Selective Past Papers & Practice Tests

Selective School Past Papers & Practice Tests: Your Complete Guide

Why Past Papers Are Your #1 Study Tool

If you want to succeed in the NSW Selective High Schools Placement Test (SHSPT), practising with past papers is non-negotiable. Here's why:

They're Authentic

• Real test format, timing, and difficulty
• Familiarise your child with the computer-based format and question types
• No surprises on test day

They Build Test-Taking Stamina

• Practice sitting through 155 minutes of testing across four sections
• Build speed and accuracy under pressure
• Identify which components drain your child's energy

They Reveal Weak Areas

• Practice different question types repeatedly
• Identify patterns in mistakes across all four sections
• Target improvement efforts strategically

They Reduce Anxiety

• Familiarity with format = confidence
• Less stress about "what to expect"
• More mental energy for actual performance

Understanding the 2026 Test Structure

Before diving into past papers, understand what each section looks like:

All sections are computer-based and equally weighted at 25% each. For a complete breakdown, see our test format guide.

Available Past Papers & Sample Tests

Official Released Sample Papers

The NSW Department of Education has released sample papers and online practice tests:

Official Online Practice Tests (Essential)

Contents:

• Practice tests on the same Janison platform used in the real exam
• All four sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Writing
• Includes the new vocabulary cloze items in Reading
• Includes abstract reasoning items in Thinking Skills

How to use them:

• These are the most important practice resource available — they replicate the exact digital environment
• Complete each section under timed conditions
• Practise on-screen navigation, question flagging, and scrolling between passages and questions
• For Writing, practise typing your response within 30 minutes

Availability:

• NSW Education Department website (free)
• Search for "selective high school placement test practice" on the NSW DoE site

2022–2023 Sample Papers

Contents:

• Full tests with all four components
• Answer keys and marking guides
• Writing marking rubric

Key note: These older papers were designed for the previous paper-based format. The question types are still relevant for practice, but the delivery format has changed. Use the official online practice tests to prepare for the computer-based experience.

Historical Papers (2015–2021)

Older past papers are valuable for:

• Extended practice with different topics and question styles
• Understanding how question types have evolved
• Building a larger question bank

Important notes about older papers:

• Papers before 2025 were paper-based — the question content is still useful, but practise the format on the official online platform
• The test structure changed significantly from 2025 — older papers may have different section weightings and question counts
• The Reading vocabulary cloze and expanded abstract reasoning in Thinking Skills are new additions; older papers won't include these
• Use 2022+ materials as your primary practice source for content accuracy

Available from:

• NSW Education Department website and archives
• School libraries
• Reputable tutoring platforms
• Your selective test prep provider

Practice Paper Progression: A Strategic Approach

Month 1–2: Diagnostic & Learning Phase

Week 1–2:

1. Take ONE complete practice test under timed conditions (use the official online practice test if possible)
2. Score thoroughly and review errors across all four sections
3. Don't aim for perfection — aim to understand gaps

Week 3–4:

• Complete one section at a time (Reading, then Mathematical Reasoning, then Thinking Skills, then Writing)
• Focus on understanding concepts and question types
• Take your time; timing is secondary at this stage

Week 5–8:

• Take another complete practice test
• Begin light timing (don't stress if you go over)
• Identify which of the four components needs the most work
• Pay special attention to new question types: vocabulary cloze (Reading) and abstract reasoning (Thinking Skills)

Month 3: Building Consistency

Week 9–12:

• Complete practice papers weekly
• Use a mix of official practice tests and older papers
• Gradually tighten timing on your weakest component
• Aim for improvement in accuracy, not just speed

Month 4: Final Preparation

Week 13–16:

• Full timed practice every 3–4 days
• Alternate between different papers to avoid memorisation
• Review errors immediately while they're fresh
• Practise all sections on the computer to build digital test-taking fluency

How to Use Past Papers Effectively

The Right Way (That Actually Improves Performance)

Step 1: Take the test (155 minutes total across four sections)

• Use the official online practice platform where possible
• Simulate real test conditions — no distractions, no help
• Time each section strictly: Reading 45 min, Maths 40 min, Thinking Skills 40 min, Writing 30 min
• Use scratch paper for working out (as in the real test)

Step 2: Score immediately (20–30 minutes)

• Use provided answer keys
• Count marks per section
• Don't analyse yet

Step 3: Deep review (30–45 minutes per section)

For Writing:

