Ryde Secondary College is a partial selective high school.
Two selective classes operate in each year from Years 7-10.
Selective high schools cater for highly achieving, academically gifted students. These schools can provide intellectual stimulation by grouping gifted and talented students together, concentrating school resources and using specialised teaching methods.
Year 7 entry into these schools is determined by the student's results in the Selective High School Placement Test in English (including reading and writing), Mathematics and general ability, together with their primary school's assessment of their performance in English and Mathematics. Other evidence of academic merit may also be considered. Entry into Years 8 to 12 is determined using criteria established by the school's selection committee.
Partially selective high schools have both selective and community classes. At Ryde Secondary College, in addition to the two selective classes, there is one Gifted and Talented class in each year from Years 7-10, and mainstream classes. There are currently three classes also in our Support Unit.
Further information about selective school placement can be found here.
Selective High School and Opportunity Class Placement Unit
Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 9707 6262
Fax: 02 9707 6265
Entry into Selective Classes in Years 8 to 12, 2026
Application form available from 18 June 2025
Entry into a selective class in Years 8 to 12 does not depend upon a centralised procedure as for entry into Year 7.
Students wishing to apply for Selective classes must sit a test at the College on Thursday 14 August 2025. Please arrive at 8.30am for a 9am start.
The total test time, including breaks is 2hrs 40min. Students can be collected at approximately 12.15pm.
A common application package applies to all selective school placements and is available at all selective high schools, school education group offices and on the internet: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/years-8-to-12
To assist in assessing applications, all applicants are asked to also provide a portfolio of achievements including:
• Copies of their last two reports
• Student work samples (e.g. a piece of creative writing)
• Any results of academic competitions
• Last NAPLAN results
• Any other information that you feel may support your application including academic excellence, leadership, music, public speaking, debating, performance, sport, school service, community service and personal qualities
• A $100 non-refundable administration fee payable to Ryde Secondary College at the time of lodgement of the application form. The fee covers the cost of the test.
Please ensure that all relevant information and payment is included with your application as places are extremely limited and competition for these places is very high.
A panel will convene to examine all the applications.
Entry is dependent upon vacancies (if any).
Students will be offered a place in order of merit.
Application forms should be submitted by 25 July 2025.
For further information, please contact: Ms Anne Masing, Enrolment Officer on 9809 4894.