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How to apply for our selective stream

Selective high schools are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students. These are students who learn faster and more easily than others.

As a partially selective high school, we have both local students in non-selective classes, and students who are placed through the selective high school process. Students in the selective high school stream will typically have classes together for English, mathematics and science.

We offer an equal number of selective high school places for girls and boys. Learn more at Gender parity model.

You can for selective stream entry even if we are outside your local enrolment area. Enrolment is by application only. You can choose up to 3 schools to apply to.

Selective high school – Year 7 entry

Applications now closed for selective high school Year 7 entry in 2027

There is no late application period. If you have a question about your current application, please visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes. You can also send a message to the Selective Education Team in your application dashboard.

Applications usually open in early November (when students are in Year 5) and close in February the next year. Students must also sit a placement test in Year 6.

For more information, check the key dates.

Applications are managed by the department’s Selective Education Team.

Apply online

Residency requirements

To be enrolled in a selective high school:

• you and your child must be living in NSW at the start of the school year

• and your child must be either:

• an Australian or New Zealand citizen

• an Australian permanent resident

• hold a visa that allows enrolment – check the list here: Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions.

Steps

1. Visit the application website
2. Register to start your application
3. Verify your email address
4. Log in
5. Complete all sections of the application
6. Select submit
7. Student sits the placement test
8. Outcomes are released.

Fair access

The department supports high potential and gifted students from all backgrounds to apply. We know that some of these students experience educational disadvantage. To make access fairer, the Equity Placement Model holds up to 20% of places for:

• students from low socio-educational backgrounds

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

• students from rural and remote areas

• students with disabilities.

For more information, visit Fair Access.

Selective high school – Year 8 to 11 entry

For entry in Years 8 to 11, you apply directly to our school – usually between June and July. If you wish to apply to multiple schools, you must submit a separate application form for each. The schools must be listed in the same order of preference on each application.

For more information visit Selective high schools – Years 8 to 11 applications.

Late applications

Closing dates for applications are strictly observed. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. No late applications will be accepted. For more information, check the key dates.

More information

For more information about the placement test, application process and fair access, visit  Selective high schools and opportunity classes.