Reading comprehension
Look beyond matching words in an answer option. Practise interpreting tone, comparing ideas and supporting conclusions with evidence. Read a range of fiction, factual writing and poetry to build flexibility.
NSW Selective High School · Year 7 entry
NSW Selective High School practice tests
Prepare with purpose across reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing. Build a routine that combines practice, careful review and time to improve.
Understand the test
The NSW Selective High School placement test for Year 7 entry includes reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing. Students usually sit the test in Year 6. Check the Department’s current guidance for application eligibility and arrangements.
Read the official NSW Department of Education test and practice guidance for current arrangements and official sample material.
Our resources are independently developed. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the NSW Department of Education, and our questions are not official test papers.
Build skills across the subjects
Mathematical reasoning
Translate word problems into a useful representation: a diagram, table or calculation. Compare strategies and check units, conditions and the reasonableness of the result before moving on.
Thinking skills
Evaluate arguments, test conclusions and solve unfamiliar problems. Explain which facts support an answer and which assumptions would require more evidence.
Writing
Practise planning, developing and reviewing a response to a prompt. Make the purpose clear, organise ideas and choose details that help the reader. Review structure and meaning alongside spelling and punctuation.
A practical preparation routine
Start with understanding
Begin with a short task without time pressure. Ask your child to explain their reasoning in their own words. Identify one useful next step rather than treating a score as a judgement of ability.
Review before repeating
For an incorrect answer, work out whether the difficulty was understanding the text, choosing a method or checking a condition. Revisit the skill with a different example before repeating the same question.
Add timing gradually
Once the approach is secure, introduce short timed practice. Discuss when to move on and how to return to a difficult item. Keep reading for enjoyment and ordinary school learning part of the routine.
Use evidence to eliminate answers
Check each option against the passage or problem. A familiar keyword or a longer answer is not proof. Look for contradictions, unsupported claims and details that only partly answer the question.
8 complete NSW Selective mock exam sets
Coming soon
Each planned set contains Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing: 32 subject tests altogether. The forthcoming Ultimate Bundle also includes eight human-marked writing submissions. The collection is not available to purchase from this page yet.
We will publish confirmed purchase details when the new collection is ready. Preparation resources below are available to read now.
Read the preparation guidesCommon questions
Are these official exam papers?
No. Practice Tests & Exams creates independent preparation resources. Use the linked NSW Department of Education guidance for official practice and entry information.
Can I buy the new mock exam bundle now?
Not yet. The new collection is coming soon. This page provides preparation advice while the complete bundle is prepared for release.
Does practice guarantee a place?
No. Practice can help students become familiar with tasks and improve their approach, but it cannot guarantee selection. Keep preparation balanced and supportive.