Enrolment pathways
Welcome to the Selective High School application page. Find key information on eligibility, important dates, and requirements to apply for NSW selective schools. Our process identifies academically talented students and offers enhanced learning opportunities.
Entry to school in Year 7
The High Performing Students Unit of the Department of Education conducts an entrance test in May of Year 6 for entry into Year 7 the following year. All Year 7 applications are 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 to Year 7 is to be made when the student is in Year 5. Please refer to the Department's Selective high schools and opportunity classes - Application process link for the latest information.
Entry to school in Years 8 to 11
Key dates for our 2027 enrolment intake for Years 8-11 are listed below:
- Applications Open: To be determined
- Applications Close: To be determined
- Edutest entry test date: To be determined
For general information about enrolling in a selective high school please see the Department website.
Your child must meet the residency requirements to enrol at a selective high school:
- Students and their families must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry.
- Conditions may apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand. Review the conditions at Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions.
For information about the selection and enrolment process please refer to James Ruse Agricultural High School Process for Enrolment Years 8-11.
Start your James Ruse Agricultural High School Application for Years 8 to 11 2027 when it opens.
Please do not mail, email or bring documents in-person to school.
The online application will require the following as individual attachments:
-
proof of citizenship or permanent residency
-
completed JRAHS Additional Information 2027 form
-
school academic reports for
- Semester 1 2026
- If Semester 1 2026 report is not available, email it as soon as possible to Jamesruse-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au with the subject ‘2027 Application’. Include your child’s name and the year applied for in 2027.
- Semester 2 2025 and Semester 1 2026
-
most recent NAPLAN result.
-
VALID Science 8 or VALID Science 10 if available
-
Selective Schools or OC test results if available
-
evidence of cocurricular activities for past 2 years only
- Eg Chess, Music, Debating, Sport
-
evidence of external academic achievements for past 2 years only
- Eg ICAS, RACI, AMT competitions. Include detailed results as well as certificate
-
other supporting documents
- Eg creative writing sample, academic history if overseas, letter of recommendation from a community member outside current school
Attachments may be PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG or GIF files.
In addition, students must participate in the Edutest examination as part of their application to JRAHS.
- Test date: To be determined
- Start time: 9:00 am (Arrive at 8:45 am for registration)
- Finish time: Approximately 12:30 pm
- Test Venue:
J.C Hoskin Auditorium
James Ruse Agricultural High School
17-31 Felton Road, Carlingford
(closest cross street is Baker Street)
Complete test registration and payment via the Edutest website for 2027 applications when it opens.
The combined application processing fee and Edutest fee ($160) must be paid by credit card direct to Edutest. General information about Edutest testing is available at the Edutest parent and student page.
For 2026 applications, students who apply for James Ruse Agricultural High School and any of the schools listed below will undertake the Edutest exam once.
- Baulkham Hills High School
- North Sydney Boys High School
- North Sydney Girls High School
- Sydney Girls High School
Each school will receive the Edutest results for their student applicants. Each school will conduct its own review of the application and contact parents directly.
On the test day, students must bring:
- a photo ID,
Acceptable ID includes current school photo/library card or passport. - two lead pencils,
- black or blue pen.
No calculators are permitted.
The test will include sections on:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics and
- Written Expression.
Each section is 30 minutes long.
Online practice tests are available for purchase from the Edutest website. Overseas students please contact remote@edutest.com.au at least 3 weeks prior to test date to arrange a local testing location.
An internal school selection panel of educators convenes to evaluate applications. Interviews may be held to determine outcome.
Entry to school in Year 12
We do not accept enrolments in the Year 12 academic year.
Getting ready at home
You can help your child prepare by:
- talking positively about starting high school
- buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
- checking if a laptop or device is needed
- practising their travel route to school
- making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
- encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
- encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.