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Understanding Exam Providers for Academic Entry Exams: What Parents Need to Know

When preparing your child for selective entry high schools, scholarship opportunities, or SEAL/Accelerated Learning Programs, understanding the exam format is the crucial first step. At Hendersons, we specialise in guiding families through this process with clarity and confidence.


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Who Writes the Exams?

While some schools develop their own exam papers, the majority rely on third-party providers to design and administer their academic entry exams. The most commonly used providers in Australia include:

  • EduTest

  • ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research)

  • AAS (Academic Assessment Services)

  • HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test)


Each of these organisations has its own unique approach to exam design, which means the subjects and question styles can vary significantly. For example, some may emphasise reasoning skills, while others focus more heavily on traditional academic subjects.


Tip: We recommend contacting your target school directly to confirm which provider they are using for the current year, as this can change annually.


What Subjects Are Included?

Depending on the exam provider, your child may be tested on a combination of the following subjects:

  • Writing – either creative or persuasive

  • Mathematics

  • Numerical Reasoning

  • Verbal Reasoning

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Abstract Reasoning

Sometimes these subjects may have different names or may be grouped together (ie: AAS groups together numerical, abstract, and verbal reasoning under the heading 'Reasoning').


Understanding which subjects are included allows for targeted preparation, which is where our expertise comes in. Once you know the provider, we can help you break down the format and recommend a tailored Program to support your child's studies.


How We Can Help

At Hendersons, we offer:

  • Programs tailored to different exam providers and year levels

  • Practice exams written in the style of each provider, including EduTest, ACER, AAS and HAST

  • Expert guidance to help you navigate the school selection and application process


We actively monitor changes in exam formats and school requirements to ensure our resources and practice exams remain relevant and effective. Our materials are regularly updated to reflect the styles and expectations of major exam providers such as EduTest, ACER, AAS, and HAST.


However, it's important to understand that exam providers can vary between schools and may change from year to year. Additionally, providers themselves may revise their exam formats over time. For this reason, we strongly encourage families to stay in close contact with the schools they are applying to and confirm which provider is being used for the current intake.


Our goal is to support families with accurate information, expert guidance, and tailored preparation—helping students approach their exams with confidence and clarity. Contact us to learn more about how we can support you and your child in their exam preparations.

 
 
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