Realistic Backup Plans after Selective School Exam

Is the Selective School Test Truly Fair?

Realistic Backup Plans Every Parent Should Know

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Selective School test system in NSW. Some students get to sit two tests and choose the higher score—does that sound fair to you? And is it really an advantage to take the test over multiple days?

Today’s post isn’t about the Year 6 students who are already in the process. It’s for parents of students in Years 3 to 5—families who are planning ahead and want to make informed decisions before it’s too late.

Let’s Be Honest: The Selective Test Was Never Truly Fair

This is not the first year we’ve seen inconsistencies. A few years ago, there were students who took the test from home due to a lack of available test centers—and yes, they still made it into top schools. Even when everyone took the test on the same day, some students were scheduled at different times. The idea of a 100% fair, equal test has always been more of a hope than a reality.

Despite that, some students still perform well and succeed. Others, equally talented, miss out—sometimes due to nerves, health, or plain bad luck. It’s important to understand that the Selective Test is not so much about fairness as it is about identifying potential.

And let’s be honest—walk into a top Selective or OC class, and you’ll notice the overwhelming majority of students are of Asian or Indian background. For some, even the presence of these tests feels like an unfair advantage to certain groups. If you’ve followed U.S. college admissions news, you’ll know this isn’t just an Australian issue.

Don’t Just Rely on Plan A—You Need Plans B, C, and D

If your child is aiming for a Selective School, that’s great. But having only one path is risky. If anything unexpected happens—illness, anxiety, or just a bad day—you’ll want to be prepared with other strong options. Here’s how to think about your school choices:

🔹 Plan A: Apply for Selective High Schools

Make this your main goal if your child is on track and interested.

🔹 Plan B: Apply for Private School Scholarships

Applications often begin in Year 5. Some schools to consider:

🔹Plan C: Register at Private or Independent Schools Early

Even if you don’t plan to enroll right away, having a spot secured at schools like

This is a smart move. Registration fees are usually between $500 and $3,000.

🔹Plan D: Consider G&T (Gifted & Talented) Local School Programs

These often open in Year 6 and can be a great alternative if Selective entry doesn’t go as hoped.

🔹 Plan E: Move to a High-Performing Public School Catchment

Suburbs like Willoughby, Cheltenham, or Epping are popular for their excellent local schools.

If none of the above work out, then your fallback will be the local comprehensive high school. But hopefully, with some planning, you’ll have more than one good option.

Remember: A Disappointing Test Result Doesn’t Mean Your Child Failed

There are a hundred things that can affect test performance. A tough question set, illness, a bad night’s sleep, nerves… These are all common, and none of them mean your child is less capable. What does matter is whether we, as parents, have done our part in planning realistic alternatives.

If your child is currently in Year 3, 4 or 5 and you’ve been focused solely on Selective, it might be time to revisit the strategy. Because if things don’t go to plan, that’s not on your child—it’s on us for not preparing properly.

What You Can Do Right Now (Don’t Miss These!)
  1. Applications for 2027 private scholarships are already open.
    If you have a daughter in Year 5, schools like Pymble and Wenona should be on your radar now.
  2. Register at independent or Catholic schools early.
    A few hundred dollars in registration today can buy you peace of mind later.
  3. Don’t skip G&T applications in Year 6.
    If Plan A and B haven’t solidified by then, G&T programs can be a great safety net.

One More Thing ①: Speak Up If You Have Concerns

This post isn’t saying you must accept the current two-test system. If you’re in the position where your child is offered two test chances, advocate for them. If you’re not, it’s also valid to raise concerns with the Department of Education or speak with local representatives and the media.

One More Thing ②: Thinking of Hosting a Parents’ Coffee Chat

I’m considering organizing a paid seminar or coffee chat with parents whose children have received top scholarships, entered elite Selective schools, or even progressed into medicine through transfers. I don’t want to host it for free (for practical reasons), but if there’s interest, I’ll put something together. Maybe even a study group too. Just thinking out loud here.

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