice test bundles 6 to 18 months before the test. Many parents are discouraged to enrol closer to the tests because they feel that they won't get their money's worth, but this is a very bad mindset. The value of Test Academy comes from the personalised feedback, detailed explanations, and difficult questions. Even with less time, your child can make monumental improvements by gaining exposure to unseen difficult questions and getting direct feedback on their performances.

We endeavour to write tests that reflect the difficulty of the real tests. Our tests tend to feel similar to or harder than the real tests, but never easier. We also have a wide range of question styles. For practice tests, this is optimal because it better prepares students for the uncertainty of the real tests.

No. We don't like sneaky subscriptions ourselves, so we offer a one-time charge which provides access for a long period of time. Once your access expires, you will not be charged again automatically.

You are free to register an account to explore the student dashboard. We also have a few free Selective, OC, and Writing tests which you can access via the Blog & Resources page.

Yes, Test Academy’s tests are designed to mimic the format and difficulty of actual OC and Selective School exams, ensuring students are well-prepared. Everything from the questions down to the computerised testing screen are built to provide a realistic experience.

We provide advanced analytics in the form of normal distributions, box plots, and percentile bars identical to those found in the real test reports.

This data is based on performance by thousands of students on Test Academy, which is a large enough sample space to gauge how competitive your child is with reasonable accuracy.

What about students who don't really try? When calculating percentiles, we only consider serious attempts with a 50% ≥ test score. This has a big impact on reliability.

Test Academy provides weekly performance summaries that show progress over time, including improvement in weaker areas and a breakdown of test results. We also generate performance graphs.

Every test attempt, we'll send you an email summary so you can keep track of your child's activity if you're too busy to constantly check in.

Yes, after each test, students receive instant feedback and detailed analysis, including scores and performance insights for different sections.

Detailed explanations will also become available for every single question.

Yes, Test Academy's writing feedback includes detailed suggestions based on each student's writing, and exemplars are provided that align with their unique style.

If no tests have been completed, we generate personalised encouraging messages to motivate your child to start, along with general study tips and next steps to help them prepare.

That's right, our platform fights procrastination and anxiety with you.

The personalised weekly study schedule is an adaptive for each student's strengths and weaknesses. It suggests test and review sessions while tracking student progress to optimise learning and preparation.

The Selective High School Placement Test is designed for high-achieving Year 6 students aiming to secure a place in selective high schools. The test assesses students in reading, mathematics, thinking skills, and writing, providing opportunities for academically gifted students to excel in a challenging environment.

Preparation for the Selective Test involves a balance of structured study, practice tests, and time management. Using online platforms like testacademy.com.au can help simulate the actual test environment, provide detailed feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Focus on building strong reading comprehension, problem-solving skills, and test-taking strategies to maximise your child’s performance.

Entry into selective schools depends on a combination of the weighted test percentile and school-specific cut-offs, which vary each year. Typically, weighted percentiles above 95 are considered competitive for top selective schools like James Ruse Agricultural High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Sydney Boys High School, and a few others. A weighted percentile above 76 generally grants entry into a selective school. Understanding your child’s ranking and percentile in practice tests can help gauge their potential score. Use our weighted percentile calculator to see exactly which schools you can get into with different test section percentiles.

Your school performance is no longer considered. The Selective Test is scored solely based on your performance in the tests, which is then weighted by test section and converted to a percentile ranking you against every other student.

Ranking is critical in determining placement. Students are ranked based on their Overall Placement Score and then offered positions according to their preferences for selective schools. Higher-ranked students are more likely to receive an offer from their first preference, making it essential to accurately list school preferences based on realistic scores.

Selective High Schools are for academically gifted students in Years 7-12, while Opportunity Classes (OC) cater to high-achieving students in Years 5 and 6.

Recent updates to the Selective Test include a greater focus on thinking skills, which assess logical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This section aims to identify students with strong analytical abilities rather than relying solely on rote memorisation. Further, the Selective Test and OC Test are computer-based as of 2025. The exams are available to be taken over a 2-3 day window. Staying updated with NSW Department of Education announcements is vital to understanding any new changes.

The success rate varies each year depending on the number of applicants and the available spots. On average, around 15,000 students apply for approximately 4,000 spots in selective schools. Roughly 1500 spots are available for the top Selective High Schools. This high level of competition highlights the importance of thorough preparation and understanding the selection process.

If a student doesn’t receive an offer or if parents believe there were exceptional circumstances affecting their performance, they can submit an appeal. The appeals process requires evidence, such as medical certificates or documentation of unforeseen disruptions. Appeals should be lodged promptly, and it’s important to maintain realistic expectations during this process.

The Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test is designed for high-achieving Year 4 students seeking placement in specialised classes for Years 5 and 6. These classes provide an enriched curriculum that challenges students academically, making them suitable for children with a passion for learning and advanced academic abilities. It is also an excellent stepping stone to entering a Selective High School.

Preparation for the OC Test should include regular practice of sample questions, time management skills, and familiarisation with the test format. Using online practice platforms like testacademy.com.au helps simulate real test conditions, providing targeted feedback on areas needing improvement. A consistent study routine focusing on critical thinking and advanced reading comprehension is beneficial.

Entry into an opportunity class depends on a combination of the weighted test percentile and school-specific cut-offs, which vary each year. Typically, weighted percentiles above 93 are considered competitive for top primary schools like Matthew Pearce Public School, Epping West Public School, Beecroft Public School, and a few others. Use our weighted percentile calculator to see exactly which schools you can get into with different test section percentiles.

There are around 2000 places available in OC classes across New South Wales each year, with over 13000 applicants. This makes the process highly competitive. Ensuring that your child has a strong academic foundation is key to increasing their chances of success.

It’s common for children to feel anxious before the OC Test. To alleviate stress, create a balanced study routine that includes breaks, physical activity, and relaxation time. Encouragement and reassurance from parents play a crucial role in building your child's confidence. Using practice tests that mimic the actual exam can also help reduce anxiety by familiarising your child with the test format.