NSW Selective Test Format 2026: Full Guide

NSW Selective High School Placement Test Format 2026: Complete Guide

Overview

The NSW Selective High Schools Placement Test (SHSPT) determines entry into 48 selective secondary schools across New South Wales. From 2025, the test is fully computer-based, delivered on the Janison digital assessment platform in partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Understanding the exact format, timing, and requirements is the first step to effective preparation.

This guide covers the confirmed 2026 test structure based on official NSW Department of Education documentation and practice materials.

Test Components

The SHSPT consists of four equally weighted components, each contributing 25% to the overall placement score:

1. Reading (45 minutes — 17 questions, 38 answers)

The Reading section assesses comprehension, analysis, and interpretation across a diverse range of text types. Three of the 17 questions are multi-part items, bringing the total to 38 separate answers.

Key Details:

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Questions: 17 displayed questions (38 total answers across all parts)
• Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice; texts displayed on screen with scrollable areas
• Text Types: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, magazine articles, reports
• Weighting: 25%

What's new in 2026: The Reading section now includes a vocabulary cloze sub-section — a passage with approximately 8 blanks where students select words or short phrases from dropdown lists. This tests vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, collocations and contextual fit.

2. Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes — 35 questions)

The Mathematical Reasoning section assesses a student's ability to apply mathematical understanding and knowledge to solve problems, rather than recalling memorised procedures alone.

Key Details:

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Questions: 35 multiple-choice questions (5 options each)
• Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice; no calculator allowed
• Topics: Number operations, fractions/decimals/percentages, patterns and sequences, pre-algebra, measurement and geometry, data and probability, multi-step problem solving
• Weighting: 25%

3. Thinking Skills (40 minutes — 40 questions)

The Thinking Skills section assesses critical thinking and problem-solving. It requires no subject-specific prior knowledge and bundles verbal reasoning, logical puzzles and abstract/non-verbal reasoning into a single paper.

Key Details:

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Questions: 40 multiple-choice questions (4 options each)
• Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
• Question Types: Argument analysis, logical/arrangement puzzles, abstract reasoning (pattern matrices, figure series, spatial transformations)
• Weighting: 25%

What's new in 2026: The Thinking Skills section now contains a substantial block of abstract/non-verbal reasoning questions closely resembling ACER-style formats — pattern matrices, figure series, analogies and spatial transformations — alongside verbal argument analysis and logical puzzles.

4. Writing (30 minutes — 1 task)

The Writing section provides an opportunity to demonstrate how well students can select, develop and organise ideas and communicate them effectively for a specified purpose and audience. Students now type their response into the test interface.

Key Details:

• Duration: 30 minutes (including planning, writing, and reviewing)
• Task: Single extended response to one stimulus (image, quote, short scenario or combination)
• Format: Typed on computer (not handwritten)
• Genres: May include narrative, persuasive or discursive writing
• Word Count: Quality over quantity; most strong responses are 300-500 words
• Weighting: 25%

Overall Test Structure

Students complete all four sections in one sitting at a designated test centre where computers are provided. Scratch paper may be used for working out and planning, but all answers are entered digitally.

Computer-Based Test Format

What Changed

From 2025 onwards, the NSW Government contracted Janison to deliver the SHSPT on a digital assessment platform, replacing the previous paper-based format. Key changes include:

• Equal weighting — All four components are now equally weighted at 25%, replacing older schemes where Thinking Skills carried extra weight and Writing counted for less
• Typed Writing — The Writing task is now typed instead of handwritten, making typing speed and accuracy practically important
• Digital Reading — All texts are displayed on screen with scrollable areas; students must manage time while alternating between passages and questions
• New question types — Vocabulary cloze items in Reading and expanded abstract reasoning in Thinking Skills

How the Computer-Based Test Works

• External test centres and devices provided — Students sit at designated venues (often high schools or large venues) using department-provided computers, not their own devices
• On-screen question navigation — Students can move between questions within a section, flag questions for review, and use navigation tools
• Scratch paper — Physical scratch paper is provided for working out and planning
• Practice environment — Official online practice tests use the same Janison platform, so students can familiarise themselves with the interface before test day

Writing Marking Criteria

The Writing section is marked independently by two Cambridge markers using an official rubric. Scores are averaged and contribute 25% to the overall SHSPT score.

Set A — Content, Form, Organisation and Style (max 15 marks)

Markers assess whether students:

• Select interesting, relevant content and details
• Use an appropriate form for the task (e.g., story, speech, letter)
• Organise ideas coherently with effective paragraphing and cohesive devices
• Use a deliberate style, range of vocabulary, and appropriate level of formality

Set B — Sentences, Punctuation and Spelling (max 10 marks)

Markers assess whether students:

• Construct varied sentences with correct punctuation
• Spell accurately

Total Writing score: 25 marks (Set A: 15 + Set B: 10)

For a detailed breakdown of what markers look for at each level, see our marking rubric guide.

