Selective Tutoring and Test Preparation in Blacktown
Targeted selective tutoring and coaching for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, in Blacktown. We prepare students for all four components — including Thinking Skills, the part most students have never seen — with timed practice and detailed feedback.
The four test components
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test has four components, sat in Year 6 for entry into a selective school in Year 7. We build skill and exam confidence across every one — not just the maths and reading students already see at school.
Reading
Comprehending and interpreting a range of text types under time pressure — main idea, inference, vocabulary in context and how texts are structured.
Mathematical Reasoning
Multi-step word problems and quantitative reasoning — applying number, measurement and data skills to unfamiliar, exam-style problems.
Thinking Skills
Logical reasoning, problem-solving and critical thinking. It is the component most students have never practised — and where focused preparation makes the biggest difference.
Writing
Planning and composing a clear, well-structured response to an unseen prompt in 30 minutes — narrative, persuasive or informative.
Taught by someone who's done it.
Diva Parmar
ATAR 99.00Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Commerce, UNSW
Meet the whole teamA diagnostic practice cycle for the Selective test.
Lux students work through printed past papers in repeated diagnostic and timed sessions. We give detailed feedback, identify gaps, explicitly break down how to solve missed problem types, then set targeted practice and retest across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing.
Start with a printed diagnostic
Use a printed past paper to establish how the student approaches each of the four sections and where time or reasoning starts to break down.
Review the work in detail
Go through answers, working and written responses carefully so students understand what happened, not just which answers were correct.
Identify the gaps
Separate content gaps, reading errors, reasoning patterns, writing decisions and pacing issues so practice targets the real problem.
Break down missed problems
Explicitly model how to recognise and solve the missed problem types, including how to plan a clear response for the Writing section.
Practise, then retest
Set targeted practice on the diagnosed gaps, then return to printed timed questions to check whether the method now holds under pressure.
Simple, transparent fees
Every new student's first enrolment is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee: tell us or email us and we will refund you in full, no hoops to jump through. No enrolment fees, no lock-in contracts.
Common questions
When is the selective test and when should we start?
Students sit the test in Year 6 for entry into Year 7 at a selective high school. We recommend starting in Year 5 or early Year 6 so there is time to build skills before moving into timed practice.
Is Selective School preparation the same as Opportunity Class preparation?
They are separate NSW placement tests. Selective preparation is for Year 7 entry and includes Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing, while Opportunity Class preparation is for Year 5 entry and covers Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills on the OC test.
Do you prepare students for the Thinking Skills component?
Yes — it is a core part of our program. Thinking Skills is unfamiliar to most students, so we teach the question types explicitly and practise them until they feel routine.
What can Selective School preparation help with?
No provider can guarantee a test score or selective placement. Preparation can help students become familiar with all four sections, practise under timed conditions, use feedback to identify gaps and build confidence with the question types.
How big are the classes?
Classes are kept small — between 1 and 5 students — so every student gets personal attention and their questions actually get answered each lesson. Prefer one-on-one? Lux One Sessions, our private 1:1 tutoring, are available on request.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
Yes. Your first trial class is completely free, with no payment details required. If it's not the right fit, there's no obligation.
Where are classes held?
In person at our Blacktown centre on Main Street — easily reached from Seven Hills, Quakers Hill, Woodcroft, Marayong, Kings Langley, Doonside, Lalor Park, Rooty Hill and Penrith.
Ready to get started?
Enquire about a free Selective Preparation class and we'll find a time that suits. No risk, no obligation — on us.