NSW Selective High Schools Placement Test
Selective Introduction
Welcome to the Selective Course. This course covers the four key subjects tested in the NSW Selective: Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing. Work through each unit at your own pace to build the skills and confidence you need on test day.
What's on the test
The Selective Placement Test has four sections. This course covers all four subjects.
Thinking Skills
16 units
Thinking Skills tests your ability to reason logically, spot patterns, and solve problems using minimal information. Questions cover analogies, sequences, spatial reasoning, and deductive logic.
Mathematical Reasoning
8 units
Mathematical Reasoning tests your ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems quickly and accurately. Topics include number operations, fractions, ratios, measurement, geometry, and data.
Reading
5 units
Reading tests your comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to analyse texts. You will work with fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and informational passages.
Writing
9 units
Writing tests your ability to plan, structure, and express ideas clearly under timed conditions. You will practise narrative, persuasive, and informative text types.
About the Selective Placement Test
Who sits the test?
Students in Year 6 who want to enter a Selective High School for Year 7.
When is it held?
Usually in May each year. Applications open earlier in the year.
What does it assess?
Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing — skills developed over years of schooling.
How is it scored?
Each section is marked and scaled. Your combined score is used to rank eligible applicants for each school.
How to use this course
Follow these four steps to get the most out of your preparation.
Work through units in order
Each unit builds on the last. Open a lesson, learn the idea, then move on when you are ready — go at your own pace.
Watch the video walkthrough
Thinking Skills and Mathematical Reasoning lessons include a guided video solution. Watch how an expert solves the problem step by step — pause and rewind anytime.
Try the question yourself
Answer the interactive question on the lesson page, then read the full explanation so the method sticks before you move on.
Lock it in with practice sets
After every few units, take a short timed Practice Set. Review every mistake with a clear explanation, and revisit the unit if you need another pass.
Give Your Child the Best Chance at Selective Entry
Join NSW families preparing their children for the Selective Schools Placement Test with the most realistic online Selective practice tests available. First tests free—no credit card required.
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