Quick answer: Ipswich Girls' Grammar School (IGGS) awards academic and leadership scholarships for Years 7 to 12, which require the ACER scholarship test plus an exam at IGGS. It also offers rural, Defence family, sport, performing arts and AIEF scholarships. For the last round, the test was on Saturday 28 February 2026 and applications closed on 30 January 2026; applications for 2028 entry are expected to open in late 2026.
Ipswich Girls' Grammar School at a glance
| School type | Independent girls' school, Early Education to Year 12, with boarding |
| Location | East Ipswich |
| Scholarship test | ACER plus an exam at IGGS (academic and leadership) |
| Entry years | Years 7 to 12 |
| Most recent test | Saturday 28 February 2026 (2027 entry) |
| Remote sitting | Available for rural and interstate applicants, for an extra fee |
IGGS has an unusually wide set of awards, including a Defence Force Family scholarship for daughters of full-time Defence personnel and a Rural scholarship for boarders from postcode 4350 and above. Merit scholarships aren't means-tested. All scholarships are for Australian residents.
Which test does Ipswich Girls' Grammar use?
IGGS requires the ACER scholarship test for academic and leadership scholarships, plus an exam at IGGS. Applicants outside Brisbane and Ipswich can sit at another participating centre, and rural or interstate applicants can sit remotely under supervision.
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 closed | Friday 30 January 2026 (no late applications) |
| Last round: ACER test | Saturday 28 February 2026 |
| 2028 entry applications | Expected to open late 2026 |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Ipswich Girls' Grammar's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- Academic: strong achievement and active involvement in at least two of sport, arts, service or cultural activities each year
- Leadership: formal leadership roles and a leadership reference
- Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed
- Performing arts: grade benchmarks, a portfolio, interview and 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 Ipswich Girls' Grammar use?
The ACER scholarship test plus an exam at IGGS, for academic and leadership scholarships.
Can my daughter sit the IGGS test remotely?
Rural and interstate applicants can sit remotely under supervision, for an extra fee.
Are IGGS scholarships means-tested?
Merit scholarships aren't. Rural and AIEF scholarships consider circumstances.
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 Ipswich Girls' 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.
Sources and further information
Check the school or assessment provider for current arrangements.
Not sure where to start?
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