Quick answer: Saint Stephen's College in Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast offers Academic and General Excellence scholarships for students entering Years 7 to 11 in 2028. All applicants sit the online ACER Scholarship Test at the college on Saturday 6 February 2027 at 9am. Applications close strictly at 4pm on Wednesday 27 January 2027.
Saint Stephen's College at a glance
| School type | Independent co-educational college |
| Location | 31 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera, Gold Coast |
| Scholarship test | ACER, online, at the college |
| Entry years | Years 7 to 11 |
| Applications close | 4pm, Wednesday 27 January 2027 |
| Test date | Saturday 6 February 2027, 9am |
General Excellence covers music, sport and other achievements, but those applicants still sit the ACER test. Applicants upload a one-page CV with their ACER registration.
Which test does Saint Stephen's use?
Saint Stephen's uses the ACER Scholarship Test, taken online at the college. 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
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Now |
| Applications close (strict) | 4pm, Wednesday 27 January 2027 |
| ACER test at the college | Saturday 6 February 2027, 9am |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Saint Stephen's's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- ACER test results
- A one-page CV of the child's most significant achievements
- An interview with the Principal or Director of Educational Programs for shortlisted students
- Possibly an audition or sporting trial
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
When is the Saint Stephen's scholarship test?
Saturday 6 February 2027 at 9am, at the college.
Do general excellence applicants sit the ACER test?
Yes. All applicants sit it.
When do applications close?
4pm on Wednesday 27 January 2027. Late applications aren't accepted.
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 Saint Stephen's 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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