NSW Selective High School and Opportunity Class applications open online through the NSW Department of Education in the year before the test — typically a window of a few weeks in spring (around October–November). Exact dates change each year, so always confirm them on the official NSW Department of Education selective and opportunity classes page, and aim to start practice well ahead.
- Applications are made online via the NSW Department of Education
- They open the year before the test is sat
- The window is typically a few weeks, often around spring
- Exact dates change each year — confirm on the official DoE page
- Start practice at least 12 months ahead of the test
Applications for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test are made online through the NSW Department of Education in the year before the test — that is, while your child is in Year 6, for Year 7 entry. The application window is usually only a few weeks long and commonly falls in spring, but the exact dates change every year. Always confirm the current dates on the official NSW Department of Education page before you plan around them.
The general timeline, application to offer
While specific dates move each year, the overall sequence is consistent. Use this as a mental map, then check the official source for the current year's deadlines.
- 1
Application window opens. A short online window, commonly in spring of the year before the test. Submit through the NSW Department of Education.
- 2
Application closes. Late applications are difficult, so submit well inside the window rather than on the final day.
- 3
Test day. Students sit the test in the digital format across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.
- 4
Outcomes and offers. Results and placement outcomes are released later, through the NSW Department of Education.
Start practising about 12 months ahead
The application window decides whether your child can sit the test — but preparation decides how they perform. Don't wait for applications to open before starting. Begin a steady routine roughly 12 months out with our selective practice tests so the skills are well established long before test day.
While you wait for dates, start preparing
The smartest move is to separate the admin from the study. Confirm the current application dates on the official NSW Department of Education page, then get on with practice. Begin with our selective practice tests, follow our full guide on how to prepare for the Selective Test, and when you want complete coverage across all four sections, step up to the Complete bundle.