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, the selective school entrance exam included the following (Likely to be the same for 2025)
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 writing test comprises of two tasks. This task has been conducted on paper up to this point.
The term "task" is very general and it could mean:
Narrative writing, orHowever, the prompt might also allow for other genres and styles, such as an advice sheet.
Your child will be required to write an essay based on a given prompt.
It’s essential to ensure your child understands the differences between these writing styles.
For narrative writing, your child will be assessed on their ability to create a story related to the prompt and effectively communicate it. This goes beyond simply recalling grammar rules and knowing the basics. They must apply these basics to enhance their expression and craft a story that flows logically, with a clear beginning, main event, and ending.
For persuasive writing, your child must first choose a stance or position on the topic. Their goal is to convince the reader to agree with their viewpoint. Similar to creative writing, it’s assumed that your child has a solid grasp of basic grammar and spelling. The focus here is on their ability to communicate effectively, write in the correct genre (without confusing it with informative or discussion writing), and stay aligned with the prompt.
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Tentative Tasks | 2 Writing tasks |
| Quantitative Practice Tests | |
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.
What were the important dates 2025 exam
For admission in 2026 sessionApplications open
Applications close
Advice sent to parents/carers on exam arrangements
Selective Entry High School exam
Exam outcome reports sent to parents/carers
Last day to change preferences
Offers process
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 platform provides 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:
Many parents believe, often influenced by others, that extensive cramming or intensive external coaching is essential for their child to succeed in the exam. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. While some practice tests and tutoring can be helpful, it’s important to approach these strategies carefully and avoid over-reliance on them. Balance and thoughtful preparation are key to achieving the best results.
Practice tests and sample materials allow your child to refine essential skills, get accustomed to the question formats, and practice working within time constraints. By completing a practice test, your child can pinpoint their strengths as well as areas that require additional focus and improvement.
Encourage your child to avoid memorizing sample questions or answers, as this approach is ineffective and unproductive. Instead, focus on understanding concepts and developing problem-solving skills, which will yield better results.