Quick answer: Freshwater Christian College in Brinsmead, Cairns, offers two-year Academic Scholarships worth up to 75% of fees for students entering Years 5, 7, 9 and 11. Applicants sit the ACER test at the college. In the last round, applications ran from 9 February to 20 March 2026, the ACER fee was $140, and the test was on Monday 27 April 2026.
Freshwater Christian College at a glance
| School type | Christian co-educational college, kindergarten to Year 12 |
| Location | 369-401 Brinsmead Road, Brinsmead, Cairns |
| Scholarship test | ACER, at the college |
| Entry years | Years 5, 7, 9 and 11 |
| Value | Up to 75% of fees |
| Award length | Up to two years |
| ACER fee | $140 |
Freshwater's test covers general reasoning, maths, reading comprehension, spelling and written expression. Its Excellence Scholarships (arts, sport, and character and spirit) are also worth up to 75%, but for 12 months, and need a portfolio including a video.
Which test does Freshwater use?
Freshwater uses the ACER test, sat at the college: the primary test for Year 5 entry, Level 1 for Year 7, Level 2 for Year 9 and Level 3 for Year 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
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Last round: applications opened | 9 February 2026 |
| Last round: applications and ACER registration closed | 20 March 2026 |
| Last round: ACER test | Monday 27 April 2026, from 8:30am |
| 2028 entry | Expect a similar timeline in 2027; expressions of interest open now |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Freshwater's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- ACER test results
- The Freshwater application form, with a video
- Excellence Scholarships: a portfolio of evidence and a $90 application fee
How to prepare
- Start about three months out. For an April test, that means January.
- 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
How much are Freshwater scholarships worth?
Academic scholarships are worth up to 75% of fees, for up to two years.
Which ACER level does my child sit?
Primary for Year 5, Level 1 for Year 7, Level 2 for Year 9 and Level 3 for Year 11.
When is the Freshwater test?
In April. The last one was on Monday 27 April 2026.
Other Queensland schools
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 Freshwater Christian 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.
Sources and further information
Check the school or assessment provider for current arrangements.
Not sure where to start?
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