The SEHS entrance exam primarily aims to evaluate an individual's abilities for admission to some selective high schools in Victoria.
The Selective School Melbourne exam is used to assess and identify high-achieving students for entry into selective government secondary schools. These schools use the exam results to determine which students will gain admission, as they aim to enroll academically talented individuals. The exam provides objective and comparable data on student performance across a range of academic areas, helping schools make fair and informed decisions about admissions.
While the exam results are a key factor, schools may also consider other criteria when awarding select-entry places. Additionally, some schools use the exam to identify students for gifted and talented programs or to offer extension activities to high-achieving students within mainstream classes.
Overall, the Selective School Melbourne, Victoria exam plays a crucial role in ensuring that academically capable students are given opportunities to thrive in a challenging learning environment.
ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) administers the centralized selection process on behalf of the Department of Education in Australia.
This exam assesses one's abilities rather than past achievements and is in written form, which includes a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills. Main points about the tests are:
The knowledge required in each section of the test does not surpass what is taught in the Year 8 curriculum.
In 2024 and 2025, the selective school entrance exam included the following (Likely to be the same for 2026)
The reading test in the Selective School Entry Exam evaluates students' skills in understanding and interpreting written texts, as well as their ability to apply logical reasoning to answer questions based on the provided passages.
Although ACER or DoE do not disclose the details of exact topics, historically the reading test has evaluated students on including but not limited to::
One might encounter a reading question like this:
In the following excerpt from a poem, what is the author's attitude towards the subject?
"Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow."
| Time | 35 minutes |
| Tentative Questions | 35-40 |
| Reading Practice Tests | |
The mathematics test for selective entry into schools in Victoria (SEHS) typically evaluates a student's comprehension of fundamental mathematical topics at a year-8 level, such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Ratios, Geometry, Measurement, Data Interpretation, and other relevant areas.
One might encounter a mathematics question on ratios like this:
At Greenfield Elementary School, students are involved in various after-school clubs. The ratio of students in the gardening club to the science club to the chess club is 5:3:2, respectively. If there are 120 students in total participating in these clubs, how many students are in each club?
A) 50 gardening, 30 science, 40 chess
B) 25 gardening, 45 science, 50 chess
C) 40 gardening, 20 science, 60 chess
D) 30 gardening, 40 science, 50 chess
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Tentative Questions | 35-40 |
| Mathematics Practice Tests | |
The verbal ability test for the Selective School Entry Exam, also known as the "verbal reasoning" test, assesses students for the topics of language comprehension and manipulation skills, covering vocabulary, analogies, and verbal comprehension topics.
An example of a verbal reasoning question that might appear on the Selective School Entry Exam in Victoria, could be:
Select the word that best completes the analogy:
Book is to author as song is to _____.
a) musician
b) singer
c) audience
d) composer
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Tentative Questions | 50-60 |
| Verbal Ability Tests | |
The quantitative ability test also known as numerical reasoning test for Selective Entry in Victoria is designed to assess students' ability to interpret and analyze numerical data, as well as their aptitude for making logical deductions and inferences based on this information.
Although ACER or DoE do not disclose the details of exact topics, historically the reading test has evaluated students on including but not limited to::
One might encounter like this:
What is the missing number in the following series?
254, ?, 62, 30, 14, 6, 2
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Tentative Questions | 45-50 |
| Quantitative Practice Tests | |
The Victorian Selective School Entry Exam includes a dedicated writing component designed to assess students’ thinking, creativity, structure, and communication skills. Historically, this test has been conducted on paper and typically consists of two separate writing tasks completed within a fixed time frame.
The term “writing task” is intentionally broad. Students may be asked to respond in different styles, including:
In some years, the prompt may also invite students to write in other formats, such as an advice piece, reflective response, or structured response to a scenario. This means flexibility in writing style is a valuable skill for students preparing for the test.
