SEAL Program Victoria: How Select Entry Accelerated Learning Works

SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) is a fast-paced Year 7 class for high-achieving students inside an ordinary Victorian government secondary school. About 40 schools run it. Most SEAL students cover the Year 7 to 10 curriculum in three years, which gives them room for extra VCE subjects, university extension studies, or an earlier finish.

Entry is through an application and an entrance test in Year 6, usually between late July and mid-August.

How SEAL works

• A separate class. SEAL students are grouped together from Year 7, usually in one class of about 25.
• Accelerated, not just harder. Content is compacted so four years of the curriculum fits into three.
• Extra VCE options. Finishing Year 10 content early lets students start VCE units sooner, take more subjects, or study university subjects through VCE Extension Studies.
• Ongoing requirements. Most schools expect SEAL students to keep up academically to stay in the program.

Who runs SEAL now?

The Victorian Department of Education used to accredit SEAL programs but stopped around 2014 to 2016. Since then, many schools have kept SEAL running, and a group of them formed The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools (the SEAL Academy), which now accredits programs. Schools describe membership at about 38 to 39 schools.

Some schools are reviewing their SEAL structure as the Department rolls out its newer high-ability initiatives, so check each school's current page.

Which schools offer SEAL?

Schools with current SEAL programs include:

Melbourne metropolitan

• Albert Park College
• Brighton Secondary College
• Glen Eira College
• Gladstone Park Secondary College
• Gleneagles Secondary College
• Keilor Downs College
• Reservoir High School
• Sandringham College
• St Albans Secondary College
• Staughton College
• Werribee Secondary College
• Williamstown High School

Regional Victoria

• Trafalgar High School (West Gippsland)
• Wangaratta High School (north-east)
• Warrnambool College (south-west)

This isn't a complete list. For the full list, see the SEAL Academy's metropolitan and regional school lists, then check each school's website for current dates.

How entry works

Each school runs its own process, but most follow the same steps.

1. Get a Year 7 place at the school. Government schools can generally only test students who've been offered a Year 7 place there. Some schools ask you to list them as first preference on the statewide Year 7 placement form.
2. Register for the test. Most schools use EduTest, with a fee of about $99 to $110. A few use ACER's HAST.
3. Submit supporting documents. Usually a recent school report and NAPLAN results. Some schools also ask for a writing sample, a questionnaire or a teacher reference.
4. Sit the test at the school, usually a half-day morning session.
5. Interview (some schools), for students with strong test results.
6. Outcome, usually in Term 4.

Key dates for 2027 Year 7 entry (examples)

Some schools close registrations much earlier. Reservoir High School closed on 10 June 2026. For 2028 entry, expect similar windows in July and August 2027, with registrations opening from about March to June.

Is SEAL worth it?

SEAL suits children who:

• are bored by work that's too easy and enjoy being stretched
• work well with other high-achieving students
• can manage a heavier workload without losing interest in sport, music and friends

Think carefully if your child:

• is very strong in one subject but average in others, since SEAL accelerates everything
• finds pressure stressful
• would need a long commute just to reach a SEAL school

SEAL and the four selective entry high schools aren't either-or. Many SEAL students sit the selective entry exam in Year 8 for Year 9 entry. See our guide to selective schools in Melbourne.

How to prepare

SEAL tests reward skills that aren't taught directly at primary school: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, fast reading and timed writing. Read our SEAL test guide for the format and a preparation plan.

• EduTest practice tests for most SEAL schools
• HAST practice tests for schools using ACER HAST

Frequently asked questions

What does SEAL stand for? Select Entry Accelerated Learning.

What year does SEAL start? Year 7. Some schools also take a small number of students into Year 8 or 9 when places become available.

Does my child have to live in the school zone? Your child usually needs a Year 7 place at the school, which for many popular schools depends on zoning. Check each school's enrolment policy.

How much does the SEAL test cost? Usually about $99 to $110, paid to the test provider.

Is SEAL the same as a selective school? No. SEAL is a class within a regular government school. The four selective entry high schools are whole schools, entered at Year 9.

Sources: school SEAL pages and brochures for Brighton SC, Glen Eira College, Gleneagles SC, Sandringham College, Wangaratta HS, St Albans SC, Keilor Downs College, Gladstone Park SC, Reservoir HS, Staughton College, Trafalgar HS, Warrnambool College, Albert Park College and Williamstown HS (2026); Better Education, SEAL schools. Confirm dates with each school.