Complete Guide to Victorian Selective Entry High Schools 2027
Everything parents and students need to know about Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson, Nossal, and Suzanne Cory - eligibility requirements, exam format, key dates, and preparation strategies.
What Are Victorian Selective Entry High Schools?
Victorian Selective Entry High Schools (SEHS) are government-funded secondary schools designed specifically for academically high-achieving students. Unlike regular government schools where enrolment is based on your local catchment area, these schools select students through a competitive entrance examination.
The SEHS program provides a specialised learning environment where students are surrounded by like-minded peers who are equally motivated to excel academically. These schools consistently rank among the top performers in Victoria for VCE results and offer enriched curriculum, advanced subject options, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Entry to these schools is exclusively for Year 9, meaning students sit the exam during Year 8 and, if successful, begin at their selective school the following year. The exam and selection process is managed centrally by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education.
The Four Selective Entry High Schools
Victoria has four selective entry high schools, each with its own character and location:
Melbourne High School
One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious boys' schools. Consistently achieves top VCE results with many students receiving ATAR scores above 99.
Mac.Robertson Girls' High School
The sister school to Melbourne High. Known for academic excellence and strong community spirit. Regularly produces top VCE achievers.
Nossal High School
The newest selective school, offering modern facilities and a strong STEM focus. Ideal for students in Melbourne's south-east corridor.
Suzanne Cory High School
Named after Nobel Prize-winning scientist Suzanne Cory. Serves Melbourne's western suburbs with excellent facilities and strong academic outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for Year 9 entry in 2027, your child must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Checklist
- Be in Year 8 (or equivalent) during 2026
- Have not previously sat the SEHS entrance exam
- Be an Australian citizen, OR
- Be a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia, OR
- Hold a visa or ImmiCard that exempts you from international student fees
Students from any school type can apply - government, Catholic, independent, or home-schooled (if registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority). However, fee-paying international students enrolled in Victorian schools are not eligible.
Important Note
Citizenship or visa requirements must be met by the time offers are made (July-October 2026). If your visa status is pending, you may still apply but must provide documentation of eligibility before accepting an offer.
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
Mark these important dates in your calendar:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | February 2026 (exact date TBA) |
| Applications close | May 2026 (exact date TBA) |
| Exam date | June 2026 (exact date TBA) |
| Last day to change school preferences | July 2026 |
| Round 1 offers sent | July 2026 |
| Exam results report released | September 2026 |
| Offer process concludes | October 2026 |
Exam Format & Structure
The selective entry exam is approximately 4 hours long and consists of multiple-choice and written sections. Here's what your child can expect:
| Section | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning – Reading | ~35 minutes | Reading comprehension and interpretation |
| Reasoning – Mathematics | ~30 minutes | Mathematical problem solving |
| ☕ Break (~20 minutes) | ||
| Verbal Reasoning | ~30 minutes | Vocabulary, analogies, logical deduction |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ~30 minutes | Numerical patterns and relationships |
| ☕ Short break | ||
| Writing Task | ~40 minutes | Creative or persuasive writing |
The exam assesses higher-order thinking skills - not just recall of Year 8 curriculum content. Students are tested on their ability to:
- •Analyse and interpret information
- •Apply concepts to new situations
- •Identify patterns and relationships
- •Think creatively and logically
- •Communicate ideas clearly in writing
How Places Are Allocated
Approximately 1,000 places are available across the four schools each year, with thousands of students competing for entry. Places are allocated through three categories:
Standard Merit (~85% of places)
The majority of places go to students ranked purely by their exam performance. Students are ranked based on their overall score, and offers are made according to rank and school preference order.
Equity Consideration (~10% of places)
Reserved for eligible students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including:
- •Students whose families hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- •Students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Principal Discretion (~5% of places)
A small number of places are allocated at each principal's discretion. This may consider factors like:
- •Siblings already attending the school
- •Geographic considerations
- •Gender balance (for co-ed schools)
- •Other exceptional circumstances
Source School Cap
To ensure diversity, no more than 4% of offers can go to students from any single Year 8 school (or 10% for schools running prep-to-Year 9). This prevents any one school from dominating the intake.
How to Prepare Effectively
Success in the selective entry exam requires consistent preparation over several months. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Start Early
Ideally, begin preparation 6-12 months before the exam. This allows time to identify weak areas and address them systematically without last-minute cramming.
2. Understand the Format
Download sample questions from the official ACER website. Familiarise your child with the question types, timing, and instructions so there are no surprises on exam day.
3. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Time management is crucial. Regular practice with strict time limits helps build the pace needed to complete all sections.
4. Focus on Reasoning Skills
The exam tests how students think, not just what they know. Work on pattern recognition, logical sequences, reading comprehension strategies, mathematical problem-solving, and vocabulary building.
5. Develop Writing Skills
The writing task requires students to construct a coherent, well-structured piece under time pressure. Practice different writing styles - creative, persuasive, and analytical.
6. Take Regular Practice Tests
Weekly practice tests help track progress and identify areas needing improvement. Review mistakes to understand where and why errors occur.
Choosing Your School Preferences
During the application, you'll list up to three school preferences in order. Here's what you need to know:
- •Rank honestly - List schools in your true order of preference. If you qualify for multiple schools, you'll only be offered your highest-ranked one.
- •Consider location - Your child will attend this school for four years. Think carefully about daily commute times and transport options.
- •Research each school - Visit open days, read about each school's culture, extracurricular offerings, and approach to learning.
- •You can change preferences - Until the deadline in July 2026, you can modify your preference order through the ACER portal.
Important
Only list schools you would genuinely be happy attending. Once you accept an offer, it's final - you cannot swap to another selective school later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child sit the exam if they're home-schooled?
Yes, as long as they are registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) for home-schooling and meet all other eligibility criteria.
Is the exam the same for all four schools?
Yes, there is one centralised exam administered by ACER. Your school preferences determine which school you may receive an offer from based on your ranking.
What if my child is sick on exam day?
Contact ACER immediately. Alternative arrangements may be possible, but applications for alternative dates must generally be submitted before the standard application deadline.
How competitive is entry?
Extremely competitive. Thousands of students sit the exam each year for approximately 1,000 places across the four schools. Acceptance rates vary by school and year, but for the most sought-after schools like Melbourne High and Mac.Robertson, it can be as competitive as 1 in 10 or even higher. The exact ratio depends on the number of applicants in any given year.
Are there any fees to apply?
Yes, there is an application fee. Fee waivers are available for eligible families (those with Health Care Cards or Pensioner Concession Cards).
Can my child try again if unsuccessful?
No. Students can only sit the Year 9 selective entry exam once. If unsuccessful, they cannot resit. However, some selective schools may offer limited places for Year 10 or 11 entry through separate, school-managed processes - contact the individual schools directly for information.
Start Preparing Today
The selective entry exam is challenging, but with the right preparation and consistent practice, your child can put their best foot forward. The key is to start early, practice regularly, and focus on developing strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Ready to Start Practicing?
SelectiveHQ offers free weekly practice tests designed specifically for Victorian selective school entrance exams. Track your progress with detailed analytics.
Get Started Free