Normanhurst Boys High School or Sydney Boys High School? The Entrance Exams Compared
For Years 8 to 11 entry, Normanhurst Boys High School and Sydney Boys High School each hold a literacy and numeracy test at the school, not the EduTest or the HAST. Selective Success Academy prepares students entering NSW selective high schools in Years 8 to 11 for both, in live online small-group classes on Microsoft Teams.
- Entry years at both schools
- Years 8, 9, 10 and 11
- Normanhurst Boys High School
- An entry test in literacy and numeracy, held at the school
- Sydney Boys High School
- Written application first, then tests for short-listed boys
- EduTest or HAST?
- Neither school is on either test's list
- 2028 entry (exams in August 2027)
- Dates not yet published
Last checked 1 October 2026, against each school's own enrolment page, ACER's list of HAST schools and Edutest's list of client schools.
What are the Normanhurst Boys High School and Sydney Boys High School entrance exams?
They are two separate tests, run by two separate schools. Year 7 entry goes through the NSW Department of Education's statewide selective test. For Years 8 to 11, the Department puts it plainly: "Each selective school manages its own vacancies, assessments, and placement decisions." So you apply to each school directly, and each decides how it assesses.
At Normanhurst Boys High School, a selection committee considers each application, including the entry test and the documents you send. Sydney Boys High School works in a set order: it assesses each written application, short-lists some boys to sit tests it sets, and then invites some of them to an interview.
We know of no official past paper for either test. Our practice papers and mock exams are written by Selective Success Academy, drawing on our experience with both exams. They are practice material, not past papers. Our free Normanhurst Boys and Sydney Boys practice test shows the style, with 9 maths questions checked on the spot.
New to Year 8 to 11 entry? Our guide to selective school transfer explains how it works across NSW selective high schools.
The two entrance exams side by side
Each school's name links to its own enrolment information, read on 1 October 2026. Dates and fees are last cycle's, for 2027 entry.
| Normanhurst Boys High School | Sydney Boys High School | |
|---|---|---|
| Years of entry | Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 | Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. No Year 12 entry |
| The test, in the school's words | An entry test in literacy and numeracy, conducted at the school | A range of literacy and numeracy tasks set by the school |
| Who sits it | It is part of the application. The school mentions no short-list | Applicants short-listed from their written applications, who are told by email |
| Extra for Year 11 | None mentioned | A general ability science test |
| Interview | May be required before a final offer | Some tested applicants are invited |
| How you apply | Online registration, then the package delivered in person or by Australia Post. No electronic submissions | The school's own expanded form, by mail or in person, in school hours and not in school holidays |
| What you attach | Last two school reports, last NAPLAN results, copies of awards and achievements | The last two school reports only. Evidence is asked for at interview |
| Application fee | $130, paid online | $110, non-refundable |
| Applications | Wednesday 17 June to Friday 24 July 2026, by 4.00pm | Friday 12 June to Friday 24 July 2026, by 3.00pm |
| Test day | Sunday 2 August 2026 | Monday 10 August 2026, 4.30pm |
| 2028 entry (exams in August 2027) | Nothing published yet | Forms available from mid-June 2027. No test date yet |
As at 1 October 2026.
What the papers cover, from our experience
Neither school publishes the length of its test, the question types or a calculator rule. What follows comes from our experience preparing students for these tests. Treat it as a guide, and follow the instructions each school sends.
- Both are written. A Maths paper and an English paper at each school, every answer written out, no multiple choice.
- The English is similar. Written answers analysing a passage, then a creative piece from a separate prompt.
- The Maths differs. Normanhurst Boys High School's paper is the longer one, and in our experience algebra carries the most weight. Sydney Boys High School's is shorter, with short written questions at a fast pace.
Read the detail in our Normanhurst Boys High School entrance exam guide and our Sydney Boys High School entrance exam guide.
What changes if your son is applying to both
You can apply to up to three selective high schools for Years 8 to 11, with a separate application to each, listing the schools in the same order of preference on every form. With both of these schools on his list, there is room for one more. Plan for two different applications, not one package sent twice:
- Different attachments. Normanhurst Boys High School asks for reports, NAPLAN results and awards. Sydney Boys High School asks for the last two reports and nothing else.
- Different delivery. Normanhurst Boys High School accepts no electronic submissions and no documents on the test day. Sydney Boys High School accepts applications only in school hours, and not in the school holidays.
- Different closing times. Last cycle both closed on Friday 24 July 2026, Sydney Boys High School at 3.00pm and Normanhurst Boys High School at 4.00pm.
- Two tests, if he is short-listed. The Normanhurst Boys High School application includes its entry test, and he sits the Sydney Boys High School tests if that school short-lists him. Last cycle the two were eight days apart.
