Complete 2026 Guide to Victorian Selective Entry Tests

Victoria's selective entry high schools represent the state's most academically rigorous public secondary education pathway. Admission is highly competitive, with approximately 5,000+ students competing annually for roughly 1,600 Year 9 places across four government selective schools: Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School, and Suzanne Cory High School.

The Selective Entry High School Placement Test determines who receives offers. Unlike school-based assessments that measure curriculum mastery, this standardized test measures reasoning abilities, comprehension skills, and writing capability—providing a fair comparison across students from different primary schools with varying academic programs.

If your child aspires to attend a Victorian selective entry school, understanding the complete process—test format, scoring methodology, how offers are determined, key dates, and preparation requirements—is essential for making informed decisions and developing an effective preparation strategy.

This comprehensive guide explains everything about Victoria's Selective Entry process for 2026: the four selective schools and their characteristics, the complete test format across all four sections, how scoring and placement offers work, key dates and application timeline, eligibility requirements, and what distinguishes this pathway from other secondary school options.

Victoria's Four Selective Entry High Schools

Understanding each school helps families make informed preferences.

Melbourne High School

Location: South Yarra (inner Melbourne)
Gender: Boys only
Year 9 Entry Places: Approximately 450 per year
Characteristics:

• Oldest and largest selective entry school (established 1905)
• Strong academic tradition with excellent VCE results
• Comprehensive co-curricular program (debating, music, sport)
• Diverse student cohort from across metropolitan Melbourne

Facilities: Modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, sports facilities

Academic Performance: Consistently achieves median ATAR scores above 90

Mac.Robertson Girls' High School

Location: Melbourne CBD
Gender: Girls only
Year 9 Entry Places: Approximately 450 per year
Characteristics:

• Prestigious girls' selective school (established 1905)
• Outstanding VCE outcomes year after year
• Strong emphasis on STEM education
• Extensive music and arts programs
• Central location accessible via public transport

Facilities: Historic building with modern learning spaces, science facilities, performing arts amenities

Academic Performance: Among Victoria's top-performing VCE schools annually

Nossal High School

Location: Berwick (south-east Melbourne)
Gender: Co-educational
Year 9 Entry Places: Approximately 350 per year
Characteristics:

• Newer school (opened 2010) with modern facilities
• Co-educational environment
• Strong community culture and pastoral care
• Emphasis on technology integration in learning
• Serves families in Melbourne's south-east growth corridor

Facilities: Purpose-built modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities

Academic Performance: Rapidly established strong VCE results comparable to established selective schools

Suzanne Cory High School

Location: Werribee (west Melbourne)
Gender: Co-educational
Year 9 Entry Places: Approximately 350 per year
Characteristics:

• Opened 2011 as Victoria's fourth selective school
• Modern co-educational environment
• Strong focus on inquiry-based learning
• Serves families in Melbourne's western growth areas
• Contemporary approach to selective education

Facilities: Modern purpose-built campus with advanced learning spaces

Academic Performance: Consistently strong VCE outcomes since establishment

The Selective Entry Placement Test

The standardized assessment determines offers across all four schools.

Test Format Overview

The Selective Entry test comprises four distinct sections administered over approximately 3 hours including breaks.

Section 1: Verbal Reasoning

• Time Allowed: 30 minutes
• Number of Questions: 60 questions
• Format: Multiple choice (typically 5 answer options)
• Content: Analogies, word relationships, vocabulary, verbal logic

Section 2: Numerical Reasoning

• Time Allowed: 30 minutes
• Number of Questions: 50 questions
• Format: Multiple choice (typically 5 answer options)
• Calculator: NOT permitted

Section 3: Reading Comprehension

• Time Allowed: 35 minutes
• Number of Questions: 35 questions
• Format: Multiple choice (typically 5 answer options)
• Passages: Multiple texts of varying lengths and types

Section 4: Writing

• Time Allowed: 30 minutes
• Format: Two extended written tasks
• Task Type: Persuasive and/or creative/narrative writing

Total testing time is approximately 2-2.5 hours of actual testing plus breaks between sections.

Who Takes the Test

Eligibility:

• Current Year 8 students applying for Year 9 entry (majority of candidates)
• Current Year 10 students applying for Year 11 entry (limited places)

Residency Requirements:

• Student must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Student and parent/guardian must live within reasonable commuting distance of the preferred school

Application Process:

• Online application typically opens in April
• Application fee required (currently $50)
• Students can rank school preferences
• All applicants take the same test regardless of school preferences

Victoria's Selective Entry test is highly competitive, with thousands of well-prepared students competing for limited places. EduCourse's VIC Selective preparation provides comprehensive practice across all four test sections—Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Writing—with detailed analytics showing exactly where your child stands and what improvement is needed to compete for offers.

