Quick answer: MLC School in Burwood tests for Year 7 to Year 11 scholarships about 18 months before entry, much earlier than most Sydney schools. Registration runs through the Academic Assessment Services (AAS) parent portal. For 2028 entry, registrations closed on 30 September 2026 and the testing day was Saturday 17 October 2026. The next cycle, for 2029 entry, is expected to follow a similar timeline, with registrations around July to September 2027. MLC also runs a separate Year 5 All-Rounder Scholarship with its own earlier test.
MLC School at a glance
| School type | Independent Uniting Church school for girls |
| Location | Burwood, Sydney |
| Scholarship test | Registration through the AAS parent portal |
| Entry years | Year 5 (All-Rounder), Years 7 to 11 |
| 2028 entry test | Saturday 17 October 2026 (completed) |
| When to test | About 18 months before entry |
| Year 5 All-Rounder value | 50% tuition from Year 5 to Year 12, subject to conditions |
Scholarships include All-Rounder, Music, the Edna Curtis Scholarship for daughters of Old Girls, and means-tested Indigenous scholarships.
Which test does MLC School use?
MLC School registers scholarship candidates through the Academic Assessment Services (AAS) parent portal, and candidates sit a scholarship examination on a single testing day in October.
AAS scholarship papers typically cover reading comprehension, mathematics, reasoning and writing. Confirm the exact format in the information MLC sends after registration.
More on this test: The AAS scholarship test explained
Key dates
| Step | 2027 entry | 2028 entry |
|---|---|---|
| Registrations open | Tuesday 1 July 2025 | Mid-2026 |
| Registrations close | Wednesday 1 October 2025 | Wednesday 30 September 2026 |
| Testing day | Saturday 18 October 2025 | Saturday 17 October 2026 |
For 2029 entry, expect a similar pattern: registrations from about July 2027 and a test in October 2027, when your child is in Year 5 (for Year 7 entry). Confirm on MLC's scholarship page before you register.
The Year 5 All-Rounder Scholarship runs on its own timeline. For Year 5 2026 entry, registrations ran from April to late July 2025, with the exam on Saturday 9 August 2025.
What else counts
- Exam results
- All-Rounder criteria: significant academic potential plus achievement or potential in two or more of leadership, creative or performing arts, service, or sport
- Shortlisted candidates attend a Scholarship Activity Day (an activity morning) and an interview. Not every shortlisted candidate receives a scholarship.
- Music: minimum AMEB grades apply, such as Grade 7 for piano and violin
How to prepare
- Plan backwards from Year 5. Because MLC tests about 18 months early, a Year 7 applicant sits the test in Year 5. Content is pitched above that level, so early exposure to harder reading and reasoning helps.
- Sit one full timed paper to find the weakest section first.
- Build writing stamina. Younger candidates often run out of ideas or time. Short daily timed pieces help more than one long essay a week.
- Practise reasoning question types such as analogies, sequences and spatial patterns, which most school curricula don't teach directly.
- Prepare for the activity day. Encourage your daughter to talk about the activities she cares about, with specific examples.
Practice for the AAS scholarship test
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 AAS papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
When does MLC School Burwood test for scholarships?
About 18 months before entry. The 2028 entry test was on Saturday 17 October 2026. Expect the 2029 entry test around October 2027.
What test does MLC School use?
Candidates register through the Academic Assessment Services (AAS) parent portal and sit the scholarship exam on the school's testing day.
Is there a Year 5 scholarship at MLC School?
Yes. The Year 5 All-Rounder Scholarship is worth 50% of tuition from Year 5 to Year 12, subject to conditions, and has its own test.
Is there an interview?
For most scholarships, shortlisted candidates attend a Scholarship Activity Day and an interview.
Other NSW schools
Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with MLC School 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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