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
For detailed information about the selection and enrolment process, please refer to the James Ruse Agricultural High School Selection Process for Enrolment Years 8–11
Key Dates
Key dates for the 2027 Years 8–11 enrolment intake are listed below:
- Applications open: Wednesday 17 June 2026
- Applications close: Friday 24 July 2026
- Edutest entrance examination: Saturday 15 August 2026
General Information
For general information about enrolling in a selective high school, please visit the NSW Department of Education website.
Residency Requirements
To enrol at a selective high school, students must meet the NSW residency requirements:
- 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 Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or citizens of New Zealand. Please review the Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions on the Department.
Course Selection
Students offered a place at James Ruse Agricultural High School are expected to enrol as full-time students. A full-time senior student studies:
- A minimum of 12 school-based units in Year 11, and
- A minimum of 10 school-based units in Year 12
Please note that requests for electives not offered in your coming year or via distance education cannot be accommodated. See Academic Curriculum Overview for a full list of subjects offered.
Entry into existing accelerated courses for new students is not always possible.
Application Process
As an academically selective school, James Ruse Agricultural High School has a rigorous three-stage selection process:
- Academic Entrance Examination
- Application and Assessment (by invitation only)
- Interview (by invitation only)
1. Academic Entrance Examination
The entrance examination is conducted by the external provider Edutest.
- Cost: $180
- General information: Available on the Edutest parent and student page
Applicants must register with Edutest for each school they wish to apply to, however the examination is sat only once for all participating schools.
The school you register with first will be the location where your child sits the examination. This does not need to be the student’s first preference school.
Test registration and payment is to be completed via the Edutest website when applications open on 17 June, 2027.
Students applying from interstate or overseas must contact Edutest directly at least three weeks before the examination date to arrange remote testing (additional costs apply). See the remote interstate and overseas testing arrangements on the Edutest website.
Up to four weeks after the Edutest examination, parents will be notified via email whether their child has progressed to Stage 2. This notification will be sent to the email address provided at the time of Edutest registration. Please ensure you check your junk or spam folder as well.
2. Application and Assessment
Students invited to apply will be required to submit the James Ruse Agricultural High School application form and supporting documentation demonstrating their academic and co-curricular achievements.
Documentation should include:
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School reports (all academic results and comments are reviewed, with emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science).
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James Ruse Agricultural High School Additional Information form JRAHS Additional Information Form
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Results from external academic competitions or tests including the most recent NAPLAN
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Evidence of a balanced and resilient student who can thrive in a selective school environment, such as:
- extracurricular activities
- sport participation
- leadership roles
- service or volunteer work.
An internal selection panel of educators will review all applications and determine which students will be invited to interview.
For a full list of required documentation refer to page 2 of James Ruse Agricultural High School Selection Process for Enrolment Years 8–11.
3. Interview
Shortlisted students will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal and/or senior staff.
Students who are successful at interview will be offered a place at James Ruse.
Edutest Entrance Test Details
- Date: Saturday 15 August 2026
- Start time: 9:00 am
- Arrival time: 8:45 am for registration
- Finish time: Approximately 12:30 pm
- Registration: Edutest Registration
Test Venue
J.C. Hoskin Auditorium or Gymnasium
James Ruse Agricultural High School
17–31 Felton Road
Carlingford NSW
(Closest cross street: Baker Street)
Final venue details will be confirmed closer to the test date.
What Students Must Bring
Students must bring:
- Photo identification (e.g. current school photo card, library card, or passport)
- Two lead pencils
- A black or blue pen
Calculators are not permitted.
Test Format
The examination includes five sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Written Expression
Each section runs for 30 minutes.
Online practice tests are available for purchase from the Edutest website
Entry to school in Year 12
We do not accept enrolments in the Year 12 academic year.