Benowa State High School Academic Excellence program: HAST entry and how to prepare

Quick answer: Benowa State High School on the Gold Coast selects Year 7 students for its Academic Excellence program with an academic entrance exam using ACER's HAST. Test results are the main criterion, used to rank applicants, and students must keep up strong academic work, behaviour and effort. Benowa also runs Academic STEM Excellence and a French Immersion program.

Benowa State High School at a glance

Benowa has one of the widest ranges of excellence programs on the Gold Coast, including dance, drama, French, music, sport, visual art and a Steiner program. From 2026, students can apply for dual excellence programs. Fees for excellence programs are reviewed each year.

The entry test

Benowa's Year 7 academic entrance exam uses HAST, and ACER lists Benowa at both primary and junior secondary HAST levels.

HAST is ACER's Higher Ability Selection Test, used by schools to select students for gifted and academic programs. The junior secondary version has Reading Comprehension (45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes), Abstract Reasoning (30 minutes) and Written Expression (25 minutes), although schools can choose which sections to use. It's paper-based, with no calculators and no penalty for wrong answers.

More on HAST: HAST-P vs HAST · HAST results explained

Key dates

Benowa publishes its Year 7 dates on its enrolments page each year. Always confirm on the school's program page before you apply.

What else counts

• HAST results, used to rank applicants
• Continued excellence in academic work, behaviour and effort
• Arts programs need an audition or portfolio; sport needs a demonstration of merit

How to prepare

• Sit one full timed HAST-style test a couple of months before the exam to find the weakest section.
• Practise abstract reasoning if the school uses it. Most students have never seen these picture-pattern questions, and familiarity alone saves time.
• Practise 25-minute writing from a picture or statement stimulus, in different styles: a story, a description or an argument.
• Keep reading widely and talk about what writers suggest, not just what happens.
• Answer every multiple-choice question. HAST has no penalty for wrong answers.

HAST-style practice tests

Our HAST-style practice tests are built around the HAST format, including abstract reasoning in the Year 6 sets, with worked explanations, a skill breakdown and writing marked by a human teacher. They're independent practice materials, not official HAST papers, and they don't predict selection outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What test does Benowa use for Academic Excellence?

An academic entrance exam using ACER's HAST.

Can my child apply for two Benowa programs?

Yes. From 2026, students can apply for dual excellence programs.

How are Benowa Academic Excellence places decided?

Mainly by HAST results, which are used to rank applicants.

Other Queensland schools using HAST

• The Southport School
• Robina State High School (HAST)
• Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (HAST)
• Brisbane State High School

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 Benowa State High School, ACER or the Queensland Department of Education. Details are from the school and ACER as published by 27 October 2026. Always check the school's website for current dates and requirements.