This decision significantly impacts your child's academic journey, self-esteem, and future opportunities.
The benefits and challenges of selective schools, and how to determine what environment will best support your child's development.
Top selective schools are intensely competitive environments. Students who just barely qualify must work exceptionally hard just to keep up with their peers.
Today's top selective schools typically require students to have an IQ of 130+ (top 1%). A decade ago, students could get in with 110–120 IQ levels.
To differentiate between high-performing students, top schools set internal assessments at a much higher level than standard HSC requirements.
Being consistently in the lower ranks affects self-esteem, well-being, and can create unnecessary stress. It's "not a pretty sight" to be in the bottom 50.
Some students have transferred from one selective school to another, only to transfer back because they couldn't handle the increased pressure and competition.
"There are way too many parents aiming for the top five schools" when schools ranked 11–20 offer excellent opportunities with less extreme competition.
📊 What scores are needed for top selective schools today?
"To get into a top five selective school, you need to be very well trained and very accurate. It's not possible with just natural intelligence alone."
Based on a selective mock test open to both Year 5 and Year 6 students, with results analysed and mapped to the 2024 selective school test requirements.
Top 5 Schools
Very good chance of getting into the most competitive selective schools
Schools Ranked 11–20
Excellent schools with more balanced competition and support
Schools Ranked 20–30
Strong academic environments with achievable entry requirements
Schools Ranked 30–50
Solid selective schools with supportive learning environments
"Schools ranked 11–20 are much more palatable to most parents and students. The process of getting into these schools is not as tricky, but they still offer excellent education."
Parents often either push too hard or don't push enough. Find the middle ground that respects your child's actual abilities and potential.
Monitor your child's academic performance to understand their genuine potential and appropriate school level. Look for patterns rather than isolated achievements.
Be cautious of basing decisions on experiences from several years ago. The selective school landscape has changed dramatically in recent years.
Most children with moderate training are capable of accessing schools ranked 11–30. Top 10 schools require both exceptional ability and intensive preparation.
💬 "Be a little bit more gracious with your children. Understand what their actual levels are. There's no point forcing a child into an environment where they'll struggle unnecessarily."
The right school environment allows your child to thrive academically while maintaining good self-esteem and well-being. Being above average in a mid-tier school is better than struggling at the bottom of a top school.
Aim for your child to be in the top half of their chosen school rather than the bottom quarter of a more prestigious school.
"The goal isn't just getting into a prestigious school. The goal is finding an environment where your child can thrive academically, develop confidence, and enjoy their educational journey."
— From experienced educators
💡 Success comes from the right match between student and school.
👩🏫 For more guidance, seek advice from educational specialists who understand the current selective school landscape.