Planning Ahead: How to Give Your Child an Edge in Selective School and Scholarship Applications

Selective schools and scholarship panels look for leadership, creativity, initiative, and passion—not just test scores. Parents can support their children in developing these qualities years ahead of application time through:

• Leadership roles such as class captain, SRC member, sports team leader, house captain, etc.

• Participation in academic competitions demonstrates interest and effort.

• Engaging in creative pursuits like writing, STEM, music, sports, and service.

• Working toward external qualifications (e.g., music grades) to show commitment and discipline.

Academic Competitions

Below is a curated list of competitions across various subject areas, complete with links to official sites. This list isn’t exhaustive, and availability may vary depending on when you’re reading—some competitions may have closed or not yet opened for the year. We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back regularly to stay updated throughout the year.

Mathematics & Computational Thinking

• Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) - Years 3 -12. Certificates awarded. Learn more.

• Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition - Years 5 - 12. Certificates awarded. Learn more.

• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad - Years 7 - 10. Certificates for high achievers are awarded. Learn more.

Writing

• KSP Writers' Centre Spooky & Horror Story Competition - 12 and under; 13-17 brackets. Free entry. Learn more.

• Dymock's Beyond Words Creative Writing Competition - Primary/Secondary. Prizes up to $3,000. Learn more.

• Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards - open entry with a small fee. Learn more.

• Whitlam Institute's "What Matters?" Writing Competition - Years 5-12, major cash prize. Learn more.

• Insight Creative Writing Competition - High school students, free entry with cash prizes. Learn more.

Science, Technology, Engineering & Environment

• Australian Water Association's Junior Water Prize - 15-20 year olds. Learn more.

• Snowy Hydro "Powering Up the Future" Competition - 8-18 year olds. Cash prizes to be won. Learn more.

• Australian National University's STEM Challenges - High school students. Certificates and prizes awarded to winners. Learn more.

Tips for Parents & Students

1. Start early - begin entering extra-curricular competitions and activities before beginning to prepare for academic entrance exams.

2. Balance depth and breadth - don't overcommit! Focus on a few areas of strength and interest.

3. Keep records - collate certificates, awards and other documents to create a portfolio of leadership roles, competition achievements, and music grades.

4. Reflect on progress - encourage your child to think about what they have learned, not just what they have earned. Keep in mind that some of these competitions/opportunities are highly competitive, so not every participant will receive an award or acknowledgment.

By nurturing leadership, curiosity, creativity, resilience, and passion, your child becomes more than just a strong academic performer—they gain the competitive edge that makes them stand out in selective school and scholarship applications. At Hendersons, we help students shine with expert support for written applications, portfolio development, and interview preparation—ensuring every part of their submission reflects their best self.