Guides
Guides for parents
Plain-English guides to the tests your family may be preparing for. Every guide was checked against the test authority's own pages and says when. XReady does not promise marks, places or results.
2027 dates
- NAPLAN 2027: test dates, results timing and what to do before MarchNAPLAN 2027 runs 10 to 22 March. The dates and rules from the national protocols, what is still unconfirmed, and a month-by-month plan to test week.Checked 19 October 2026
- Selective test 2027: dates, applying and a month-by-month planWhat the NSW Department has published for the 2027 Selective test, how applying and school choices work, and a plan for a Year 6 family from now to May.Checked 19 October 2026
- OC test 2027: dates, the family decision and a plan to MayWhat the NSW Department has published for the 2027 Opportunity Class test, what a place involves for a child now in Year 3, and a gentle plan to May.Checked 19 October 2026
- Which test, which year: NAPLAN, OC and Selective in NSWA quick overview of NAPLAN, the OC test and the Selective test: which year your child sits each one, when you apply, and what each is for.Checked 19 October 2026
NAPLAN
- NAPLAN for parents: dates, format and what to expect in 2027A plain guide to NAPLAN for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9: the 10 to 22 March 2027 window, test order, timings, and how little your child needs to do.Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLAN FAQ: opting out, missed tests, tutors and selective entryShort answers to common NAPLAN questions: withdrawing a child, missed tests, whether a tutor is needed, and whether it affects selective entry.Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLAN proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing explainedWhat the four NAPLAN proficiency levels mean, why Developing is not a fail, and how to read the same level in successive years.Checked 19 October 2026
- Understanding your child's NAPLAN report and results timingHow a NAPLAN individual student report is laid out, what the dot, triangle and shaded box mean, when reports arrive and what to do if one goes missing.Checked 19 October 2026
OC and Selective
- OC and Selective test day checklist for parentsWhat to bring, what to leave at home, when to arrive and what to do if your child is sick on the day of the OC or Selective placement test.Checked 19 October 2026
- Preparing for the OC and Selective tests without coachingA calm, low-pressure way for NSW families to help a child get ready for the OC or Selective test, using the Department's free resources.Checked 19 October 2026
OC
- The NSW OC test explained: Year 5 opportunity classes for parentsWhat the NSW Opportunity Class test is, who sits it in Year 4, what a place involves, and how many Year 5 places exist for 2027 entry.Checked 19 October 2026
- OC test format: three sections, minutes and what is allowedThe three sections of the NSW Opportunity Class test, their questions and minutes, how they are weighted, and what children can use on the day.Checked 19 October 2026
- Should we apply for the OC? Questions to ask before you decideA calm way to decide whether to apply for NSW opportunity classes: what a place involves, the facts to weigh, and alternatives if you do not.Checked 19 October 2026
Selective
- The NSW Selective High School Placement Test: a parent's guideWhat the NSW Selective test is, who sits it in Year 6, what it decides, how many Year 7 places exist for 2027 entry, and what to do first.Checked 19 October 2026
- Selective test format: sections, minutes and the writing taskThe four sections of the NSW Selective test, how long each runs, how they are weighted, and what students can and cannot use on test day.Checked 19 October 2026
- Selective test FAQ: the questions NSW parents ask mostPlain answers on Selective test dates, applying, results and offers, coaching, illness and what to do if no offer comes.Checked 19 October 2026
- Reading the Selective Student Performance ReportHow to read the four bands on your child's Selective performance report, why there is no score or cut-off, and how to talk about it at home.Checked 19 October 2026
Not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education.