NSW Selective and OC test changes: what changed, and for whom
Independent. Not affiliated with the NSW Department of Education.
The Selective and OC tests moved to computers for 2025 and, from 2026, are held only in NSW. From the 2027 intake, coeducational selective schools and opportunity classes have equal places for girls and boys.
The test is on computers now. A free timed practice section lets your child try a test on screen. A free section needs no account.
What has changed, and who does it affect?
Six changes matter for families now. Each row gives the old and new rule, with when it started and who it affects.
| Change | Before | Now | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the test is sat | On paper 1NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | On computers provided by the Department2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published, since the 2025 tests | Every child sitting Selective or OC |
| Test days | One test day 1NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | Several days; each child sits one day2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published | Every child |
| Tests per day | In 2025, the OC and Selective tests ran on the same day1NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | Only one test is held on each test day2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | Families with children sitting both tests |
| Where children sit | large venues outside schools in 20251NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | Local test centres; most are local public high schools2NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published | Every child |
| Testing outside NSW | Not stated on the Department's page | Held only in NSW2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published, from 2026 | Families overseas or interstate |
| Places for girls and boys | No equal-places rule stated | equal places for girls and boys from the 2027 intake3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published | Coeducational and partially selective schools, and opportunity classes |
Why are places now equal for girls and boys?
The Department says the change aims to address a decline in girls applying for and accepting places3NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published. It applies from the 2027 intake, at coeducational and partially selective high schools and in opportunity classes. 3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published
Entry is still by the test
Places for girls and boys are still based on test performance3NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Unfilled places don't go empty
Unfilled places go to the other gender3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published, to children who qualify.
Small opportunity classes
A class of 15 places is split 7 boys, 7 girls, 1 on merit4NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published.
Gender diverse students
They're considered on their test performance3NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published.
What isn't published: whether reserve lists are kept separately for girls and boys. Not published5NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Not published
Why did test day change after 2025?
The 2025 tests brought several changes at once, and an independent review followed. The current arrangements match what it recommended.
Do older practice papers still match the test?
Not the format. The Department's PDF practice tests are older paper-based versions7NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published , while its online practice tests copy the real screen. 7NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published The PDFs still come with explanations of answers7NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published.
Questions parents ask about the changes
Do we have to upload a photo of our child?
No. Uploading a photo is optional9NSW Education · 13 October 2026 · Published; it identifies your child on test day.
Does the equal-places rule apply to boys' and girls' schools?
No. It names coeducational and partially selective schools and opportunity classes, so single-sex schools are outside it. 3NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published
Can my child sit the test overseas and move back later?
No. Children overseas or interstate must come back to NSW to sit it 2NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published, and families must be living in NSW by the start of the entry year6NSW Education · 12 October 2026 · Published.