Quick answer: Somerville House, a girls' school in South Brisbane, awards academic scholarships from Year 7 and several other scholarships, all requiring the ACER scholarship test. For 2028 entry, scholarship applications close on Sunday 7 February 2027, with the ACER cooperative test on Saturday 27 February 2027.
Somerville House at a glance
| School type | Independent girls' school (Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association), with boarding |
| Location | 17 Graham Street, South Brisbane |
| Scholarship test | ACER (all applicants) |
| Academic scholarships | From Year 7 |
| Other awards | Editha Robinson (Year 7, 50% tuition for six years), boarding, sport, music, IB Diploma (Year 11) |
| Applications close | Sunday 7 February 2027 |
Somerville House offers a wide range of scholarships, but a student can only receive one, even if she applies for several. The Editha Robinson Memorial Scholarship gives one Year 7 student 50% tuition assistance for six years, and Foundation scholarships can be full or partial and means-tested.
Which test does Somerville House use?
Every Somerville House scholarship applicant sits the ACER scholarship test, registered through ACER's website. 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 |
|---|---|
| Scholarship applications close | Sunday 7 February 2027 |
| ACER cooperative test | Saturday 27 February 2027 |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Somerville House's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- ACER test results and the scholarship application
- Merit and/or equity, including financial need for some awards
- Boarding scholarships are for girls from regional or rural Queensland
- Music scholarships require an audition; sport scholarships require outstanding ability in cross country, swimming or athletics
- Only one scholarship can be awarded per student; awards are renewable subject to 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 Somerville House use?
The ACER scholarship test, for every scholarship applicant.
When do Somerville House scholarship applications close?
For 2028 entry, Sunday 7 February 2027.
Can my daughter receive more than one scholarship?
No. Students can apply for several, but only one is awarded.
What is the Editha Robinson scholarship?
A Year 7 scholarship giving one student 50% tuition assistance for six years.
Other Queensland schools
- Brisbane Girls Grammar School
- St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School
- Brisbane Boys' College
- St Peters Lutheran College
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 Somerville House, 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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