In all cases, your child will be expected to write a structured essay based on a given exam prompt. Success depends not just on ideas, but on how clearly and logically those ideas are expressed.
In a narrative task, students are judged on their ability to create a coherent story that connects meaningfully to the prompt. Examiners look for more than correct grammar. They want to see imagination, structure, and flow.
A strong narrative typically includes:
Students who can combine correct language with creative storytelling tend to score highly in this section.
For persuasive writing, students must take a clear position on the topic and argue their case logically and convincingly. The aim is to influence the reader using reason, examples, and effective language.
Examiners expect students to already have solid grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills. The focus is on:
In short, good ideas matter, but how they are presented matters even more.
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Tentative Tasks | 2 Writing tasks |
| Quantitative Practice Tests | |
For entry into Selective Schools in 2027.
Official exam details for the 2026 ACER Scholarship Test are yet to be released. However, based on previous years, the structure is expected to remain similar. Below is the tentative schedule from the 2025 Selective Entry Exam for reference.
The full exam duration is estimated to be around four hours.
| 🧩 Section | ⏱️ Duration | ❓Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning – Reading | 35 minutes | 35–40 |
| Reasoning – Mathematics | 30 minutes | 35–40 |
| ⏸️ Short Break (20 minutes) | ||
| General Ability – Verbal | 30 minutes | 50–60 |
| General Ability – Quantitative | 30 minutes | 45–50 |
| ⏸️ Short Break (5 minutes) | ||
| Writing | 40 minutes | Two tasks |
Reasoning sections – both Reading and Mathematics – assess a student's ability to process information, apply logical thinking, and use their general academic knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
General Ability sections test high-level reasoning skills. These questions are designed to evaluate a student's aptitude and capacity to learn through critical thinking and advanced problem-solving.
Selective high schools
These schools are:
If you have any specific queries regarding the subjects or programs offered by selective entry high schools, or want to enquire about enrollment for Year 10 and above, it is recommended to directly contact the concerned school.
Mark your calendars! Here’s what you need to know for the 2026 Select Entry High School exam in Victoria.
✏️ Based on recent trends, the SEHS exam is usually conducted around mid-June to early July each year. While previous years saw a post-holiday schedule, the 2025 exam was held earlier — in mid-June.
⏰ The timing of the test can shift slightly each year, so it’s crucial to stay informed to avoid surprises and fine-tune your prep strategy accordingly.
The application process for Victoria’s Selective Entry High Schools is handled online.
Families complete the form through the official ACER registration portal. The steps are straightforward and only take around 10–15 minutes.
Once the form is submitted, parents can return to the portal at any time to review or update details before the amendment deadline.
How many students apply vs how many secure a spot in Victoria’s Selective Entry High Schools for Year 9 entry.
Based on publicly available data, each year around 1,000 places are offered across the four state-selective schools.
There were around 5,700 applicants appeared in the exam in 2025.
That means roughly a 1 in 5 chance (≈20%) of securing a place — and in reality the competition can be tougher depending on your preferred school and cohort.
Give your child a stronger chance of success: Explore the 2026 Selective School Practice Test Series
A clear explanation of how student places are allocated at Victoria’s Selective Entry High Schools for Year 9.
Around 85% of places are offered purely based on entrance exam results. Students are ranked by score, and offers are made from highest to lowest.
Up to 10% of places are available under Equity Consideration. Students must still sit the same exam and achieve competitive results.
Up to 5% of places may be offered using the school principal’s judgement, as long as intake limits and school caps are followed.
Eligibility is verified electronically using Centrelink reference numbers. No personal financial details are shared or assessed beyond eligibility confirmation.
Help your child prepare with confidence: View the 2026 Selective School Practice Test Series
The Selective Entry High Schools (SEHS) examination is an important assessment test for students in Victoria, Australia. This examination is designed to assess the academic abilities of students who are seeking admission to selective high schools in Victoria.
Is spending money on Selective test preparation for your child not a financial priority for you right now?
