Selective School Testing
Writing, comprehension and exam strategy for students sitting NSW selective high school placement tests.
About this program
Selective high schools serve the top portion of academically capable students in NSW. Entry is competitive, and the writing component decides a meaningful share of places.
Our Selective program builds the writing, reading comprehension, and exam confidence students need across the full test, with specific attention to the writing task that many candidates underprepare for.
Course details
Who it's for
Students in Years 4–6 preparing for the NSW selective high school placement test — sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry — as well as students seeking lateral entry into Years 8–10.
How we run it
- Small groups capped at 7 students.
- Weekly classes plus regular full-length mock tests.
- Expert instructors who specialise in selective exam writing.
- Detailed written feedback after every mock task.
What students cover
- Writing under selective exam time limits.
- Structuring persuasive, narrative and discursive responses.
- Reading comprehension: inference, tone, author intent.
- Vocabulary and sentence-level control.
Focus areas
Multiple text types
The exam no longer restricts writing to narrative and persuasive forms. We prepare students across informative, analytical, and other text types.
Expert instruction
Every class is led by a qualified, experienced writing instructor, not a generalist tutor. Our instructors know the exam requirements and how examiners mark responses.
Mock & trial tests
Students sit a mock or trial test in every class. By the time of the real exam, they will have written it dozens of times.
Targeted feedback
Detailed, specific feedback on every piece of writing. Students understand exactly what to improve and how.
Exam strategy & planning
Planning, time management, and response strategies tailored specifically to the selective exam format.
Small groups
Classes are capped at 7 students so each student receives genuine attention and personalised guidance every session.
Pricing
Term enrolment
Contact us
Per term. Class times and availability vary by centre and program.
What’s included
- ✓Weekly class with a qualified writing instructor
- ✓Maximum 7 students per class
- ✓Written feedback on every piece of work
- ✓Curriculum-aligned exercises and materials
- ✓Free assessment session before you commit
What families say.
★★★★★
“My daughter went from dreading writing tasks to enjoying them. The feedback she gets every week is detailed and specific, and we can see exactly how it translates into her school work.”
Anita P.
Parent · Thornleigh centre
★★★★★
“Small classes, qualified teachers, and feedback on every piece. We tried two other tutoring centres before this. There is no comparison.”
Mona S.
Parent · Thornleigh centre
★★★★★
“My son’s result exceeded our expectations. The structured method and weekly feedback were exactly what he needed to sharpen his writing under exam conditions.”
Jennifer K.
Parent · Thornleigh centre
Frequently asked questions
Every session follows our five-step method: Teach, Model, Write, Feedback, Improve. The instructor introduces a skill, shows it in action, students write independently, then receive specific feedback — all within the same session.
Every class is capped at 7 students. This limit exists so every child gets genuine, personalised attention from the instructor each week.
Yes. Every class is led by a qualified teacher — not a casual tutor. Our instructors hold teaching qualifications equivalent to those required by the NSW Department of Education.
A senior instructor sits with your child for a structured writing task, then walks you through the results — strengths, areas to develop, and the right program fit. Around 45 minutes, zero obligation.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we’ll get back to you within one business day.