How to: Transferring Into A Selective School

The state-wide Year 6 Selective High School Placement Test is the biggest opportunity students have on entering a selective high school, however it is not the only chance students have. No matter why a student was not admitted into the selective school of their choice in year 6, there are ways to try again and enter in year 8-11. 

First of all, why should students aim to transfer to a selective school?

There are many benefits to being enrolled at a Selective School when it’s time to sit the HSC. Some of these benefits are (but not limited to):

• A positive and more competitive academic atmosphere

• Faster progression through the syllabus so there is more time for revision 

• HSC Scaling which can help “pull up” a student’s marks

• More difficult sample HSC papers at the student’s disposal

Each school has their own unique application process so it is highly important to research the specific school you would like to enrol in and find out what their requirements are. However, there are three main parts that usually make up the transfer application process and will help increase chances of being accepted.

1. Strong school report, especially in English, Maths and Science

Staying ahead of the curve and outperforming peers academically is an important selection criterion for transferring into a selective high school. Students should aim to receive mostly As in their reports, especially in the core subjects: English, Maths and Science.

2. Extra-curricular and Sports

There has been an ongoing trend for holistic learning in Australia, and this is demonstrated through many school’s interest in an applicant’s extra curricular contributions and sportsmanship. Students should be able to demonstrate that they are not just good at academics but that they also have other qualities that can contribute to their potential new school.

Valuable traits include:

• Leadership (e.g. SRC, youth leader)

• Teamwork (e.g. team sports, any form of group project outside of school assessments)

• Communication skills (e.g. debating team, speech competitions)

• Community awareness (e.g. volunteering at the library, other forms of local volunteering)

• Global awareness (e.g. environmental contributions)

3. Testing

Many schools use the results from a test to assess an applicant’s academic ability. The most popular tests are delivered by third party companies - Acer (HAST Test) and Edutest, however some schools will also write their own tests while others forgo formal testing altogether. 

Here are what the top 10 selective schools use.

1. James Ruse Agricultural High School - Edutest

2. Baulkham Hills High School - HAST

3. North Sydney Boys High School - Exam written by school

4. North Sydney Girls High School - HAST

5. Hornsby Girls High School - HAST

6. Normanhurst Boys High School - Literacy & numeracy exam (school website does not clarify source of exam)

7. Sydney Girls High School - No exam

8. Sydney Boys High School - Literacy & Numeracy exam written by school

9. Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus - HAST

10. Fort Street High School - HAST (Year 11 only. No exam is given for years 8-10)

Schools may also have an option to provide supporting documents such as NAPLAN results or request an interview so it is important to become well rounded and develop skills in not just academics but also in communication, leadership, teamwork etc..

Good things come to those who prepare. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the application process or for more preparation tips for the HAST Test and Edutest.

Alpha One also offers junior high school Maths & English classes for Year 6-10. Read more about these courses here.

Published 11th September 2021, Edited 21st January 2023