Read the result yourself first, then tell your child simply and calmly, and give them time to react. Whatever the outcome, the message to get across is the same: you're proud of the effort, the result doesn't define them, and there's a plan for what comes next.
NSW selective results arrive in August of Year 6 and OC results in September of Year 4. Scholarship results come whenever each school decides.
Before you tell your child
- Read the whole outcome yourself. Check every school choice, any reserve bands and the due dates. See selective test results or OC test results.
- Notice your own reaction. If you're disappointed, give yourself an hour before you talk. Children pick up on tone more than words.
- Pick a calm time and place. Not in the car before school, and not in front of others.
If your child got an offer
Celebrate, but keep it about effort:
- "You worked really hard for this. Well done."
- "How do you feel about going there?"
Be aware of friends who missed out. Help your child think about how to share the news kindly, or whether to wait until others have had time with their own results.
If your child is on a reserve list
Reserve outcomes are confusing for children, and the wait can be hard.
- Explain it simply: "You did well enough to be on the waiting list. Some places open up when other families say no."
- Be honest about uncertainty: "It might happen, or it might not. Either way, we have a good plan."
- Don't refresh the dashboard together. Check it yourself and only share real news.
See our reserve list guide and accept or wait.
If your child didn't get an offer
This is the conversation parents worry about most.
Say it clearly: "You didn't get a place this time." Avoid long build-ups or softening words that make it confusing.
Then pause. Let them react. Some children cry, some shrug, some want to be left alone. All are normal.
Things that help:
- "I'm proud of how hard you tried."
- "It's okay to feel disappointed. I'd feel disappointed too."
- "This test measured one morning. It doesn't measure how clever you are, or who you are."
- "Lots of people who miss out go on to do really well."
Things to avoid:
- "Your score must have been..." Scores and ranks aren't released, so guessing doesn't help.
- "If only you'd practised more."
- Comparing them with a sibling, cousin or friend
- Telling extended family before your child is ready
The days after
- Let your child lead. Some want to talk it through and others want to move on.
- Keep life normal. School, sport and friends help children reset.
- Talk about next steps only when they're ready, usually after a few days.
What comes next
For a child who missed out, there are real options:
- OC to selective: OC results have no effect on selective entry. Many students who miss out on OC get into a selective school in Year 7.
- Reserve offers: these can arrive until the end of Term 1 of the entry year.
- Years 8 to 11 entry: selective high schools take students in later years through their own processes.
- Gifted programs at local schools: every NSW public school now offers high potential and gifted education. See gifted and talented programs.
- Scholarships: many students sit tests again the following year.
Handling friends, siblings and social media
- Friends: results are personal. Encourage your child to celebrate quietly and be kind to friends who missed out.
- Siblings: don't compare results across siblings, especially in front of them.
- Social media: avoid posting results. Many families in your child's class will be having a hard week.
When to get extra support
If disappointment turns into weeks of low mood, withdrawal or "I'm stupid" talk, speak to your child's teacher, school counsellor or GP. Kids Helpline is free and open 24/7 on 1800 55 1800.
Free results day guide
Our free results day guide for parents puts what to say, what to avoid and every deadline on three printable pages. Get the free guide and we'll email it to you.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell my child they didn't get into a selective school? Tell them clearly and calmly, then pause and let them react. Focus on their effort, acknowledge the disappointment, and talk about next steps a few days later.
Should I show my child their performance report? For older children, a short and positive look at the bands can help them understand it was one test. Avoid dwelling on weaker sections straight away.
My child got an offer and their friend didn't. What should we do? Celebrate at home, encourage your child to be kind and low-key with friends, and avoid posting on social media.
General guidance for parents. Results timing and reserve rules from the NSW Department of Education. Not affiliated with the NSW Department of Education.