Karabar High School: how selective entry works in Queanbeyan

On the results of the NSW Selective test, which the NSW Department of Education runs for all selective schools. ^{1NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published} You list Karabar on the Department's application, among up to 3^{2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published} schools.

Your child sits the test in Year 6^{1NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}. Offers rest on test performance and the order of your school choices^{2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}.

1. Apply through the Department

   Applications for entry in 2028: November 2026–February 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}, with Karabar as a choice.

2. Sit the test in NSW

   In early May 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}; the test is held only in NSW^{4NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}.

3. Outcome

   In August 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}. A child receives one offer at most at first. ^{5NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}

4. Reserve offers

   Declined Karabar places are passed to children on Karabar's reserve list, in order. ^{5NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}

What are Karabar's streams?

Karabar has a selective and a non-selective stream, plus a performing arts program open to gifted performers from across the region^{6Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}. The Department calls this partially selective, meaning selective classes inside a local high school^{1NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}. ^{1NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}

The school's gifted education page lists a Partially Selective Academic Program and an Accelerated Maths Program^{7Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

Is the Performing Arts Class part of the selective stream?

No, it's a separate program with its own entry. Places in the Performing Arts Class come through an application and an audition in one or more performing arts areas^{8Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}. The Performing arts class page lists the selection criteria and each round's closing date.

The Department lists Donald Road, Queanbeyan^{1NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}, in the Capital Region^{10NSW Education data · 13 October 2026 · Published}. The school's travel page gives 84 Donald Rd, Queanbeyan NSW 2620^{11Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

That page explains the School Student Transport Scheme: eligible students may get free or subsidised travel to and from school^{12Transport for NSW · 13 October 2026 · Published}. Remember the trip happens twice a day, and the Department notes less travel could reduce harm to schoolwork and wellbeing^{2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

Plan your commute opens Karabar in your own map app. ^{10NSW Education data · 13 October 2026 · Published}

Sometimes, but the school says there are only a small number of places each year^{15Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}. It takes applications from mid June to the end of July each year, for Years 8 to 10, managed by the school^{15Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}. The Department's last round closed 24 July 2026^{16NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}, so confirm the closing date with the school.

The Department describes later entry for Years 8 to 11, but Karabar's own page covers Years 8 to 10. ^{16NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published} Check the school's selective page for the full document list.

The Department asks you to consider your child's interests and abilities, academic and co-curricular needs, social and emotional needs, and any specialised support^{2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published}. Tick what fits; nothing is saved.

• ✓

  Your child wants to go. The Department calls choosing a school your child wants to go to^{2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published} an important consideration.

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  Your family lives in NSW, or will by the start of Year 7. ^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}

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  Faster-paced maths would suit your child. ^{7Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}

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  If your child performs, you've looked at the Performing Arts Class too. ^{8Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}

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  Your child would like a school with a performing arts centre and an agricultural plot. ^{17Karabar HS · 13 October 2026 · Published}

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  You've visited, or asked the school about a visit. ^{2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published}

No. The Department has no set minimum entry score^{5NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published} for Karabar or any selective school. The level shifts each year with how many children apply, how they perform, the places available and how many offers are declined^{5NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

HSC league tables measure past Year 12 cohorts, not Year 7 entry. The Department suggests you ask friends, family and your community about their experiences^{2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

Karabar's Year 7 selective intake runs on the statewide dates. Exact dates for Year 7 entry in 2028: Not published^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Not published}. The months below are expected.

1. November 2026–February 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}

   Apply, with Karabar listed

   For a child in Year 5 in 2026.

2. early May 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}

   Selective test

3. August 2027 Expected^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Expected}

   Outcomes released

On Karabar's reserve list for entry in 2027 and holding another offer? If this school is a higher choice than an offer you've accepted, you can stay on its reserve list after 3 December 2026, 3 pm (Sydney time)^{3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published} only by declining that accepted offer by then. ^{5NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published}

By straight line from the Department's coordinates, these three are nearest. None is in the Capital Region^{10NSW Education data · 13 October 2026 · Published}.

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