Know more about thisSEHS examination provides students with the opportunity to attend high-quality selective schools, which offer a challenging and rigorous academic curriculum. These schools are known for their excellent academic programs, highly skilled teachers, and outstanding resources, which can help students to achieve their academic goals.
Admission to selective high schools is highly competitive, and students who are successful in the SEHS examination have a competitive advantage over other students. These schools have a reputation for producing successful graduates who excel in their chosen careers.
Attending a selective high school can also provide students with personal development opportunities. Students in these schools have access to a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and clubs, which can help them to develop their leadership skills, social skills, and personal interests.
How to use the answer booklet
When taking the Selective Entry High Schools (SEHS) Examination, students are provided with an answer booklet where they must mark all their responses.
In the reasoning and general ability sections, which are multiple-choice, it’s important to shade the answers correctly for the machine scanners to read them.
Adhering to the instructions given on the exam day is essential to ensure that all answers are processed accurately.
Tentative Exam Structure and Format
You can email to sehs@acer.org for more information but they are unlikely to disclose the exact number of questions for each exam.
Our platform offers comprehensive ACER format practice tests along with all of the topics mentioned above.
The entrance exam for Victorian Selective High Schools is a highly competitive assessment divided into five sections. This exam determines eligibility for admission into one of Victoria’s four elite public selective schools:
Preparing for and sitting a scholarship or selection test can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for students and their families. While the process is highly competitive and often stressful, it offers valuable opportunities for skill development, such as problem-solving and creative thinking.
However, the emotional toll of potential disappointment and the pressure to excel in a high-achieving environment are important considerations. Parents should carefully evaluate their motivations and ensure the preparation process is a positive experience, regardless of the outcome.
When a family’s circumstances prevent relocating to a new area and local public schools don’t meet high academic standards, preparing your child for a nearby selective school becomes a smart and practical choice.
The exam assesses critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary understanding rather than simple memorization.
Key skills for success in the exam include:
Success in the Victorian selective school exam doesn't depend solely on cramming or intensive coaching. While practice tests and tutoring can help, a balanced and strategic approach leads to the best outcomes.
To excel in the Victorian selective school test, students should prioritize understanding concepts, practicing strategically, and building problem-solving skills rather than relying on memorization or excessive coaching.
This is the most common question parents enquire us about.
There is no silver or theoretical formula bullet for getting into top 10%.
Although practice tests are valuable learning and assessment tools, some believe that practice tests alone are sufficient for comprehensive preparation.
From what we’ve seen, students sometimes miss out on top marks in writing because their ideas aren't clearly organised, or they use overly complex vocabulary that doesn't fit the story. Even with flawless spelling and grammar, these issues can result in only average scores.
Part of the reason is that out-of-the-box online write practice tests are not available online. One needs an assessor to tell the writing performance. This can be hard to organize.
Unlike national diagnostic tests (like NAPLAN) that measure the entire student population, selective entry tests are designed to be extremely challenging for the top 10% of high-achievers.
A low score on a selective test does not mean a child is struggling. Because the candidate pool is "self-selective" (only high-achievers apply), even those at the lower end of the test results are usually performing well above the general population age group.
While familiarity with test formats (like multiple-choice and timed essays) is helpful, intensive coaching cannot manufacture underlying academic aptitude. Long-term habits, such as wide reading and critical thinking practice, are the most effective forms of preparation.
While the exam is a primary factor, many Victorian schools look for well-rounded students. Schools may also consider:
Most students who sit the test will not receive an offer. It is important that children view the process as valuable practice for future public exams (like VCE). Focusing on the skills gained—such as improved writing and faster problem-solving—ensures the experience remains positive regardless of the result.
No, there are no official past papers available for the Victoria Selective Entry High School exam. ACER conducts this exam and does not release previous years’ question papers. They only provide a small number of sample questions to give a general idea of the exam style.
For detailed explanation and preparation guidance, read the full article here .
