Quick answer: The Southport School (TSS), a boys' school on the Gold Coast, offers academic scholarships for Years 7 to 11, a Foundation Scholarship worth 100% tuition from Year 6 to Year 12, and sport, music and creative arts awards. Academic applicants sit a competitive exam ($135 application fee), and shortlisted boys are interviewed. TSS is listed by ACER as a HAST school.
The Southport School at a glance
| School type | Independent Anglican boys' school, Pre-Prep to Year 12, boarding from Year 7 |
| Location | Southport, Gold Coast |
| Scholarship test | Competitive academic exam (TSS is on ACER's HAST participating schools list) |
| Academic scholarship entry years | Years 7 to 11 |
| Application fee | $135 (academic); $95 (Prep academic) |
| Foundation Scholarship | Year 6 entry, 100% tuition remission to Year 12 |
| Interview | For selected applicants |
TSS has one of the broadest scholarship programs in Queensland. Alongside academic awards, it offers Prep academic scholarships (exams in Years 2 to 5), Excellence in Sport scholarships (10% to 50%) across 14 GPS sports, the H.J. King Music Scholarship, Creative Art scholarships and a Country Boarder Bursary.
Which test does TSS use?
TSS's scholarship page describes a competitive academic exam without naming the provider. ACER lists The Southport School as a HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) participating school at junior secondary level. Prep scholarships use the school's own assessments in English, mathematics and general knowledge. Confirm the exam format with TSS when you apply.
HAST is ACER's Higher Ability Selection Test, used by schools for gifted and academic programs. The junior secondary version has Reading Comprehension (45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes), Abstract Reasoning (30 minutes) and Written Expression (25 minutes). It's paper-based, with no calculators and no penalty for wrong answers.
HAST is run through each school, so register directly with the school for its testing date.
More on this test: HAST-P vs HAST · HAST results explained
Key dates for 2028 entry
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Most recent academic exam | 31 January 2026 (for 2027 entry; applications closed 16 January 2026) |
| 2028-entry exam | Expected late January 2027; check TSS's scholarship page |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on TSS's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- Competitive exam results
- Supporting documents and notable academic results
- An interview for selected applicants
- Foundation Scholarship: academic and co-curricular excellence, leadership potential, interview; income information may be requested
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 HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test)
Our HAST-style practice tests are built around the HAST format, including abstract reasoning in the Year 6 sets, with worked explanations and human-marked writing.
These are independent practice materials, not official test papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
What test does TSS use for scholarships?
TSS runs a competitive academic exam. ACER lists TSS as a HAST participating school, so expect a HAST-style format, but confirm with the school.
What is the TSS Foundation Scholarship?
A Year 6 entry scholarship giving 100% tuition remission from Year 6 to Year 12.
How much does the TSS scholarship exam cost?
$135 for the academic scholarship application; $95 for Prep academic scholarships.
When is the TSS scholarship exam?
The most recent was on 31 January 2026. Expect the 2028-entry exam in late January 2027.
Other Queensland schools
- Benowa State High School (HAST)
- Robina State High School (HAST)
- A.B. Paterson College (ACER)
- Brisbane State High School (HAST practice tests)
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 The Southport 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?
Explore more parent guides
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