Guides · By state · New South Wales
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test explained
New South Wales runs the Selective High School Placement Test for entry into academically selective schools. It is computer-based and made up of four components taken in sequence.
The four components
- Reading — comprehension of varied passages.
- Mathematical Reasoning — multi-step worded maths problems.
- Thinking Skills — critical thinking and problem solving.
- Writing — one extended written response.
What makes Thinking Skills different
Thinking Skills is the component many families haven't seen before. It assesses critical thinking (drawing conclusions, spotting assumptions and flaws, weighing evidence) and problem solving (numerical, spatial and logical reasoning) on unfamiliar material — no prior knowledge is assumed, so practice with the question types is what builds confidence.
Mathematical Reasoning
Rather than testing recall, this component presents real-world problems that require several steps — ratio and proportion, measurement, patterns, geometry and data interpretation. A calculator is not permitted, so mental and written methods need to be quick and reliable.
How to prepare
- Practise all four components, with extra time on Thinking Skills.
- Work under the clock — the test is fast-paced.
- Review mistakes with worked solutions.
- Build writing through regular, timed responses.
Good to know
Exact subjects, timing and dates can change year to year and vary by school — always confirm the current details with the official test administrator before your child sits the exam.
Start practising
Begin with free practice on Quantyle and use the analytics to target weak areas.
Related: How to improve at reading comprehension.