Selective Transfers (Years 7–10)
How to Succeed in Selective School Transfers (Years 7–10)
Author: Ilia Ebrahim Nejad
- Head EduTest / NBHS / SBHS Tutor
- 99.90 ATAR — UNSW Medicine
- Transferred to North Sydney Boys High (Year 11)
- Founder of Selective Specialist
Transferring into a selective high school between Years 7–10 is competitive, but absolutely possible. Below is a clear, PDF-style summary of criteria, exams, schools and spots available, plus common pitfalls.
1. Why Choose a Selective School?
- Enhanced academic opportunities. Higher-ranked schools correlate with higher average ATARs (e.g. North Sydney Boys Rank 1: 64.9% success rate vs Menai High Rank 149: 9.94%).
- Supportive peer environment. Collaborative culture that lifts performance; generally balanced, not overly pressurised.
- University & career pathways. Access to scholarships and competitive courses (medicine, law, finance, etc.).
- Co-curricular growth. Clubs, sports, competitions — building academic and social skills.
There’s Always a Way Forward
- Not receiving an initial offer doesn’t diminish effort or potential — many students later receive transfer offers.
- It’s natural to feel discouraged, but the result doesn’t define the future; success can come via different routes.
- Learn from the experience and continue — persistence matters.
2. Selective School Transfer Criteria
-
Examination (EduTest, NBHS/SBHS or HAST) (most important).
Exception: Sydney Boys — shortlisted to sit exam based on application. - Application & Portfolio — past report cards, extracurriculars, competitions, NAPLAN.
- Interview
3. Key Exam Dates
- Normanhurst Boys Exam — Sunday 3 August 2025
- HAST — Saturday 9 August 2025
- Sydney Boys Exam — Monday 11 August 2025
- EduTest — Saturday 16 August 2025
4. Schools Entrance Exam
| EduTest | School Specific | HAST |
|---|---|---|
| James Ruse Agricultural High School | Sydney Boys High School | Caringbah High School |
| Baulkham Hills High School | Normanhurst Boys High School | Girraween High School |
| North Sydney Boys High School | Hornsby High School | |
| North Sydney Girls High School | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | |
| Sydney Girls High School | Northern Beaches Secondary College | |
| Penrith High School | ||
| St George Girls High School | ||
| Sefton High School | ||
| Sydney Technical High School |
5. Schools Entry Spots
| High Schools | Y8 Entry spots | Y9 Entry spots | Y10 Entry spots | Y11 Entry spots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Ruse | 1–5 |
30 New Class |
2-5 | 15 |
| Sydney Boys | 1–5 |
30 New Class |
6 | 6 |
| Baulkham Hills | 2–5 |
26 New Class |
10–15 | 5–10 |
| Penrith | 1–5 | 1–5 |
30 New Class |
1–5 |
| Girraween | 2–5 | 2–5 |
30 New Class |
2–5 |
| North Sydney Boys | 1–5 | 2–5 | 3–5 |
15 New Class |
| Normanhurst Boys | 2–5 |
15 New Class |
2–5 |
15 New Class |
| North Sydney Girls | 1–5 | 1–5 | 2–5 |
10 New Class |
| Sydney Girls | 1–5 | 2–5 | 1–5 |
10 New Class |
| Hornsby Girls | 1–5 | 2–5 | 2–5 | 5 |
6. About the Exams
6.1 EduTest
A fast-paced multiple-choice exam (~30 seconds per question) used for selective entry and scholarships.
| EduTest Criteria | Description | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning (MR) | Year-level appropriate mathematical skills | 30 min / 60 questions |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Read and interpret meaning; correct, complete and punctuate sentences | 30 min / 50 questions |
| Numerical Reasoning (NR) | Think and reason using numbers | 30 min / 50 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | Reason using words and language | 30 min / 60 questions |
| Written Expression (WE) | Convey ideas clearly in written form | 30 min + 5 min planning |
6.2 School-Specific Exams (NBHS & SBHS)
Written responses (not multiple choice) designed to assess mathematical thinking, reasoning, and communication.
| NBHS/SBHS Criteria | Description | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Students expected to know current grade and beyond; difficult problem-solving; aligned to school syllabus depth | 30 minutes (SBHS) 40 minutes (NBHS) |
| English Analysis & Creative Writing | Analyse texts and write an analytical response; also write a creative piece from a prompt | Reading time: 5-10 minutes Writing time : 30 minutes (SBHS) 40 minutes (NBHS) |
6.3 HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test)
A multiple-choice exam designed to identify academically gifted students. It assesses aptitude, not rote learning.
| HAST Criteria | Description | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning (MR) | Tests mathematical problem solving and critical thinking skills | 40 min / 28–35 questions |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Interpret and analyse unseen text types (non-fiction, fiction, poems, comics, quotes, etc.) | 45 min / 35–40 questions |
| Abstract Reasoning (AR) | Identify spatial patterns, sequences, and relationships between shapes | 30 min / 30 questions |
| Written Expression (WE) | Communicate clearly and effectively in written form | 25 min |
7. Biggest Mistakes & Pitfalls
- Cramming in the final weeks — these are time-pressured, skills-based exams that require long-term strategy and repetition.
- Not practising under timed conditions.
- No self-evaluation after feedback; repeating the same mistakes.
- Focusing on marks instead of building the underlying skills.
- Ignoring extra-curricular activities, clubs, and the portfolio.
- Not preparing for the interview.
- Giving up at this stage.
Sign up for FREE to receive our extensive PDF guide with FREE sample questions!