Quick answer: Abbotsleigh in Wahroonga offers Year 7 scholarships worth up to 100% of tuition for the rest of schooling. Candidates sit the scholarship examination in August of Year 5. For Year 7 2028 entry, the exam was held in August 2026 and applications are now closed. The next cycle, for Year 7 2029, is expected around August 2027. Abbotsleigh appears on Academic Assessment Services (AAS) lists of participating schools.
Abbotsleigh at a glance
| School type | Independent Anglican school for girls, day and boarding |
| Location | Wahroonga, Sydney |
| Scholarship exam | School scholarship exam, listed with AAS |
| Year 7 exam timing | August of Year 5 |
| Year 7 2028 exam | August 2026 (completed) |
| Entry years | Years 7, 10 and 11 (plus Years 7 to 11 for some awards) |
| Top value | Up to 100% of tuition |
Scholarships are separate from the entrance test. New Year 7 day students also sit a separate entrance test to gain a place, held twice a year from Year 3. The entrance test covers reasoning, reading comprehension, maths and a written expression task.
Year 7 scholarships
| Scholarship | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Academic (two awarded) | Up to 100% of tuition | Academic merit |
| Betty Archdale | Up to 100% of tuition | Academic, needs-based |
| Jubilee | Up to 100% of tuition | Daughter of an Old Girl |
| Mollie and Nancy Douglas | Up to 100% of tuition | Academic, needs-based; offered every two years, next assessed for Year 7 2028 |
| Fiona Gaye Parsons | 100% of tuition | All-rounder, needs-based |
| Music | Up to 100% of tuition | Audition; orchestral instrument (not piano) with an AMEB high pass |
Boarding Bursaries and the Endeavour and Sports scholarships also need the Year 7 exam.
Later entry
- Foundation Scholarship (Year 10): up to 50% of tuition, needs-based academic
- Kathleen McCredie Award (Year 10): full tuition for Years 10 to 12, under strict financial criteria
- Endeavour Performance All Round and Sports Performance (Years 7 to 11): up to 50% of tuition
- Royle Scholarship (Years 10 and 11): up to 50%, for descendants of Old Girls, every two years
What else counts
- Exam results
- School reports
- Financial need, for needs-based awards
- A personal interview
- Performance, for music scholarships
How to prepare
- Start in Year 4. The exam falls in August of Year 5, so preparation runs earlier than families expect.
- Read above year level. The reading section rewards students who can infer meaning from unfamiliar texts, not just recall plot.
- Practise written expression to a time limit. A five-minute plan before writing makes the biggest difference at this age.
- Teach reasoning question types directly. Analogies, number sequences and spatial patterns are rarely taught in Year 4 and 5 classrooms.
- Sit one full timed paper in the final month so the format holds no surprises.
Practice for the scholarship exam
Our AAS-style practice tests cover reading, maths, reasoning and human-marked writing. Start with a free sample.
These are independent practice materials, not official papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Abbotsleigh scholarship exam?
In August of Year 5 for Year 7 entry. The exam for Year 7 2028 was held in August 2026. Expect the Year 7 2029 exam around August 2027.
How much is an Abbotsleigh scholarship worth?
Year 7 academic scholarships are worth up to 100% of tuition for the rest of schooling. Most later-entry awards are worth up to 50%.
Is the scholarship exam the same as the entrance test?
No. The entrance test gains a place, and the scholarship exam decides scholarships. Boarders don't need the Year 7 entrance test, but must sit the scholarship exam to apply for scholarships.
Are there needs-based scholarships?
Yes, including the Betty Archdale, Mollie and Nancy Douglas, Fiona Gaye Parsons, Foundation and Kathleen McCredie awards.
Other NSW schools
Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with Abbotsleigh or Academic Assessment Services. Details are from the school's published information as of 9 November 2026. Always check the school's website for current dates and conditions.
Sources
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