- Different preparation. We have found the two schools set different Maths papers. At Sydney Boys High School the written application decides who is short-listed, so start it early.
If another selective school is on his list
The five schools below use the EduTest or the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test, developed by ACER) for Years 8 to 11 entry. Each school's name links to its own enrolment page, read on 1 October 2026.
| School | Test for Years 8 to 11 entry | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| North Sydney Boys High School | The EduTest | Entry guide |
| James Ruse Agricultural High School | The EduTest, then an application by invitation | Entry guide |
| Baulkham Hills High School | The EduTest | Entry guide |
| Girraween High School | The HAST | Entry guide |
| Penrith Selective High School | The HAST | Entry guide |
As at 1 October 2026.
North Sydney Boys High School is a different school from Normanhurst Boys High School, with a different test. Last cycle the EduTest schools above shared one sitting, and Girraween High School and Penrith Selective High School were among the HAST schools that shared another. With the two school-run tests, that made four test days between 2 and 15 August 2026. Check for clashes, and prepare for each format your son will actually sit.
Key dates
Last cycle's dates: 2027 entry (exams in August 2026)
These are the dates for 2027 entry. Applications for that round closed in July 2026. They show how the year runs. They are not the dates for 2028 entry.
| Event, 2027 entry | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open (the Department's date) | Wednesday 17 June 2026 | NSW Department of Education, Years 8 to 11 applications, read 1 October 2026 |
| Applications close (the Department's date) | Friday 24 July 2026 | NSW Department of Education, as above |
| Schools tell families what assessment they need | July to August 2026 | NSW Department of Education, as above |
| Assessments, where a school tests | August to September 2026 | NSW Department of Education, as above |
| Normanhurst Boys High School entrance test, Years 8 to 11 | Sunday 2 August 2026 | Normanhurst Boys High School enrolment page, read 1 October 2026 |
| HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) for Girraween High School, Penrith Selective High School and the other schools that coordinated their Years 8 to 11 entry test | Saturday 8 August 2026 | Girraween High School and Penrith Selective High School enrolment pages, read 1 October 2026 |
| Sydney Boys High School tests, for short-listed applicants only | Monday 10 August 2026, 4.30pm | Sydney Boys High School enrolment information, read 1 October 2026 |
| EduTest, one shared sitting for Baulkham Hills High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Sydney Girls High School and Chatswood High School (selective stream) | Saturday 15 August 2026 | Baulkham Hills High School enrolment page and Edutest, read 1 October 2026 |
| Outcomes released to families (the Department's timing) | September to October 2026 | NSW Department of Education, as above |
| Successful applicants start at their new school | Late January 2027 | NSW Department of Education, as above |
Dates as at 1 October 2026, as published by each source in the table.
Schools do not all run on the Department's dates. Last cycle, Sydney Boys High School opened applications on Friday 12 June 2026. ACER and Edutest also leave the test date to each school, so a school outside these groups can test on a different day. Check the school's own enrolment page.
2028 entry (exams in August 2027)
No 2028-entry dates have been published yet. As at 1 October 2026, the NSW Department of Education lists only last cycle's dates, and no school we have checked has published a test date. Some schools have said when applications will open. Sydney Boys High School says its application forms for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 in 2028 will be available from mid-June 2027. Penrith Selective High School says applications for Years 8 to 11 entry in 2028 open mid June 2027. The Department notes that dates can change, so check each school's own enrolment page regularly.
Which school should we apply to?
That is your family's decision, and we will not rank the two schools. Some things to weigh:
- Getting there. Your son will make the trip every school day.
- Sport. Sydney Boys High School says it strongly expects its boys to play competitive team sport, and describes itself as nurturing scholar-sportsmen.
- The process. Sydney Boys High School judges a written application before it tests, and may interview. Normanhurst Boys High School considers the test and your documents together, and may interview. Think about which suits your son.
If you would like a second view on your son's options, book a call.
Tutoring and preparation for either exam
One course prepares your son for both schools: small-group tutoring, live online on Microsoft Teams, tailored to his entry year. A term is 10 weekly lessons of two hours each.
- Maths and English weeks alternate across the term, because, from our experience, both schools set a Maths paper and an English paper.
- Every practice question is open response, with space to set out working. Our materials for this course contain no multiple choice, because in our experience neither test includes any. A boy who has only practised multiple choice has not practised these tests.
Our mock exam papers for these two schools can also be bought on their own.
You apply the year before entry, so a boy in Year 7 applies for Year 8. Our timetable lists each class by the school year your son will be in when he applies for 2028 entry (exams in August 2027).
| Entry year | He applies while in | Class times |
|---|---|---|
| Year 8 | Year 7 | See the Year 7 classes |
| Year 9 | Year 8 | See the Year 8 classes |
| Year 10 | Year 9 | See the Year 9 classes |
| Year 11 | Year 10 | See the Year 10 classes |
Year 11 applicants to Sydney Boys High School also sit a general ability science test, and the school does not publish its format. Book a call to talk through how your son can prepare.