Numerical Reasoning Section

The mathematics-based reasoning component assesses problem-solving ability.

What It Tests

Numerical Reasoning evaluates:

• Mathematical problem-solving and logical reasoning
• Number operations, patterns, and relationships
• Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, and proportion
• Algebraic thinking and pattern recognition
• Data interpretation from graphs, tables, and charts
• Geometry and measurement applications
• Multi-step word problems requiring strategic thinking

The focus is on mathematical reasoning rather than procedural calculation.

Key Characteristics

• No Calculator: All 50 questions must be completed using mental math and written working only
• Time Pressure: 50 questions in 30 minutes = less than 40 seconds per question average
• Unfamiliar Problems: Questions often present scenarios requiring flexible thinking rather than memorized procedures
• Difficulty Range: Questions range from straightforward to highly challenging, testing problem-solving under pressure

Students who rely solely on school mathematics often struggle with the reasoning emphasis, calculator prohibition, and significant time pressure.

Reading Comprehension Section

The reading component assesses sophisticated comprehension abilities.

What It Tests

Reading Comprehension evaluates:

• Literal comprehension of written texts
• Inference and deduction from passages
• Understanding author's purpose and perspective
• Vocabulary in context
• Identifying main ideas and supporting details
• Analyzing text structure and organization
• Making connections between ideas across paragraphs

Passage Types

Students encounter various text types:

• Informational/Expository: Science articles, historical accounts, explanatory texts
• Narrative: Story excerpts with character, plot, and theme
• Persuasive/Argumentative: Opinion pieces, speeches, editorials
• Functional: Instructions, schedules, informational graphics

Passages range from 150-500 words with varying complexity levels.

Question Formats

• Main idea and theme questions
• Supporting detail identification
• Inference and implication questions
• Vocabulary in context
• Author's purpose and tone
• Text structure and organization

35 questions in 35 minutes = approximately 1 minute per question including reading time, requiring efficient reading and strategic question approach.

Verbal Reasoning Section

The language-based reasoning component tests logical thinking with words.

What It Tests

Verbal Reasoning assesses:

• Verbal analogies and word relationships
• Vocabulary knowledge (synonyms, antonyms)
• Verbal classification and categorization
• Sentence completion using logical reasoning
• Critical reasoning with verbal information
• Pattern recognition with words and concepts

This section measures how effectively students can think logically using language as the medium.

Question Types

Common formats include:

• Analogies: "Word A is to Word B as Word C is to ___?"
• Odd One Out: Identify which word doesn't belong with others
• Synonyms/Antonyms: Find words with similar or opposite meanings
• Verbal Classification: Determine category membership
• Sentence Completion: Complete sentences using logical reasoning
• Word Relationships: Identify relationships between word pairs

60 questions in 30 minutes = only 30 seconds per question, demanding both vocabulary breadth and very quick reasoning.

Writing Section

The extended writing component assesses communication skills.

What It Tests

Writing evaluates:

• Understanding and responding to a prompt
• Planning and organizing ideas effectively
• Developing arguments with supporting evidence (persuasive)
• Creating engaging narratives with developed elements (creative)
• Using varied and sophisticated vocabulary
• Employing complex sentence structures
• Demonstrating grammar, punctuation, and spelling accuracy

Writing Tasks

Students complete TWO writing tasks during the 30-minute writing section:

Task 1: Persuasive Writing (approximately 15 minutes):

• Argue a position on an issue
• Convince readers of a viewpoint
• Use evidence, reasoning, and examples to support claims
• Example: "Should students have a say in setting their school's homework policies? Argue your position with specific reasons and examples."

Task 2: Creative/Narrative Writing (approximately 15 minutes):

• Write a story based on a scenario or starting point
• Develop characters, setting, plot, and conflict
• Use descriptive and engaging language
• Example: "Write a story about a discovery that changes everything. Your story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end."

Students must complete both tasks within the total time allocation.

Scoring Rubric

Writing is assessed by trained markers using detailed rubrics evaluating:

Ideas and Content (30-35% of score):

• Relevance to prompt and task understanding
• Depth of ideas and development
• Use of specific examples and details
• Originality and creativity

Structure and Organization (25-30% of score):

• Clear introduction, body, conclusion
• Logical flow and coherence
• Effective paragraphing
• Appropriate transitions

Language and Vocabulary (25-30% of score):

• Vocabulary range and precision
• Sentence variety and complexity
• Tone appropriate to task
• Effective word choice

Conventions (10-15% of score):

• Grammar accuracy
• Punctuation correctness
• Spelling accuracy
• Sentence structure

Strong writing can significantly boost overall placement scores.

Scoring and Placement Offers

Understanding how offers are determined clarifies what scores are needed.

