Application Guide

Overview

Transferring to a selective high school in NSW from Year 8 to Year 11 can be a significant step in a student’s academic journey. This guide is designed to walk you through the entire application process, key dates, required documents, school-specific processes, and how to answer common application questions effectively.

Each selective school manages its own application process and may have different forms, testing requirements, and deadlines. You must apply to each school individually.

NOTE: It is important to check the school’s specific website when completing applications for specific requirements. Each school needs to be applied to individually including the general application as well as the school specific application (if required).

Information regarding the application process for Y8 to Y11 entry is typically found on the enrollment section of the school website. The following links provide access to some school’s enrolment application process:

EduTest Schools:

North Sydney Boys High School: 

https://northsydbo-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/enrolment1.html

James Ruse Agricultural High School:  

https://jamesruse-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Baulkham Hills High School:

https://baulkham-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

North Sydney Girls High School: 

https://northsydgi-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/enrol/years-8-12.html

Sydney Girls High School:

https://sydneygirl-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

School Specific:

Normanhurst Boys High School:

https://normanhurb-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Sydney Boys High School:

https://sydneyhigh.school/enrolment/years8-12

HAST Schools:

Girraween High School:

https://girraween-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment/years-8-12-enrolment-information.html

Penrith High School:

https://penrith-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

St George Girls High School:

https://stgeorgegi-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Fort Street High School:

https://fortstreet-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Sydney Technical High School:

https://sydneytech-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Caringbah High School:

https://caringbah-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Chatswood High School:

https://chatswood-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Key Dates in the 2025 Application Cycle

• Applications Open: Wednesday 18 June 2025
• Applications Close: Friday 25th July 2025 at 3:00 PM AEST
• Edutest Entry Test: Saturday 16th August 2025
• HAST Entry Test: Saturday 9th August 2025
• Normanhurst Exam: Sunday 3rd August 2025
• Sydney Boys Exam: Monday 11th August 2025

Step 1: General NSW Application Form

All applicants must complete the statewide NSW Department of Education application form for selective school entry.

Link to Form:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes-parents/documents/SHS_Years_8-11_Application_Form.pdf

This form must be printed, completed, and submitted as per school-specific instructions.

Step 2: School-Specific Application Forms

Usually each selective school has its own additional application form. These forms often include:

• Student and parent personal details
• Short answer questions, potentially requiring handwritten student responses
• Instructions for delivery (post/email/in-person/online form)
• Will require attachment of supporting documentation detailed below

Step 3: Required Supporting Documentation

You must prepare and attach the following documents to your application. Always check specifically based on the school website but the following are required:

Identity and Residency

• A copy of one of the following:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Australian Citizenship Certificate
    Permanent Residency Certificate or valid Visa

Academic Reports

• Photocopies of:
  • 2024 Half-Yearly and Yearly school reports
  • 2025 Half-Yearly report (submit later via email if not yet available), specific details can be found on the school website

Standardised School Test Results

• Most recent NAPLAN report (some schools may request the previous 2 years)
• VALID Science 8 or 10 report if available

External Academic Achievements

Include results and certificates from the past two years:

• ICAS competitions
• RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) competitions
• AMT (Australian Mathematics Trust) competitions
• APSMO (Australian Problem Solving Maths Olympiad)
• Big Science Competition
• Other relevant Olympiads or academic challenges

Extra-Curricular Activities

Provide evidence of activities student has been involved in throughout the past two years:

• Debating
• Music (AMEB certificates, eisteddfods)
• Sport
• Chess
• Coding/robotics
• Leadership or volunteering roles
• Other various clubs or societies in or outside of school

NOTE: Generally activities and competitions in the past two years have more weighting and significance compared to activities in prior years. In applications, activities in prior years can be listed, but it is more desirable to list recent activities.

Optional Supporting Materials

Some schools may allow or encourage:

• Creative writing samples (from school exam or personal work)
• Letter of recommendation from a community member (non-family, non-school)
• Academic history from overseas (if applicable)

 

Step 4: Register for Entrance Testing

Most selective schools require an entrance test. These are typically either Edutest or HAST.

Edutest:

• Students will have to sit the exam once at their designated test centre (first registered High School). For example, if James Ruse Agricultural High School (JRAHS) is placed as your first preference in your application, then the EduTest exam will be sat at JRAHS. Test results will be shared to other EduTest schools applied to individually and indicated general school application preferencing.
  
• Must register and pay separately for each school through school EduTest website.
  
• Cost: $160 (includes test + application processing fee per school)
  
• Registration link can be found on school enrolment website.
  
