Quick answer: Townsville Grammar School offers partial academic scholarships for students entering Years 5, 7, 10 and 11, through ACER scholarship exams held at the school. There are two testing rounds: a major round in February and a smaller round in May. In the last cycle, Round 2 registrations closed on 8 May 2026 and the test was on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
Townsville Grammar School at a glance
| School type | Independent co-educational school, Pre-Prep to Year 12, with boarding |
| Location | Townsville (Years 7 to 12 at North Ward; primary at Annandale and North Shore) |
| Scholarship test | ACER, sat at the school |
| Entry years | Years 5, 7, 10 and 11 |
| Testing rounds | Round 1 in February (major); Round 2 in May (minor) |
| Award length | Year 5: two years; Year 7: three; Year 10: three; Year 11: two |
Townsville Grammar also offers an IB Diploma scholarship, which is the only award that can be combined with an academic scholarship. Families can apply for several scholarships and bursaries and choose between offers.
Which test does Townsville Grammar use?
Townsville Grammar's academic program is run independently by ACER: exams are sat at the school but delivered and marked by ACER. Year 5 applicants sit a primary-level test; 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 |
|---|---|
| Round 1 (major) for 2028 entry | February 2027 (check the school site for the registration deadline) |
| Round 2 (minor) for 2028 entry | May 2027 |
| Last cycle: Round 2 registrations closed | Friday 8 May 2026 |
| Last cycle: Round 2 test | Wednesday 27 May 2026 |
Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Townsville Grammar's scholarship page before you register.
What else counts
- ACER exam results (awards are on academic merit)
- Annual review of results and conduct during the scholarship
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 Townsville Grammar use?
ACER scholarship exams, sat at the school and marked by ACER.
Is there more than one chance to sit?
Yes. There's a major round in February and a smaller round in May. Round 2 offers depend on what's left after Round 1.
Which year levels can apply?
Students entering Years 5, 7, 10 and 11.
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 Townsville 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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