NSW Selective Test Dates & Timeline (2027 Entry)

1. Key dates at a glance

• Applications open: 6 November 2025
• Applications close: 20 February 2026
• Last day to update details: 13 March 2026
• Test Admission Tickets expected: 17 April 2026
• Selective High School Placement Test: 1–2 May 2026
• Illness/misadventure request deadline for main test: 8 May 2026
• Make-up test: 22 May 2026
• Illness/misadventure request deadline for make-up test: 29 May 2026
• Last day to change school choices: 5 June 2026
• Placement outcomes expected: late August 2026

Always confirm dates with the NSW Department of Education before making decisions.

2. Complete 2026 selective timeline

1. 6 November 2025 — Applications open. Parents can submit applications through the online application system.
2. 20 February 2026 — Applications close. Late applications are generally not accepted; this is also the reasonable adjustment request deadline.
3. 13 March 2026 — Last day to update details. Parents can update details such as current school in the application dashboard.
4. 17 April 2026 — Test Admission Tickets expected. Check details carefully when released.
5. 1–2 May 2026 — Selective High School Placement Test. Students attend one allocated test day only.
6. 8 May 2026 — Illness/misadventure deadline. This applies to the main test.
7. 22 May 2026 — Make-up test. For students with approved illness or misadventure.
8. 5 June 2026 — Last day to change school choices. This is the final preference adjustment point.
9. Late August 2026 — Outcomes expected. Parents receive placement outcomes and performance report information.

3. Preparation timeline

6+ months before

• Take a diagnostic across the key sections.
• Identify reading, maths, thinking skills and writing gaps.
• Start small weekly writing practice.

3–6 months before

• Build a regular weekly practice rhythm.
• Use targeted mini-tests and section tests.
• Review mistakes carefully rather than only chasing more questions.

Final 1–3 months

• Increase timed digital practice.
• Practise writing under 30-minute conditions.
• Use simulations sparingly to build stamina without burning out.

Final week

• Light review only.
• Check test-day logistics.
• Prioritise sleep, calm and confidence.

4. Application checklist

When applications are open, parents usually need to prepare:

• student details and current school details
• residency and enrolment eligibility information
• selective high school preferences
• reasonable adjustment documentation, if relevant
• any relevant illness, misadventure or application updates through the official process

5. Official resources

Use OC Test Prep for parent-friendly guidance and practice planning, but always treat the NSW Department of Education as the source of truth for dates, applications, test tickets and placement outcomes.

• When is the 2026 selective test?

  For Year 7 entry in 2027, the Selective High School Placement Test is scheduled for Friday 1 – Saturday 2 May 2026. Students attend one allocated test day only.
• When do applications close?

  Applications for Year 7 entry in 2027 closed on 20 February 2026.
• When is the make-up test?

  The selective make-up test is scheduled for Friday 22 May 2026 for students with approved illness or misadventure.
• Can school choices be changed after the test?

  For this cycle, the last day to change school choices is 5 June 2026.
• When are outcomes expected?

  Placement outcomes are expected in late August 2026.

Sources & acknowledgements

• NSW Department of Education — Placement test dates and logistics: education.nsw.gov.au/.../placement-test
• NSW Department of Education — Application process key dates: education.nsw.gov.au/.../application-process