• Registration opens: 18 June 2025
  
• Registration closes: 25 July 2025, 3:00 PM AEST
  
  

IMPORTANT: For EduTest the first school you register with will become your designated test centre. If you wish to sit the test at a specific school, register for that school first.

Example: If you want to test at North Sydney Boys, register for them first before registering for James Ruse. Seating cannot be changed after the deadline and may be affected by school venue capacity.

Also, regarding applications to multiple EduTest schools directly from the EduTest website: students wanting to be considered by James Ruse Agricultural High School as well as North Sydney Girls High School, North Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School and/or Baulkham Hills High School must submit individual Edutest applications to each school by the individual closing dates and comply with the special application conditions, shown on each school's website and in this guide. Payment is required for each.

HAST:

• Students will have to sit the exam once at their designated test centre (first registered High School). For example, if Penrith High School is placed as your first preference in your application, then the HAST exam will be sat at Penrith. Test results will be shared to other HAST schools applied to individually and indicated general school application preferencing.
• Registration link can be found on separately on school enrolment website.
  
• Cost: $130 for first preference school, $50 for 2nd and 3rd preference schools (payment includes for application and testing). Explanation provided by Penrith High School can be found here: https://penrith-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html titled Payment Reference Guide.
• Registration opens: 18 June 2025
  
• Registration closes: 25 July 2025, 3:00 PM AEST
• Sydney Boys High School:
• Download and complete the application form.
• Read page 6 of the form for guidance on what to include.
• Attach copies of your two most recent school reports.
• Do not need to provide evidence of achievement at the time of submitting the application. Evidence and documents will need to be provided during the interview stage.
• Submit the form directly to the school with a $105 fee (covers admin, processing, assessment).
• No late applications will be accepted.

Normanhurst Boys High School:

• Complete the online registration school specific form via the enrolment page on the school website.
• Pay the $130 fee online before 25 July 2025 (covers admin, processing, assessment).
• Attach your last two school reports, latest NAPLAN results, and any certificates or awards (no originals).
• Submit the printed general NSW application to the school or via post by 4 pm Friday 25 July 2025. No emails or electronic submission accepted.

Step 5: Answering Application Questions Effectively

Most school-specific forms will include short-answer questions. These responses allow the school to understand the students:

• Learning style and interests
• Personal values and growth
• Motivation for applying
• Ability to reflect on challenges and character
• Use the STAR Method

Encourage your child to use the STAR format for structured answers:

• S →  Situation: What was happening?
  
• T → Task: What did you need to do?
  
• A → Action: What did you do?
  
• R → Result: What was the outcome or what did you learn?
  
  

With this method, each point should not be too long as typically students have around 50-100 words to complete their answer. We would recommend them to first plan out their response and then once they have a good idea of how to respond, then they complete their answer in pen. Common application questions with sample student answers have been provided.

1. What is your favourite subject and why?

Approach:
Choose a subject you genuinely enjoy and explain why it interests you. Mention a specific topic, class activity, or project that made the subject memorable. Try to show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and how the subject connects to your way of thinking or learning style.

Sample Response:
My favourite subject is science because I really enjoy understanding how things work. Recently, we did a practical on photosynthesis where we tested how light affects plant growth. I liked being able to apply theory to something real and seeing the results myself. Science makes me think more deeply about the world and inspires me to ask questions beyond what’s in the textbook. I’m also interested in environmental issues and how science can help solve them in the future.

2. What do you do in your spare time?

Approach:
Give a realistic picture of your life outside the classroom. Choose 2–3 activities that show different sides of you (creative, active, social, or academic). If possible, explain what each activity gives you, you can include things such as confidence, relaxation, skills, or enjoyment. This helps show balance and personality.

Sample Response:
Outside of school, I enjoy staying active and trying new things. I play soccer for a local club and I’ve recently started learning basketball through a school team. I also take weekly piano lessons and I am part of my school’s concert band. I enjoy balancing schoolwork with creative and physical activities because they help me focus and stay motivated. I’ve also joined the debating team this year, which has helped me improve my confidence when speaking and thinking on the spot.

 

3. Who is your greatest role model? Why?

Approach:
Choose someone you admire and focus on the qualities they have that you would like to develop. It could be a family member, teacher, friend, or public figure. Explain what makes them a role model and what you’ve learned by observing or interacting with them.

Sample Response:
One of my biggest role models is my cousin who is in university studying engineering. He has always been someone who works hard and is really passionate about what he learns. Even though his schedule is busy, he still makes time to help me with my schoolwork or talk about science and technology. I admire how he stays focused on his goals but is also kind and encouraging. Watching how he plans ahead and balances everything has helped me think about how to manage my own time better.

