Brisbane State High Year 5 vs Year 6 entry: HAST-P vs HAST

Quick answer: Brisbane State High School (BSHS) has two academic selective pathways into Year 7. Year 5 applicants sit HAST-P, the primary version of the Higher Ability Selection Test, with three sections: Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning and Written Expression. Successful students receive a conditional offer, two years before starting. Year 6 applicants sit HAST, the secondary version, which is longer and harder, typically adds Abstract Reasoning, and ranks students in order of merit for the following year. Both tests are on paper, with no calculators.

The two pathways side by side

Brisbane State High notes that places through both pathways are limited and heavily contested, and that Year 5 applicants have a further opportunity to sit the Year 6 test.

HAST-P: the Year 5 test

HAST-P can include an optional Abstract Reasoning test, but Brisbane State High lists only the three sections above for its Year 5 applicants.

HAST: the Year 6 test

These figures are from ACER's HAST secondary bulletin. Check the candidate information you receive after registering, as test forms vary slightly.

The key differences in practice

1. Abstract reasoning

This is the biggest change. Most Year 5 HAST-P students at Brisbane State High won't see abstract reasoning, but Year 6 HAST includes a 30-question section of picture patterns and sequences. Students who haven't practised these questions often lose time just working out what's being asked. If your child is aiming for the Year 6 test, start abstract reasoning practice early.

2. More reading, more maths

The Year 6 test has more questions in both reading (up to 40) and maths (up to 35), with longer time limits. It's pitched at a secondary level, so texts are more complex and maths problems need more steps.

3. Writing gets shorter

HAST-P gives 30 minutes for writing. HAST gives 25. In both, students respond to a stimulus (a picture, a statement or both) and can choose their own style: a story, a description, an explanation or an argument. Writing that doesn't use the stimulus is penalised. With five fewer minutes in Year 6, quick planning matters even more.

4. Conditional offer vs order of merit

The Year 5 pathway is an early, conditional offer: students sit the test, attend an interview, and if offered a place, must keep up strong results, attendance, effort and behaviour through Years 5 and 6, and take part in transition activities. The Year 6 pathway is a straight ranking: places go to students above the cut-off in order of merit.

Which pathway should we choose?

You don't always have to choose. Brisbane State High has indicated that Year 5 applicants will have a further opportunity to sit the Year 6 test, so for many families the Year 5 test is a first chance rather than the only one.

• Consider the Year 5 pathway if your child is already strong in reading, maths and writing, and you want an early decision. The test is shorter and doesn't include abstract reasoning.
• Consider waiting for Year 6 if your child needs another year to mature as a writer or reader, or you'd rather not commit two years ahead. Use the extra year to build abstract reasoning and stamina.
• Doing both? Use HAST-P as a real-world experience of the test day, then shift preparation towards the longer Year 6 test, adding abstract reasoning.

What's next: 2027 test timing

Brisbane State High hasn't published 2027 dates yet. Based on the 2026 cycle:

• Year 6 HAST (for Year 7 2028) is likely to be in Term 2 2027. The 2026 test was on 27 April.
• Year 5 HAST-P (for Year 7 2029) is likely to be in Term 3 2027. The 2026 test was on 29 July.

Tests can only be sat on the dates the school sets, with no alternative sittings, so check the school's enrolment timelines early in 2027.

How to prepare

For HAST-P (Year 5)

• Timed reading comprehension with visual texts as well as passages.
• Maths reasoning problems that need working out, not just recall.
• 30-minute writing pieces from a picture or statement stimulus, in different styles.
• At least one full timed test on paper, since the real test is on paper.

For HAST (Year 6)

• Everything above, at a higher level and with more questions per section.
• Regular abstract reasoning practice, starting with the main pattern types.
• 25-minute writing, with three to four minutes of planning.
• Full timed mocks to build stamina across four sections.

BSHS practice tests on this site

We have 12 Year 5 HAST-P-style mock exams and 12 Year 6 HAST-style mock exams, with abstract reasoning included in the Year 6 sets. Every writing task is marked by a human teacher, multiple-choice questions have worked explanations, and results are broken down by skill.

• Free BSHS Year 5 practice test
• Free BSHS Year 6 practice test
• All BSHS practice tests

These are independent practice materials. They are not official HAST or HAST-P papers, and Brisbane State High states that past test papers are not available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HAST and HAST-P?

HAST-P is the primary version, sat by Year 5 applicants at Brisbane State High, with Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning and Written Expression. HAST is the secondary version, sat by Year 6 applicants. It's longer, pitched at a higher level and includes Abstract Reasoning.

Does HAST-P include abstract reasoning?

HAST-P can include an optional abstract reasoning test, but Brisbane State High lists only reading, mathematical reasoning and writing for its Year 5 applicants.

Can my child sit both HAST-P and HAST?

Brisbane State High has indicated that Year 5 applicants will have a further opportunity to sit the Year 6 test. Check the current enrolment information when you apply.

Is a Year 5 offer guaranteed?

No. It's a conditional offer. Students must maintain excellence in academic results, attendance, effort and behaviour through Years 5 and 6 and complete transition activities.

Are calculators allowed in HAST or HAST-P?

No. Neither test needs or allows a calculator.

Is HAST on paper or online?

Both HAST-P and HAST at Brisbane State High are paper-based.

How much does it cost to apply?

The academic selective entry fee for the most recent intakes was $420, non-refundable.

Who sets HAST?

HAST is developed by ACER. It's a different test from the ACER scholarship test, with its own format.

Not sure which pathway suits your child? Try a free Year 5 or Year 6 BSHS practice test and compare.

Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with Brisbane State High School or ACER. Details are from Brisbane State High School and ACER as published in October 2026; always check the school's current enrolment information.