Fairholme College scholarships: the ACER exam, awards and 2027 dates

Quick answer: Fairholme College, a girls' school in Toowoomba with boarding, awards academic and other scholarships for Year 7 or Year 10 entry using the ACER scholarship exam. For 2028 entry, applications close at midnight on Sunday 7 February 2027, the exam is on Saturday 27 February 2027, and the ACER fee is $140.

Fairholme College at a glance

Fairholme offers a wide range of awards: Academic, Emerging Leader, Excellence in Arts and Culture (including debating, chess and public speaking), the John Sessarago Sporting Scholarship, the Glasgow McDowall Rural Bursary for a Year 10 boarder, a Board of Directors' Bursary and First Nations bursaries.

Which test does Fairholme use?

Fairholme uses the ACER scholarship exam. 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 Fairholme's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• Academic: quantifiably high academic achievement throughout schooling
• Emerging Leader: proactive leadership and sustained service, with an interview
• Sport, arts and culture: excellence in the relevant area
• All awards: exceptional character, including integrity, leadership and care for others

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 Fairholme use?

The ACER scholarship exam.

When is the Fairholme scholarship exam?

Saturday 27 February 2027, with applications closing on Sunday 7 February 2027.

Does Fairholme offer boarding scholarships?

Yes. The Glasgow McDowall Rural Bursary supports a talented rural or remote Year 10 boarder.

Other Queensland schools

• Ipswich Girls' Grammar School
• Ipswich Grammar School
• Somerville House
• St Aidan's Anglican Girls' 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 Fairholme 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.