 

4. Tell us about a challenge you have overcome.

Approach:
Choose something honest and relatable, like a setback in sport, academics, or social life and focus on how you responded and grew from the experience.

Sample Response:
Last year, I tried out for the district athletics team but didn’t get selected. I was disappointed at first because I had trained a lot and really wanted to represent my school. After that, I spoke to my coach and worked on improving my technique and endurance. I trained more consistently and focused on learning from my mistakes. This year, I made the team and competed in both the 800 metre and relay events. The experience taught me that setbacks and challenges are part of the process and that improvement takes time and effort.

 

5. Why do you want to attend this school?

Approach:
Show that you’ve researched the school (via its website, speaking to students, or attending information events). Mention specific programs, clubs, or values that appeal to you. Connect those features to your own interests and strengths, and explain how you would get involved and benefit from the school environment.

Sample Response:
I want to attend James Ruse Agricultural High School because of its strong academic focus and the variety of enrichment programs it offers. I am particularly interested in the Science Olympiad and enrichment mathematics classes, which I believe would really challenge me and help me extend my learning. I also saw that the school has a robotics club (Ruse Robotics), which I’d love to join because I have previous experience and enjoy problem-solving in a team. In terms of sport, I play soccer regularly for the club and school and would like to be part of the school’s soccer team. I think James Ruse Agricultural High School would allow me to grow in multiple areas,  academically, socially, and personally, and I’d really like to contribute to a school culture that values curiosity, excellence, and participation.

 

6. What will you contribute to our school?

Approach:
Think about what you bring to a school community and clubs. This should cover similar points to the previous question, “Why do you want to attend this school?” Consider your values, interests, strengths, or leadership experiences in the past. Talk about how you’ve contributed to your current school and how you would get involved at your new school, whether in clubs, helping others, or taking initiative.

Sample Response:
I enjoy working with others and helping to create a positive learning environment. I’ve been a part of my school’s peer support group, where we help younger students settle into Year 7. I also help organise our school’s lunchtime chess club and am part of a community service group that raises money for charities. At James Ruse Agricultural High School, I would like to get involved in leadership roles, sports teams and music ensembles. I believe I could bring energy, teamwork, and a willingness to support others in the classroom and beyond.

 

7. How will you adjust to a new school environment?

Approach:
Show maturity and readiness for change. Think of a past time when you adjusted to something new and explain what you did to make the transition smoother. Share specific strategies like joining clubs, talking to people, or staying organised. Schools want students who will settle in quickly and positively.

Sample Response:
Although moving to a new school can be challenging, I feel confident that I can adjust well by staying open, friendly, and involved. When I joined the school choir and soccer team early on, which helped me make friends and feel like part of the school community. I would do the same here, sign up for clubs, introduce myself to teachers and classmates, and take part in school events. I’m excited about the chance to learn new things and meet people who share similar interests.

Final Checklist for Parents and Students

Required Documents

• 2026 Selective High School 8–12 Application Form – fully completed
  
• Supplementary school-specific application form – fully completed
• Proof of identity and residency (photocopy of ONE of the following):
  • Australian Birth Certificate
  • Australian Citizenship Certificate
  • Australian Passport
  • Valid Permanent Residency Visa
• School reports:
  • 2024 Semester 1 and Semester 2 reports
  • 2025 Semester 1 report (post or hand-deliver by Friday 8 August 2025; if unavailable, email as soon as it is ready)
• NAPLAN reports:
  • Most recent report
  • If applying for Year 10 or above, include the last two reports if available
• External academic achievements from the past 2 years
  • Include ICAS, REACH, AMT, RACI, Olympiads, etc.
  • Attach certificates and result pages

• Evidence of extracurricular participation (past 2 years)
  • Examples: Music, debating, chess, sport, drama, coding, volunteering

• (Optional) Creative writing sample from school or personal work
• (Optional) Letter of recommendation from a non-school community member
• (If applicable) Overseas academic history

Entrance Test Registration

• Registered for entrance test via Edutest or HAST, or school specific exam 
  
• Paid the registration fee per school
  
• Registered by Friday 25 July 2025, 3:00 PM AEST
  
• Registered for your preferred school FIRST to secure it as the test centre
  
• Confirmed the testing format and date for each school

Final Application Process Checklist

• I have reviewed each school’s specific application process and testing format
• I’ve completed and printed the NSW general application form
• I’ve completed each school’s individual application form (handwritten where required)
• All reports, NAPLAN, certificates, and supporting documents are included
• I’ve registered for Edutest, HAST and school specific exam and paid the required fees
• I’ve answered all student short-answer questions thoughtfully using the STAR method
• I have submitted all required materials before Friday 25 July 2025, 3:00 PM AEST