Quick answer: Ipswich Grammar School, a boys' school in Ipswich, awards academic scholarships for Years 7 to 11 using the ACER scholarship exam, plus sport and activities, music and AIEF scholarships. Students who sit the ACER exam get priority in the first round of offers. ACER registrations open on 21 September, and the cooperative test for 2028 entry is on Saturday 27 February 2027.
Ipswich Grammar School at a glance
| School type | Independent boys' school, day and boarding |
| Location | Darling Street, Ipswich |
| Scholarship test | ACER (academic scholarships) |
| Entry years | Years 7 to 11 (Year 7 applicants need their Year 5 NAPLAN report) |
| Fees | $250 enrolment application fee; ACER registration about $150 |
| Award length | Up to three years, then reviewed |
| 2027 test date | Saturday 27 February 2027 (ACER cooperative sitting) |
Scholarships at Ipswich Grammar reduce tuition fees only, not boarding fees, and recipients are asked to keep the amount confidential. Music scholarships have AMEB or Trinity grade benchmarks by year level, and AIEF scholarships support Indigenous boarding students.
Which test does Ipswich Grammar use?
Ipswich Grammar uses the ACER scholarship exam for academic scholarships, and gives ACER sitters priority in the first round of offers.
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 |
|---|---|
| ACER registrations open | 21 September 2026 |
| ACER cooperative registration closes | Sunday 7 February 2027 |
| ACER test | Saturday 27 February 2027 |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Ipswich Grammar's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- Academic performance and potential, school results, NAPLAN and ACER results
- Diligence, achievement in other areas, community spirit and leadership
- Assessment by the Headmaster; shortlisted boys interview with the Deputy Headmaster
- Music applicants audition with the Director of Performance
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 Grammar use?
The ACER scholarship exam, for academic scholarships.
Does my son need NAPLAN results to apply?
Year 7 applicants must have received their Year 5 NAPLAN report.
Do Ipswich Grammar scholarships cover boarding?
No. Scholarships reduce tuition fees only.
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 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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