If you are searching for the selective test dates 2026, the most important thing to know is this: the NSW Selective High School Placement Test for Year 7 entry in 2027 will be held on Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May 2026, with a make-up test on Friday 22 May 2026.

For many families, the dates are what make the whole process feel real. Once the calendar starts moving, it can feel as though everything is happening at once. The good news is that the selective school process follows a clear timeline. If you know what happens at each stage, you can stay calm, avoid missed deadlines, and help your child prepare steadily rather than frantically.

When is the NSW selective test 2026?

The main NSW selective school test in 2026 will be held on 1 and 2 May 2026. Your child will be allocated to one of those two days, not both. The make-up test is on 22 May 2026 and is only available to students with an approved illness or misadventure request.

The test is computer-based and held at designated test centres across NSW. Students use department-provided computers — they do not bring their own devices. For a full breakdown of the test format, see our Complete Guide to the NSW Selective Test.

All key dates at a glance

Date	What Happens
6 November 2025	Applications open
20 February 2026	Applications close; last day to request reasonable adjustments
13 March 2026	Last day to update details in the application dashboard
17 April 2026	Test Admission Tickets expected to be released
1–2 May 2026	Selective High School Placement Test (students attend one day only)
8 May 2026	Last day to submit illness or misadventure request for the main test
22 May 2026	Selective High School Placement Make-up Test
29 May 2026	Last day to submit illness or misadventure request for the make-up test
5 June 2026	Last day to change school choices
Late August 2026	Placement outcomes expected (TBC)

Why there are two main test days

The selective test is now computer-based, and the NSW Department of Education runs it across two days to manage capacity. That means:

• Your child will sit the test on one assigned day only
• Students from the same primary school are usually allocated to the same day
• There are multiple versions of the test to keep the process fair
• Some common items are shared across versions to ensure comparability

If your child is assigned Saturday instead of Friday, that is normal. It does not mean they are disadvantaged.

What to do at each stage

Knowing the dates is helpful. Knowing what to do with them is even more helpful.

Application period

6 November 2025 to 20 February 2026

This is when families submit the online application through the NSW Department of Education's application dashboard.

What to do during this stage:

• Complete the application well before the closing date
• Upload your child's photo correctly
• Choose up to 3 selective schools in order of preference
• Request reasonable adjustments if your child has a disability or medical condition
• Double-check every detail before submission

Update details deadline

By 13 March 2026

This deadline matters more than many parents realise.

• Check your email address and phone number
• Update your child's current school if it has changed
• Confirm personal details are accurate in the application dashboard

If your details are wrong, you may miss important updates about the test ticket or outcomes.

Test ticket release

Expected 17 April 2026

About two weeks before the test, families should be able to access the Test Admission Ticket.

• Log in to the application dashboard
• Download the Test Admission Ticket
• Print a paper copy — you must bring it on test day
• Check the exact date, time and location carefully
• Plan your travel in advance

Main test days

1–2 May 2026

This is the main event. Your child will sit all four sections — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing — on a single day.

What to bring:

• Printed Test Admission Ticket
• Two 2B pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Clear water bottle
• School uniform
• Substantial snack for the longer break

What NOT to bring:

• Calculators, rulers or dictionaries
• Phones or smart watches
• Pencil cases
• Notes or books

Illness or misadventure

By 8 May 2026 (main test) | By 29 May 2026 (make-up test)

If your child was sick, missed the test, or experienced a genuine issue affecting performance, you may be able to submit an illness or misadventure request.

• Submit through the dashboard within the deadline
• Include any required supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate)
• Do this promptly rather than waiting

Make-up test

22 May 2026

The make-up test is only for students with an approved reason. It is not a second chance because a family wants more preparation time.

If your child is approved:

• Treat it like the main test day
• Keep preparation steady after the main test weekend
• Check logistics carefully — the venue may differ

Change school choices

By 5 June 2026

This date often surprises families. Even after the test, you still have a short window to finalise school preferences.

• Reflect carefully on your school order
• Only list schools you would genuinely accept
• Put schools in true order of preference, not in guessed order of difficulty
• Remember: there is no bonus for putting a school first

Results released

Late August 2026 (expected)

This is when placement outcomes are expected to appear in the application dashboard.

When outcomes are released:

• Read the result calmly before discussing it with your child
• Check whether you have an offer, reserve list place, or an unsuccessful outcome
• Note the response due date immediately
• Download and review the performance report, which shows your child's band for each section

Performance bands show whether your child performed in the:

• Top 10% of candidates
• Next 15%
• Next 25%
• Lowest 50%

For more on how scoring and offers work, see our Complete Guide.

Preparation countdown

Parents often ask, "What should we be doing now?" Here is a practical countdown.

Common questions about selective test dates

When do applications for the 2026 selective test close?

Applications closed on 20 February 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

When will Test Admission Tickets be available?

They are expected on 17 April 2026 via the application dashboard.

Does my child sit the selective test on both 1 and 2 May?

No. Students attend one allocated day only.

When is the selective make-up test in 2026?

The make-up test is on 22 May 2026, available only with an approved illness or misadventure request.

When can I change school choices?

You can change school choices until 5 June 2026.

When will selective school results come out in 2026?

Results are expected in late August 2026 (exact date TBC).

How many weeks until the selective test 2026?

From late March 2026, the test is approximately 5–6 weeks away. Use the preparation countdown above to plan your remaining time effectively.

How SelectiveReady helps

The selective process can feel intense, but the timeline is your friend. Once you map the dates clearly, the whole process becomes manageable.

SelectiveReady provides computer-based practice that mirrors the real test format — timed sections across Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills and Writing, with instant feedback so your child can identify and improve weak areas before test day.

Your child does not need panic. They need a steady routine, realistic practice, enough sleep, and a parent who knows the next step. That is what makes this timeline so powerful.