Test Conditions & Rules

Testing Environment

• Conducted at designated test centres across NSW (often high schools or large venues)
• Individual student workstations with department-provided computers
• Quiet, controlled environment with invigilator supervision
• Scratch paper provided for working out and planning

Not Permitted

• Calculators (for any section)
• Mobile phones or electronic devices
• Dictionaries or reference materials
• Personal laptops or tablets (computers are provided)

Timing Strategy

Reading (45 minutes)

• Quick scan: 3-5 minutes to skim all passages
• Careful reading and answering: 30-35 minutes across all question types
• Cloze section: Allow 5-7 minutes specifically for the vocabulary cloze passage
• Review: 3-5 minutes to check flagged questions

Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes)

• Average roughly 1 minute per question
• Easier questions: under 1 minute each
• Harder questions: 1.5-2 minutes each
• Skip difficult questions and return to them; use the flagging tool
• Final 3-5 minutes: review flagged questions

Thinking Skills (40 minutes)

• Average 1 minute per question
• Abstract reasoning items may need slightly more time for pattern analysis
• Verbal argument questions often require careful re-reading
• Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question — flag and move on

Writing (30 minutes)

• Planning: 3-5 minutes (brainstorm ideas, create a quick outline)
• Writing: 20-22 minutes (type your response)
• Review: 3-5 minutes (re-read for spelling, grammar, clarity; add details)

Schools Included in Selective Testing

There are 48 selective high schools across NSW. Top-tier schools include:

Fully Selective Schools (Sydney Metropolitan):

• James Ruse Agricultural High School (co-ed)
• North Sydney Boys High School
• North Sydney Girls High School
• Sydney Boys High School
• Sydney Girls High School
• Hornsby Girls High School
• Normanhurst Boys High School
• Baulkham Hills High School (co-ed)
• Fort Street High School (co-ed)
• Girraween High School (co-ed)

Partially Selective Schools operate selective streams alongside comprehensive enrolment across Sydney and regional NSW.

For a full ranking with cut-off marks, see our selective school cut-off marks guide.

Scoring System

The test uses a combined placement score from all four equally weighted components:

• Each component contributes 25% to the overall placement score
• Students are ranked by their placement score and allocated to schools based on their preference list
• Cut-off marks vary by school and year, depending on the number of applicants and available places

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire test?

The actual testing time is 155 minutes across four sections (45 + 40 + 40 + 30 minutes). With breaks and instructions, the total time at the testing venue is typically 3-4 hours.

Is the test on paper or computer?

The test is fully computer-based from 2025 onwards. Students type their writing response and select answers on screen. Department-provided computers are used at external test centres.

Can my child practise on the computer-based platform?

Yes. The NSW Department of Education provides official online practice tests that use the same Janison platform. These are essential for familiarising your child with the on-screen navigation, question flagging, and typing environment.

Is there a word limit for the writing task?

No strict limit, but most high-scoring students write 300-500 words. Quality is valued over quantity — a well-structured 350-word piece will score higher than a rushed 600-word piece with errors.

Can my child use a calculator?

No. Calculators are not permitted for any section. Mental arithmetic skills and the ability to work efficiently with pen-and-paper working (on scratch paper) are essential.

What happens if my child finishes a section early?

Students can review their answers within that section. They cannot move ahead to the next section or return to a previous section.

Are there practice papers available?

Yes. Official sample papers are available from the NSW Department of Education website. The online practice tests on the Janison platform are particularly valuable for getting used to the computer-based format.

How does the vocabulary cloze work in Reading?

One of the 17 Reading questions presents a passage with approximately 8 blanks. Students select words or short phrases from dropdown menus to complete the passage. This tests vocabulary, grammar, collocations and contextual understanding.

Does typing speed matter for the Writing section?

Typing speed is not directly assessed in the rubric, but it is practically important. Students who type slowly may not finish their response or have time to review and edit. Practising typing before the test is strongly recommended.

Last Updated: March 2026

Related Guides:

• How to Prepare for the Selective School Test - Complete preparation roadmap
• Inside the Marker's Mind - Understand exactly what markers are looking for
• Thinking Skills Guide - Master the Thinking Skills section
• Reading Comprehension Guide - Strategies for every Reading question type
• Mathematical Reasoning Guide - Problem-solving techniques and topic breakdown