NSW selective test results explained
5 min read ยท updated 2026-10-02
Placement outcomes for Year 7 entry in 2027 were released on 19 August 2026. This guide explains what each outcome means, how reserve lists move and what families of current Year 5 students should expect next year.
The three possible outcomes
Every applicant receives one of three outcomes through the application portal:
- โ An offer of a place at one of the schools on your list
- โ A place on a school's reserve list, which may turn into an offer if places come up
- โ No offer in this round
Key dates for 2027 entry
- โ Test: 1 or 2 May 2026 (make-up test 22 May)
- โ Outcomes released: 19 August 2026
- โ Outcome appeals close: 26 August 2026, 11:59pm
- โ Reserve list decisions continue until 3 December 2026
If your child missed out
Partially selective schools, a later entry point in Years 8 to 12, and strong local comprehensive schools all remain options. For families of children now in Year 5, applications for 2028 entry are expected to open in late 2026, with the test in May 2027; the department publishes the exact dates in advance.
FAQs
When were NSW selective results released in 2026?๏ผ
On 19 August 2026, for Year 7 entry in 2027.
How long do reserve lists run?๏ผ
Until 3 December 2026 for the 2027-entry cycle.
Can we appeal the outcome?๏ผ
Yes, within the appeal window, which closed on 26 August 2026 for 2027 entry.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-02.
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