Brisbane Boys' College scholarships: the ACER test, dates and interviews

Quick answer: Brisbane Boys' College (BBC) awards academic scholarships for entry to Years 5 to 11. Boys entering Years 5 or 6 sit the ACER Primary Scholarship Test, and boys entering Years 7 to 11 sit the ACER Cooperative Scholarship Test, both on Saturday 27 February 2027 for 2028 entry. Shortlisted boys then submit a cover letter and portfolio and attend an interview on 31 March 2027.

Brisbane Boys' College at a glance

BBC is one of the few Brisbane schools offering academic scholarships from Year 5, through ACER's primary test. Scholarships last for the period of enrolment, subject to an annual review of performance.

Which test does BBC use?

BBC uses ACER for academic scholarships: the ACER Primary Scholarship Test (Level P) for Year 5 or 6 entry, and the ACER Cooperative Scholarship Test for Years 7 to 11.

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

Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on BBC's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• ACER test results
• Recent academic record
• A self-written cover letter to the Headmaster and a portfolio of interests and achievements (shortlisted boys)
• An interview at the College
• The final decision is at the Headmaster's discretion

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

What test does BBC use for scholarships?

ACER: the Primary Scholarship Test for Year 5 or 6 entry, and the Cooperative Scholarship Test for Years 7 to 11.

Can my son get a BBC scholarship for Year 5?

Yes. BBC offers academic scholarships from Year 5, using the ACER primary test.

When are BBC scholarship interviews?

For 2028 entry, interviews are on Wednesday 31 March 2027, with notifications on 25 March.

How long do I have to accept a BBC scholarship offer?

24 hours.

Other Queensland schools

• Brisbane Grammar School
• Churchie
• St Peters Lutheran College
• St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace

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 Brisbane Boys' 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.