Selective School Entrance Exams

Normanhurst Boys & Sydney Boys

Entrance Exam Mastery

Specialised coaching for the unique school-specific entrance exams used by Normanhurst Boys High School and Sydney Boys High School — Sydney's two top-ranked all-boys selective schools.

2
Sections
2
Schools
0
MC Questions
100%
Written Response

What Makes the NBHS & SBHS Exams Different?

Unlike the EduTest or HAST, NBHS and SBHS exams are not multiple choice. Students must write full responses that demonstrate their mathematical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills. Each school sets its own format, difficulty, and assessment criteria — meaning targeted, school-specific preparation is essential. Generic coaching does not translate to success in these exams.

Compare: NBHS vs SBHS

Normanhurst Boys

NBHS
Exam DateSunday 2nd August 2026
SelectionAll applicants sit the exam
Total Time90 mins
Exam Structure & Style
FormatOpen-response, hand-written
WorkingFull working required
DepthAbove grade-level content
English StyleAnalytical + Creative
PaceStandard time pressure

Sydney Boys

SBHS
Exam DateMonday 10th August 2026
SelectionShortlisted via application
Total Time70 mins
Exam Structure & Style
FormatOpen-response, hand-written
WorkingFull working required
DepthAbove grade-level content
English StyleAnalytical + Creative
PaceIntensive time pressure

Course Outline: The 2 Exam Sections

01

Mathematics

NBHS40 mins
SBHS30 mins

Students are expected to know mathematics at their current grade level and beyond, answering difficult problem-solving questions. Both schools test concepts and syllabus content covered at the schools — going significantly above standard curriculum depth. Unlike EduTest or HAST, students must show full working and reasoning.

Advanced problem solving
Algebraic manipulation
Geometric reasoning
Multi-step proofs
02

English Analysis & Creative Writing

NBHS10 min reading + 40 mins
SBHS10 min reading + 30 mins

A two-part written task. Students analyse a given text and provide an analytical written response, then write an original creative piece based on a separate prompt. This dual format tests both critical thinking and original expression — a higher bar than the single-task written sections in HAST or EduTest.

Textual analysis
Analytical writing
Creative narrative
Voice & style