Brisbane Grammar School scholarships: the ACER test, dates and how to prepare

Quick answer: Brisbane Grammar School awards academic scholarships for Year 7 and Year 10 entry using the ACER scholarship test, through ACER's cooperative testing program. For 2028 entry, the test is on Saturday 27 February 2027, and registrations close on Sunday 7 February 2027. The school also offers sport and cultural scholarships and means-tested bursaries.

Brisbane Grammar School at a glance

Brisbane Grammar funds all of its scholarships itself. Alongside academic scholarships, it offers sport and cultural scholarships and needs-based bursaries through the BGS Bursary Fund, for students who could contribute to the school but whose families couldn't otherwise afford the fees.

Which test does Brisbane Grammar use?

Brisbane Grammar uses the ACER scholarship test for academic scholarships, through ACER's Cooperative Scholarship Testing Program. Year 7 applicants sit Level 1; Year 10 applicants sit a later secondary level.

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 Brisbane Grammar's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• Results in the ACER scholarship test
• The school's assessment of the application
• Sport and cultural scholarships and bursaries have separate applications and criteria

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 Brisbane Grammar use for scholarships?

The ACER scholarship test, through ACER's cooperative testing program.

When is the Brisbane Grammar scholarship test?

For 2028 entry, Saturday 27 February 2027. Registrations close on Sunday 7 February 2027.

Which years can apply for a Brisbane Grammar academic scholarship?

Year 7 and Year 10 entry.

Does Brisbane Grammar offer bursaries?

Yes. Means-tested bursaries are available through the BGS Bursary Fund, with a separate application.

Other Queensland schools

• Brisbane Girls Grammar School
• St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace
• Brisbane Boys' College
• Churchie

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 Grammar School, 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.