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Years 5–6 · Selective Prep

Selective School Test Preparation

Targeted preparation 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.

At a glance
1–5 students per class
Small group, personal attention
1.5 hours per session
Weekly, term-based schedule
Blacktown Centre
In-person only
From $60 / class
30-day money-back guarantee
NESA syllabus aligned
Tutor ATAR: 95+
30-day money-back guarantee
Curriculum

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.

Component 1 30 Q · 40 min

Reading

Comprehending and interpreting a range of text types under time pressure — main idea, inference, vocabulary in context and how texts are structured.

Component 2 35 Q · 40 min

Mathematical Reasoning

Multi-step word problems and quantitative reasoning — applying number, measurement and data skills to unfamiliar, exam-style problems.

Component 3 40 Q · 40 min

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.

Component 4 1 task · 30 min

Writing

Planning and composing a clear, well-structured response to an unseen prompt in 30 minutes — narrative, persuasive or informative.

Full timed practice tests
Exam-condition papers with detailed review of every question
Writing marked & improved
Specific feedback on each writing task against the criteria
Building the underlying skills too?
Our Year 5 & 6 English and Math classes develop the foundations the selective test draws on.
View primary courses
Your tutor

Taught by someone who's done it.

Diva Parmar, 99.00 ATAR tutor at Lux Tuition

Diva Parmar

ATAR 99.00
Girraween High School

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Commerce, UNSW

Meet the whole team
How it works

Every class follows the same structure.

Based on cognitive science — it minimises load and builds durable understanding and exam confidence.

01 · Retrieval

Class review

Rapid retrieval practice of past concepts — active recall to beat the forgetting curve.

02 · Instruction

Explicit instruction

Theory broken into the smallest parts, taught in simple, consistent language.

03 · Guided

Guided practice

Worked examples together, tutor scaffolding fading as competence grows.

04 · Independent

Independent practice

Exam-style questions with instant feedback, so errors are caught before they stick.

05 · Test

Exit test

A short end-of-class check on retention; targeted homework where needed.

06 · Consolidate

Homework

Weekly consolidation that moves class learning into long-term memory.

Pricing

Simple, transparent fees

$60/class
Per 1.5-hour session · just $40/hour · billed per fortnight
All class materials & workbooks
Weekly homework set & marked
Termly written progress report
NESA syllabus-aligned content
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FAQ

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.

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.

How much does tutoring actually improve selective test scores?

Considerably — especially for the Thinking Skills and Writing components, which most students have never practised in a structured way. Students who start early and work consistently see the biggest gains.

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? Private 1:1 sessions 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 and Rooty Hill.

Ready to get started?

Book a free Selective Preparation trial class. No risk, no obligation — on us.

Call Book free trial