Quick answer: A.B. Paterson College in Arundel on the Gold Coast awards Academic and General Excellence Scholarships for entry to Year 7, Year 10 and Year 11, using the ACER Scholarship Examination held at the college. For 2028 scholarships, registration opens on Monday 2 November 2026 and closes at 4pm on Friday 22 January 2027, and the exam is on Saturday 6 February 2027.
A.B. Paterson College at a glance
| School type | Independent co-educational college |
| Location | 10 A.B. Paterson Drive, Arundel, Gold Coast |
| Scholarship test | ACER, held at the college |
| Testing years | Year 6 (Level 1), Year 9 (Level 2), Year 10 (Level 3) |
| Award length | To the end of Year 12, reviewed annually |
| Registration | 2 November 2026 to 4pm, 22 January 2027 |
| Exam date | Saturday 6 February 2027 |
A.B. Paterson runs its own ACER sitting three weeks before the main cooperative date. It offers a small number of full and part scholarships. Student visa (subclass 500) holders aren't eligible.
Which test does A.B. Paterson use?
A.B. Paterson uses the ACER Scholarship Examination, held at the college: Level 1 for Year 6 students, Level 2 for Year 9 and Level 3 for Year 10.
The ACER scholarship test is set by the Australian Council for Educational Research. Year 7 and 8 entry uses Level 1, with Written Expression (two 25-minute tasks), Humanities (about 40 to 45 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes) and Mathematics (about 32 to 36 questions in 40 minutes). Primary entry (Years 4 to 6) uses Level P, with Reading and Viewing, Mathematics and Writing. Later secondary entry uses Levels 2 and 3.
Many Queensland schools use ACER's cooperative sitting, where your child sits the test once and the results go to each school you've registered with. For 2028 entry, the cooperative sitting is on Saturday 27 February 2027, with registrations closing on Sunday 7 February 2027.
More on this test: The ACER scholarship test explained · Which ACER level your child sits
Key dates for 2028 entry
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| Registration closes | 4pm, Friday 22 January 2027 |
| ACER exam at the college | Saturday 6 February 2027 |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on A.B. Paterson's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- ACER exam results
- The Academic and General Excellence Scholarship application form
- Further documentation if requested
- An interview with the College Principal for shortlisted students
How to prepare
- Start about three months out. For a February test, that means November.
- Sit one full timed practice test in the right format to find the weakest section.
- Practise writing under time, with feedback on one thing at a time. Writing is the section families find hardest to judge at home.
- Build reading stamina with a mix of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and talk about what writers imply, not just what happens.
- Keep the last week light. Familiarity and rest matter more than cramming.
Practice for the ACER scholarship test
Our ACER Level 1 practice tests are designed for Year 7 entry, with Humanities, Mathematics and Written Expression. Check the product page for the available mocks and writing-marking options.
These are independent practice materials, not official test papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the A.B. Paterson scholarship exam?
Saturday 6 February 2027, at the college.
Which ACER level does my child sit?
Level 1 in Year 6, Level 2 in Year 9, Level 3 in Year 10.
Are full scholarships available?
Yes, a small number of full and part scholarships are offered.
Other Queensland schools
See which test every Queensland school uses in our Queensland school scholarships guide.
Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with A.B. Paterson College, ACER, EduTest or AAS. Details are from the school, the test providers and published sources as of 27 October 2026. Always check the school's own website for current dates and conditions.
Sources and further information
Check the school or assessment provider for current arrangements.
Not sure where to start?
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