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Selective test 2027: dates, applying and a month-by-month plan

Checked 19 October 2026 by XReady

Coloured pencils standing in height order in warm amber light.

In short

A child sitting the Selective test in May 2027 is in Year 6 and applying for Year 7 entry in 2028. The Department had not published the 2027 test or application dates on 19 October 2026, so this page gives the usual timing with its source. Applications have recently opened in early November and closed in February, with no late entries.

Which test is "2027"?

The Department names each round by the year a child starts at the selective school. A child sitting the test in May 2027 is in Year 6 and applying for Year 7 entry in 2028 (external link). The round that has just finished, with its test in May 2026, was for Year 7 entry in 2027. If your child is in Year 5 now, the 2027 test is theirs.

What is confirmed and what is not

As at 19 October 2026 the Department had not published the application dates or test days for the May 2027 test. Its application process page (external link) lists key dates only for the 2027-entry round and warns that dates and activities can change, so check it again. What the Department does say is that the placement tests are held in May and taken on a computer (external link), that each student sits on one day only, and that a make-up test follows in late May. The usual timing from the last round:

Treat these as a guide to the rhythm, not as the 2027 dates.

Choosing up to three schools

A Selective application lists up to three school choices (external link), in order. At first release only one offer is made: the highest choice your child's result qualifies for. A child can also be placed on a reserve list for a higher choice, and holding an accepted offer keeps a place on that list only until the reserve decision date. You can change your choices after the test, so a family can submit early and settle the order later.

There are four types of school to choose from: 17 fully selective high schools, 27 partially selective high schools, four agricultural high schools and Aurora College online for rural and remote students. Boarding at Farrer Memorial and Yanco agricultural high schools is applied for directly to the school, without the placement test.

The test itself

Four sections count for a quarter each: Reading (45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (40), Thinking Skills (40) and a typed Writing task (30), which is 155 minutes in all. The Department's practice tests (external link) copy the real screen and timer. Because the writing is typed, some keyboard practice is worthwhile, and our test format guide has the details.

Between now and May

Our suggestion, in line with the Department's advice that coaching is not needed:

  • November 2026. Watch the Department's application page. Decide which parent will register, since the login uses a parent's own details, and gather a recent photo of your child for the Test Admission Ticket.
  • December 2026. Rest. Read together and keep up sport and friends.
  • January 2027. Short, relaxed practice at most. The free XReady 5-question quiz and the Selective practice papers on the samples page are a gentle first look.
  • February 2027. Submit well before the closing date, and press submit, not just save. Your choices can be changed after the test.
  • March and April 2027. Try the Department's online practice test once so the screen and timer are familiar, and practise some typing.
  • Early May 2027. Print the ticket when it arrives and follow our test day checklist.
  • Late May. Make-up test only for children with an accepted illness or misadventure request.
  • August 2027. Outcomes are expected, based on last year's timing. See the performance report guide.

Next

The Selective test explained covers fairness measures and eligibility, and the parent FAQ answers the questions we hear most.

Checked 19 October 2026. The 2027 Selective dates are not yet published; the timing above is from the 2027-entry round.

Common questions

When is the Selective test in 2027?
Not published on 19 October 2026. The Department says the placement tests are computer-based and held in May, and the 2026 test ran on 1 and 2 May.
Who sits the Selective test in 2027?
Children in Year 6 in 2027, who are applying for Year 7 entry in 2028. Parents usually apply at the end of Year 5 or the start of Year 6.
When do applications open and close?
Not published yet for this round. The last round opened on 6 November 2025 and closed on 20 February 2026. No late applications are accepted.
How many schools can we list?
Up to three, in order of preference. Only list schools you would genuinely like your child to attend.
Where do I find the confirmed dates?
On the Department's application process page, which carries a key dates table for each entry year.

Keep reading

Sources, checked 19 October 2026

Not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education.