For more information, visit high school enrolment.
As an academically selective school, James Ruse has a rigorous admissions process. Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of NSW.
Numbers are limited by accommodation to 120 in each of Year 7 and 8 with an increase in Years 9, 10 and 11. Students are not admitted into Year 12. All information is available on the Department of Education website.
School Tour
Application Process
Entry to school in Year 7
The High Performing Students Unit of the Department of Education conducts an entrance test in mid-March of Year 6 for entry into Year 7 the following year. Students undergo multiple-choice testing in reading, mathematics and general ability. They also complete a 20 minute writing task. All Year 7 applications must now be completed online. Please follow the links below:
- Telephone: 1300 880 367
- Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au
- Information about entry to Year 7 in Selective High Schools is available on the department website.
Application for entry into Year 7 is to be made in November when the student is in Year 5 and the test will be administered in March when the student is in Year 6. For example, students wishing to enter Year 7 2022 must apply by November 2020.
Entry to School in Year 8 to 11
For general information about enrolling in a selective high school please see the Department website.
For information about the selection and enrolment process please see the James Ruse Agricultural High School Process for Enrolment Years 8-11.
Applications open on 21 June 2021. Applications must be received at James Ruse by 3pm on 16 July 2021. We do not accept applications by email.
Please note the section on Residency requirements.
- Candidates must be Australian citizens or holders of a visa granting permanent residency status in Australia. Information on Australian citizenship is available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website. Official evidence of Australian citizenship may be obtained by the issue of a Certificate of Evidence of Australian Citizenship.
- Citizens of New Zealand who are permanently settled in Australia are eligible for entry. Permanent residents of New Zealand, like temporary residents of Australia, cannot be placed.
- All applicants must provide documentation, such as a certificate of evidence of Australian citizenship, birth certificate or permanent residency visa.
- Students born in Australia with a parent who was a citizen or permanent resident at the time of the student’s birth must show full birth certificates. The residency status of the parents is listed on the birth certificate.
- Students whose parents were not citizens or permanent residents at the time of the student’s birth must show their citizenship papers or passports or a permanent residency visa.
The application package should contain:
- Application form downloaded from the Department website
- photocopies of all academic reports and co-curricular activities undertaken by the student over the past TWO calendar years
- copies of NAPLAN results, VALID 8 results and competition certificates
- proof of citizenship or permanent residency as described above
- Completed JRAHS Additional Information 2022.
- Completed JRAHS Checklist 2022 Year 8 to 11 .
An internal school selection panel of educators convenes to evaluate applications. Interviews may be held to determine outcome.
In addition, students must participate in the Edutest examination as part of their application to James Ruse. Details for 2022 entry are as follows:
Test Date - Saturday 24 July 2021
Starting Time - 9:00AM Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrive at 8:45AM
Finishing Time - Approximately 12:30PM
Venue - J.C. Hoskin Auditorium
James Ruse Agricultural High School
17-31 Felton Road, Carlingford
(Closest cross street is Baker Street)
Registration and payment for the test is done at the Edutest website from 21 June 2021. Registrations close at 3:00 pm on 16 July 2021.
The admission processing fee and EDU-Test fee (Total $110) must be paid by credit card direct to Edutest. You must bring a photo ID on the day of the test. Acceptable ID includes current school photo/library card or driver's licence. Also bring two lead pencils and a black or blue pen. No calculators are permitted.
Online practice tests are available for purchase from the Edutest website. Overseas students please contact remote@edutest.com.au.
Entry to School in Year 12
Year 12
We do not accept enrolments into the Year 12 academic year.
Moving overseas
Moving overseas and need school reports authenticated for DFAT?
Email document.authentication@det.nsw.edu.au to arrange to bring original documents to 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta 2150.