Southern Cross Catholic College scholarships: the ACER test, $2,500 awards and timing

Quick answer: Southern Cross Catholic College in Scarborough offers up to 10 Academic Excellence Scholarships each year, worth $2,500 a year off tuition and renewable to Year 12, for students entering Year 7 and new students in Years 8 to 10. Applicants sit the ACER Scholarship Test in October, much earlier than most schools. The last test was on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Southern Cross Catholic College at a glance

Southern Cross runs its scholarship round in October, a year before entry and months ahead of other schools. Families who wait until summer will miss it. If the $140 test fee is a barrier, the college invites a confidential conversation.

Which test does Southern Cross Catholic College use?

Southern Cross uses the ACER Scholarship Test, sat on a Saturday morning at the Scarborough Secondary Campus.

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

Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Southern Cross Catholic College's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• ACER test results
• The three most recent school reports
• A reference from the current principal or teacher
• Evidence of character, leadership and contribution
• An interview for shortlisted applicants

How to prepare

• Start about three months out. For an October test, that means July.
• 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 Southern Cross Catholic College scholarship test?

In October, a year before entry. The last one was on Saturday 17 October 2026.

How much is the scholarship worth?

$2,500 a year off tuition, renewable to Year 12.

How many scholarships are there?

Up to 10 each year.

Other Queensland schools

• Grace Lutheran College
• The Lakes College
• Murrumba State Secondary College (HAST)
• St Paul's School

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 Southern Cross Catholic 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.