• Compare your response to model answers
• Identify what made model answers better
• Note spelling/grammar errors — these are easy marks to reclaim
• Look for vocabulary, structure and style improvements
• Remember: Set A (content, form, organisation, style) is worth 15 marks; Set B (sentences, punctuation, spelling) is worth 10 marks

For Reading:

• Go through every incorrect answer
• Understand why it was wrong — was it a comprehension issue, a vocabulary gap, or a time management problem?
• For vocabulary cloze errors, note the correct collocations and contextual word choices
• Practice reading passages on screen if you've been using printed papers

For Mathematical Reasoning:

• Check every wrong answer for calculation errors vs. conceptual misunderstanding
• Verify your methodology was correct — did you use an efficient approach?
• Note if you were too slow (timing issue) or confused (understanding issue)
• Remember: no calculator is allowed, so mental arithmetic accuracy matters

For Thinking Skills:

• Categorise errors: was it an argument analysis question, a logical puzzle, or an abstract reasoning item?
• For abstract reasoning, study the pattern you missed — what rule did the sequence follow?
• For argument analysis, re-read the passage and identify why the correct answer is right
• Note which reasoning domain needs the most work

Step 4: Plan improvement (10–15 minutes)

• List specific improvements for each section
• Target the section that lost you the most marks
• Set a concrete goal (e.g., "Get all vocabulary cloze items correct" or "Complete Thinking Skills with 5 minutes to spare")

Step 5: Wait 2–3 weeks

• Then retake the same paper
• Compare your score improvement
• This builds consistency and confidence

The Wrong Way (That Wastes Time)

• Taking a practice paper without timing it
• Marking but not analysing errors
• Moving on to the next paper without reviewing
• Only practising one or two components and ignoring the others
• Doing practice papers back-to-back without reflection
• Only practising on paper when the real test is computer-based

Component-Specific Practice from Past Papers

Writing Component Strategy

For each writing task in past papers:

1. Identify the stimulus type:

- Image-based (visual)

- Quote-based (word/phrase)

- Scenario-based (situation)

- Combined (image + text)

1. Analyse the model response:

- How quickly does it hook you?

- What details are included?

- How does emotion come through?

- Where are the transitions?

1. Practise planning without writing:

- Read the stimulus

- Spend 3–5 minutes planning your response

- Don't write; just develop your outline

- Do this 3–4 times with different papers

- Then start writing full responses

1. Typing practice:

- The Writing section is now typed, not handwritten

- Practise composing on a keyboard under timed conditions

- Use our practice platform for realistic timed typing practice with instant AI feedback

- Focus on typing fluency so you can concentrate on ideas rather than the keyboard

Reading Component Strategy

Skill progression from past papers:

Phase 1: Accuracy (Speed = Secondary)

• Take the Reading section without timing
• Answer every question including vocabulary cloze items
• Build 90%+ accuracy rate

Phase 2: Speed & Accuracy

• Add timing (45 minutes)
• Aim for 85–90% accuracy while meeting the time limit
• Practise reading passages on screen and switching between text and questions

Phase 3: Confidence

• Maintain 85%+ accuracy within 45 minutes
• Develop rhythm and confidence
• Quick recognition of question types: comprehension, inference, comparison, cloze

Question type practice from past papers:

• Inference questions (What does the author imply?)
• Detail questions (What does the text state?)
• Vocabulary-in-context questions (What does this word mean in the passage?)
• Comparative questions (How do the two extracts differ?)
• Vocabulary cloze questions (Select the best word for each blank from dropdown options)
• Structure and organisation questions (Why did the author organise it this way?)

Mathematical Reasoning Component Strategy

Build competency through past papers:

Phase 1: Identify weak maths areas

• Look at past paper errors
• Categorise by topic: number operations, fractions/decimals/percentages, patterns/sequences, pre-algebra, measurement/geometry, data/probability
• Do targeted practice on weak areas
• Return to past papers

Phase 2: Timing practice

• Complete the Mathematical Reasoning section under 40-minute conditions
• Average roughly 1 minute per question — skip hard questions and return
• Develop shortcuts for common problem types
• Practise mental maths (no calculator allowed)

Phase 3: Testing under conditions

• Full practice papers including all four sections
• Build stamina for sustained concentration across 155 minutes

Thinking Skills Component Strategy

Build competency through past papers:

Phase 1: Learn the question types

• Familiarise yourself with all three domains: argument analysis, logical puzzles, abstract reasoning
• Practise each domain separately before combining them
• Use ACER-style abstract reasoning materials to supplement NSW practice papers

