Clayfield College scholarships: the ACER test, awards and 2027 dates

Quick answer: Clayfield College awards academic scholarships for entry to Years 7 to 11 using the ACER scholarship test. For 2028 entry, the test is on Saturday 27 February 2027, ACER registration closes at midnight on Sunday 7 February 2027 with no late registrations, and other scholarship applications close on Friday 26 March 2027.

Clayfield College at a glance

Clayfield also offers General Excellence scholarships (sport, the arts, leadership and community service), a Year 10 Foundation Scholarship worth 50% off tuition for Years 10 to 12, a Year 10 Swimming Excellence Scholarship and boarding bursaries for rural and remote students.

Which test does Clayfield College use?

Clayfield uses the ACER scholarship test for academic scholarships. Year 7 applicants sit Level 1.

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 Clayfield College's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• ACER test results (academic scholarships)
• An online enrolment form
• A portfolio: covering letter and resume, the four most recent school reports, NAPLAN results, and a teacher or principal letter
• An interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team for shortlisted applicants
• Music applicants also audition

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 Clayfield College use?

The ACER scholarship test, for academic scholarships.

When is the Clayfield scholarship test?

For 2028 entry, Saturday 27 February 2027. ACER registration closes on Sunday 7 February 2027.

What is the Clayfield Foundation Scholarship?

A scholarship for new Year 10 students worth a 50% reduction in tuition for Years 10 to 12.

Is there an application fee?

$275, waived with the code CC28SBP on the online enrolment form.

Other Queensland schools

• St Joseph's Nudgee College
• Brisbane Grammar School
• Somerville House
• 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 Clayfield 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.