What it costs
| What you get | Price |
|---|---|
| Term course, live: 10 weekly lessons of 2 hours each, on Microsoft Teams | $900 a term, which is $90 a lesson |
| The same live course, booked at the early bird price | $800 a term |
| Term course, recordings only | $600 |
| Two term courses | $1,400 |
Prices as at 1 October 2026.
The live term course is 20 hours of teaching, so $900 works out at $45 an hour. It includes small group classes, lesson recordings, a full-length mock exam with a comprehensive review, marking feedback on weekly homework and the mock, lesson and homework booklets, and online messaging support.
A question bank gives your child practice. It does not contain any teaching hours, and it cannot tell you which school to apply to, what the school report needs to show, or when the application closes.
If your son is also preparing for the EduTest or the HAST for a third school, two term courses are $1,400. Full details are on courses and prices.
Read the detail for each school
Normanhurst Boys High School
What we know from experience about the papers and their Maths topics, how we teach the English answers, and the application package you deliver in person or by post.
Read the Normanhurst Boys High School guide
Sydney Boys High School
The written application, the tests for short-listed boys, the Year 11 science test, the interview, and why you send only two school reports.
Read the Sydney Boys High School guide
Results and reviews
Who teaches this
Ilia founded Selective Success Academy and is its head tutor. He has been through this himself: he missed out on selective school at first, then entered North Sydney Boys High School by lateral transfer. He became a North Sydney Boys High School Dux, finished school with a 99.90 ATAR and now studies Medicine at UNSW. His story was featured in The Sydney Morning Herald in April 2026.
What families say
Thank you to Selective Success Academy for the quality teaching and support provided throughout the year. We especially appreciate Ilia’s dedication, clear explanations, and positive approach to learning. His guidance has helped our child build both confidence and academic skills.
It was a good engagement with Selective Success Academy since last term. Ilia explains concepts clearly and to the level of difficulty required. The mock exams and feedback were helpful. A well-run program.
Ilia has been a truly supportive mentor at Selective Success Academy. His patient and well‑structured approach has helped make even the most challenging topics feel manageable and clear.
Rated 5/5 from 90+ parent reviews
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Questions parents ask about Normanhurst Boys High School and Sydney Boys High School entry
Does either school use the EduTest or the HAST?
No. Normanhurst Boys High School holds an entry test in literacy and numeracy at the school, and Sydney Boys High School sets its own tests. Neither school is on ACER's list of HAST schools or Edutest's list of client schools, both read on 1 October 2026. For other schools on your list, see our EduTest guide or HAST guide.
Can my son apply to both schools?
Yes. You can apply to up to three selective high schools, with a separate application to each. The Normanhurst Boys High School application includes its entry test, and he sits the Sydney Boys High School tests if that school short-lists him. Last cycle the tests were on Sunday 2 August and Monday 10 August 2026.
Which years does each school take?
Both take applications for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. Sydney Boys High School does not accept enrolments into Year 12.
Is Normanhurst Boys High School or Sydney Boys High School harder to get into?
No official source compares them, and we would rather not guess. It depends on how many places open at your son's year level in a given year, and that differs from school to school and from year to year. Book a call and we can talk it through for your son.
How many places are there?
Places vary by school and by year level. Each school manages its own, and the NSW Department of Education says vacancies depend on student departures and each school is different. We do not quote a number. Book a short call and we can talk through your son's options.
Can my son sit a selective test in Year 9?
Yes. A boy in Year 9 applies for Year 10 entry, and both schools take Year 10 applications. Last cycle, for 2027 entry, applications opened on Friday 12 June 2026 at Sydney Boys High School and Wednesday 17 June 2026 at Normanhurst Boys High School, and closed at both on Friday 24 July 2026. Dates for 2028 entry (exams in August 2027) have not been published yet.
Sources
Every official source on this page was read on 1 October 2026.
- Normanhurst Boys High School: enrolment
- Sydney Boys High School: enrolling
- Sydney Boys High School: Years 8 to 12 enrolment information, on the Sydney High Community site the school's enrolling page links to
- Sydney Boys High School: home page
- NSW Department of Education: Years 8 to 11 applications
- NSW Department of Education: selective high schools placement procedures
- ACER: HAST participating schools
- Edutest: client schools
- North Sydney Boys High School: enrolment
- James Ruse Agricultural High School: enrolment pathways
- Baulkham Hills High School: enrolment
- Girraween High School: enrolment
- Penrith Selective High School: enrolment
Not sure which test or school suits your child? Book a short call with Ilia, or let your child try a lesson first.