Test Scoring

Section Scores:
Each section receives a raw score (number correct for multiple choice; rubric score for writing) which is then converted to a scaled score.

Scaled Scores:
To ensure fairness across different test versions and years, raw scores are scaled. This allows comparison between students taking different test forms.

Superior Ability Range:
The Department of Education defines "superior ability" scores for each section. Students must achieve superior ability in at least three of the four sections to be eligible for offers.

How Offers Are Made

Step 1: Superior Ability Determination
Students must demonstrate superior ability in at least 3 of 4 sections to be considered for offers.

Step 2: Placement Score Calculation
For eligible students, a placement score is calculated combining:

• Selective Entry test results (majority weighting)
• Primary school results (minority weighting, typically 20-25%)

Step 3: Preference-Based Allocation

• Students are ranked by placement score
• Offers are allocated based on student preferences and available places
• Higher placement scores have better chances at first-preference schools
• Students can receive offers to lower-preference schools if first preference is full

Step 4: Offer Rounds

• Round 1 offers (majority of places allocated)
• Round 2 offers (remaining places, waitlist movement)

What Scores Are Competitive?

While exact cutoffs aren't published and vary slightly year-to-year:

Highly Competitive (strong chance at first-preference school):

• Superior ability in all four sections
• Placement score in top 20-25% of eligible students

Competitive (likely offer, possibly second or third preference):

• Superior ability in three sections
• Placement score in top 30-35% of eligible students

Borderline (possible offer in later rounds):

• Superior ability in exactly three sections
• Placement score just meeting threshold

Approximately 32-35% of test-takers receive offers across the four schools.

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

Critical timeline milestones for Year 9 entry in 2026.

Application Period

April 2026:

• Applications open (typically early April)
• Online application portal available
• Application fee payment required

Late May 2026:

• Applications close (typically late May)
• No late applications accepted
• Admission tickets issued to applicants

Test Date

June 2026:

• Selective Entry test administered (typically mid-June)
• Single test date for all applicants
• Test held at designated testing centers across Melbourne

Results and Offers

August 2026:

• Test results released to families (typically mid-August)
• Round 1 offers announced (late August)

September 2026:

• Round 2 offers (if places available)
• Waitlist movement

January 2027:

• Students commence Year 9 at selective entry schools

Mark these dates in your calendar and prepare accordingly—missing application deadlines eliminates eligibility regardless of ability.

Differences from Other Pathways

Understanding how selective entry differs from alternatives helps clarify fit.

Selective Entry vs. Zone Schools

Selective Entry Schools:

• Entry via competitive testing process
• Students from across Melbourne (within zones)
• Academically homogeneous cohorts
• Accelerated curriculum expectations
• Strong co-curricular focus

Local Zone Schools:

• Entry via geographic catchment
• Local community students
• Academically mixed cohorts
• Standard Victorian Curriculum
• Varied program offerings

Selective Entry vs. Private/Independent Schools

Selective Entry Schools:

• Government schools (no tuition fees beyond standard school costs)
• Academic selection via standardized test
• Four schools across Melbourne
• Focus on academic excellence

Private/Independent Schools:

• Tuition fees ($15,000-$40,000+ annually)
• Varied selection criteria (academic, interview, sibling, contributions)
• Broader geographic distribution
• Varied academic selectivity levels

Some families apply to both pathways to maximize secondary school options.

Is Selective Entry Right for Your Child?

Consider these factors when deciding whether to pursue this pathway.

Academic Indicators

Strong candidates typically:

• Achieve high academic results consistently (A grades or equivalent)
• Read widely and comprehend complex texts
• Solve mathematical problems efficiently
• Write coherently with well-developed ideas
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and love of learning

Personal Readiness

Consider:

• Motivation: Is your child genuinely interested in a rigorous academic environment?
• Work Ethic: Are they prepared for demanding homework and high expectations?
• Resilience: Can they handle competitive academic environments without excessive stress?
• Commute: Is the travel time to selective schools manageable?

Family Considerations

Evaluate:

• Time available for test preparation (typically 4-6 months)
• Family schedule accommodating potential longer commutes
• Student's readiness for increased academic intensity
• Alternative excellent secondary options if offer not received

Prepare for Victoria's Selective Entry Test with Confidence

EduCourse's VIC Selective preparation package provides everything needed to compete successfully: diagnostic assessment identifying current performance across all four sections, 1000+ practice questions covering Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Writing, AI-powered writing feedback providing detailed improvement suggestions, full-length practice tests simulating exact test conditions and timing, detailed analytics revealing which sub-skills need focused development, and progress tracking showing improvement toward superior ability scores. Join Victorian families achieving offers to Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson, Nossal, and Suzanne Cory. All for $199.