Victoria's Selective Entry High Schools provide an academically challenging environment for high-achieving students from Year 9 to Year 12. Admission is based on a highly competitive entrance examination conducted by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). Students usually apply during Year 8 to enter Year 9.

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The Four Selective Entry High Schools in Victoria
 

1. Melbourne High School (Boys' School)

• Established in 1905, Melbourne High School is one of Australia's most academically recognised government schools.

• It is located in South Yarra and offers education for boys in Years 9–12.

• Entry is based on performance in the Victorian Selective Entry High School Examination.

• Students are selected from across Victoria based on exam ranking and preferences

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2. The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School (Girls' School)

• Commonly known as Mac.Rob, it is Victoria's only selective government girls' school.

• Located in Melbourne, it caters for academically talented girls in Years 9–12.

• Students are selected through the selective entry examination process.

• Commonly known as Mac.Rob, it is Victoria's only selective government girls' school.

• Located in Melbourne, it caters for academically talented girls in Years 9–12.

• Students are selected through the selective entry examination process.

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3. Nossal High School (Co-educational School)

• Located in Berwick, Nossal High School is Victoria's first co-educational selective entry high school.

• It provides a specialist academic environment for high-achieving students in Years 9–12.

• The school focuses on academic excellence, leadership, innovation and global awareness.​

4. Suzanne Cory High School (Co-educational School)

• Located in Werribee, Suzanne Cory High School is a co-educational selective entry school.

• It provides an accelerated learning environment for academically talented students.

• Entry is through the same selective examination process.

​Understanding the Selective School Entrance Exam

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​The selective school exam is designed to test a student's thinking ability, reasoning skills, problem-solving ability, comprehension and creativity. It is not simply based on memorising school content. The required knowledge level generally does not exceed the Year 8 curriculum.

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1. Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes)

• Mathematics

• Number skills

• Algebra

• Fractions, percentages and ratios

• Measurement

• Geometry

• Probability and statistics

• Mathematical problem-solving

Students are tested on applying mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar situations rather than routine textbook questions.

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Quantitative Reasoning

• Number patterns

• Logical sequences

• Data interpretation

• Mathematical relationships

• Problem-solving puzzles

This section tests how quickly students can identify patterns and apply logical thinking.

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2. Reading and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes)

Reading Comprehension
Students answer questions based on different texts, including:

• Fiction and non-fiction passages

• Main ideas

• Inference and interpretation

• Vocabulary

• Author's purpose

• Tone and viewpoint

Verbal Reasoning
Students solve language-based reasoning problems involving:

• Word relationships

• Analogies

• Vocabulary

• Codes and patterns

• Logical thinking using words

 

3. Writing (40 minutes)

Students complete writing tasks that assess:

• Creative thinking

• Organisation of ideas

• Vocabulary

• Sentence structure

• Grammar

• Ability to communicate clearly under time pressure

Students need to demonstrate imagination, maturity of ideas and strong written expression

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The Writing section of the Victorian Selective Entry High School Exam consists of TWO writing tasks. Students are given 40 minutes in total to complete both tasks.

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Exam Timing Overview

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Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning - 60 minutes

Break - 20 minutes

Reading & Verbal Reasoning - 55 minutes

Short Break - 5 minutes

Writing - 40 minutes

The total exam task time is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, with additional time allocated for registration and instructions.

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Task 1: Creative Writing

Students may be asked to write a story or imaginative piece based on a prompt, which could include:

• A picture stimulus

• A quote

• A situation or idea

• A theme or emotion

Students are assessed on:

• Creativity and originality

• Development of ideas

• Character and setting description

• Organisation and structure

• Vocabulary choices

• Sentence fluency and accuracy

 

Task 2: Persuasive / Analytical Writing

Students write a structured response expressing and supporting a viewpoint.

Students are assessed on:

• Clear arguments

• Logical organisation of ideas

• Use of examples and evidence

• Ability to persuade the reader

• Mature vocabulary

• Grammar and sentence structure

 

Time Management Tip

Students usually have around 20 minutes per task, so they need to:

• Spend 2–3 minutes planning

• Write a well-structured response

• Leave time to check spelling, punctuation and grammar

The Writing section is not testing memorised essays. It assesses how effectively students can think, organise ideas and communicate clearly under time pressure.

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For many migrant families, the selective school system may feel different from education systems overseas. The focus is not only on knowledge but also on critical thinking, reasoning and applying concepts in new situations.With consistent preparation, the right strategies and expert guidance from AskOn Education, students can develop the skills required to compete successfully for places at Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School.AskOn Education provides selective-style practice papers, mock examinations, personalised feedback and targeted skill development to help students build confidence before the exam.

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Official ACER preparation resources and sample questions are available through the Victorian Selective Entry High Schools examination website.​