Phase 2: Speed and pattern recognition

• Complete the Thinking Skills section under 40-minute conditions (1 minute per question)
• For abstract reasoning: practise spotting patterns quickly — rotation, reflection, addition/removal of elements, shading changes
• For argument analysis: practise identifying the conclusion, then the assumption
• Flag questions that take longer than 90 seconds and return to them

Phase 3: Integration

• Full practice tests with all four sections in sequence
• Build comfort switching between different reasoning types within the section

Free Online Past Paper Resources

Official Sources (Recommended)

• NSW Education Department: education.nsw.gov.au (search "selective high school placement test")
• Online practice tests: Available on the Janison platform — essential for computer-based format familiarisation
• Sample papers: Usually 2022–2023 samples available for free with marking guides

School-Provided Resources

• Ask your school's selective test coordinator
• Many schools provide free past papers to students
• Your teacher may have a collection of older papers

Tutoring Centres (Often Include Free Papers)

• Reputable selective test preparation providers
• Many offer sample papers even without enrolment

Your Preparation Platform

• If you're using our practice platform, you'll have access to:

- Timed writing practice with instant AI-powered feedback

- Performance analytics and score tracking

- Practice prompts covering all common selective test themes

Progress Tracking Template

Use this to monitor improvement across practice papers:

Paper: [e.g., 2023 Official Sample]
Date: [Date taken]

Reading Score: ___ / 38 (Goal: 32+)
Mathematical Reasoning Score: ___ / 35 (Goal: 28+)
Thinking Skills Score: ___ / 40 (Goal: 32+)
Writing Score: ___ / 25 (Goal: 20+)

Key Errors:
- Reading: ___
- Mathematical Reasoning: ___
- Thinking Skills: ___
- Writing: ___

Improvement focus for next paper:
1. ___
2. ___
3. ___

Notes:
- What went well: ___
- What was challenging: ___

Getting Feedback on Your Writing

Self-Review Checklist

Use this after every writing practice:

• [ ] Does my opening hook the reader?
• [ ] Did I address the task and stimulus directly?
• [ ] Is my story/argument specific and detailed?
• [ ] Does emotion come through events and language (not just telling)?
• [ ] Do I vary my sentence structure?
• [ ] Is my conclusion reflective (not rushed)?
• [ ] Are there spelling errors I can fix?
• [ ] Is my grammar and punctuation correct?
• [ ] Would a stranger understand my piece without explanation?
• [ ] Did I use an appropriate form and tone for the task?

Getting Expert Feedback

Consider:

• Your teacher: Ask for feedback on practice writing
• Our platform: AI-powered feedback on writing submissions with detailed scoring against the official criteria
• Writing mentors: Selective test prep specialists
• Peer review: Exchange practice papers with classmates

Common Past Paper Practice Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not reviewing thoroughly

• Taking practice tests but not analysing errors
• Result: No improvement despite doing papers
• Fix: Spend 45 minutes reviewing for every 155 minutes of testing

Mistake #2: Skipping sections

• Only practising Reading and Maths, ignoring Thinking Skills and Writing
• Result: Unprepared for 50% of the test
• Fix: Practice every section — especially Writing and Thinking Skills, which many students neglect

Mistake #3: Overthinking timing

• Worrying about being slightly slow on one practice test
• Result: Unnecessary anxiety; missing learning opportunities
• Fix: Focus on accuracy first, speed second. Consistency comes naturally

Mistake #4: Memorising answers

• Taking the same paper multiple times immediately
• Result: False confidence; not testing real knowledge
• Fix: Wait 2–3 weeks minimum before retaking a paper

Mistake #5: Only practising on paper

• Using printed past papers exclusively without any computer-based practice
• Result: Unfamiliar with on-screen navigation, question flagging, dropdown cloze items, and typing under pressure
• Fix: Use the official online practice tests on the Janison platform and practise typing your Writing responses

Mistake #6: Not varying papers

• Using only one paper repeatedly
• Result: Topic-dependent performance; fails with new topics
• Fix: Use 5–7 different past papers throughout preparation

Last Updated: March 2026

Your Next Step:

1. Access the official online practice tests on the Janison platform
2. Take a full practice test under timed conditions
3. Review thoroughly across all four sections
4. Plan your improvement targets
5. Start your practice paper progression

Related Guides:

• Test Format Guide (2026) - Understand the full test structure
• Master Your 30 Minutes - Perfect your timing strategy for writing
• Selective Writing Test Topics - Understand topic patterns
• Inside the Marker's Mind - Know exactly what markers are assessing
• Thinking Skills Guide - Master the Thinking Skills section