Selective Entry High School Preparation Melbourne
Helping Students Earn Places at Victoria's Most Competitive Selective Schools
For more than 30 years, Hendersons has helped students prepare for Selective Entry High School (SEHS) examinations through expert-led workshops, realistic practice exams and targeted academic coaching. Our programs are designed to build the knowledge, skills and confidence students need to perform at their best on exam day.
Find out if your child is ready for the Selective Entry High School Exam:
Why SEHS Preparation Matters
Entry into Victoria's selective schools is highly competitive. In 2026, over 6,000 students competed for 1,000 places for Year 9 entry in 2027 to one of the four Select Entry High Schools in Victoria. Success requires more than strong academic ability. It requires familiarity with exam formats, effective test-taking strategies and experience performing under timed conditions.
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At Hendersons, we help students:
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Understand exam requirements
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Develop advanced reasoning skills
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Strengthen knowledge and skills in the areas tested
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Improve time management
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Build confidence through realistic practice
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Learn proven test-taking strategies
See our upcoming Online Information Sessions to learn more:
Schools We Help Prepare For
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Melbourne High School
Victoria's only selective government school for boys, known for academic excellence, leadership opportunities and a strong tradition of achievement.​
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Mac.Robertson Girls' High School
One of Australia's leading government schools for academically talented girls, renowned for high achievement and a culture of excellence.​
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Nossal High School
A high-performing selective school that encourages academic challenge, critical thinking and innovation in a collaborative learning environment.​
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Suzanne Cory High School
A selective school focused on academic achievement, leadership development and enriching learning opportunities for motivated students.​
Year 9 Selective Entry High School (SEHS) Examination
The Victorian Selective Entry High School examination is designed to identify academically capable students who are ready for the challenge of a high-performing learning environment. For Year 9 entry, the examination is currently administered by ACER and consists of three assessment papers completed over 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The assessment includes:
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Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes)
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Break (20 minutes)
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Reading and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes)
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Short Break (5 minutes)
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Writing (40 minutes)
The examination combines multiple-choice questions and written tasks and is intentionally designed to challenge high-achieving students. The content does not generally exceed the Year 8 curriculum, however students are expected to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar and complex ways.
It is important for families to understand that many students do not complete every question. In selective entry examinations, success is not determined by achieving a perfect score. The examination is designed to differentiate among highly capable students, so it is normal for candidates to find sections difficult and to leave some questions unanswered.
For the most up-to-date information on the exam format, we recommend directly visiting the ACER website.
What is assessed and how can Hendersons help?
What is assessed in the exam?​
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Mathematics assesses a student's understanding of Year 8 mathematical concepts and their ability to apply these skills to solve problems in both familiar and real-world contexts.
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Quantitative Reasoning assesses a student's ability to think logically using numbers, patterns, data and spatial relationships. Students are often required to identify relationships, make deductions and solve non-routine problems under time pressure.
How Hendersons Can Help​
We provided targeted preparation through the following workshops:​
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4 x 4-hour Year 8 Mathematics Workshop
Our Mathematics workshops strengthen core curriculum knowledge while developing the higher-order problem-solving skills needed for selective entry examinations.
2 x 3.5-hour Year 8/9 Numerical Reasoning Workshop
Numerical (Quantitative) Reasoning workshops focus on pattern recognition, logical thinking, data interpretation and advanced reasoning strategies commonly required in ACER-style assessments.
Building Exam Confidence
Preparing for a selective entry examination is about more than simply learning content. Students must also develop examination technique, time management, resilience and confidence when tackling unfamiliar questions.
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Our Exam Preparation Workshops are specifically designed to help students build the knowledge, reasoning skills and writing ability required for the Year 9 Selective Entry High School examination, while providing valuable exposure to the types of questions and challenges they are likely to encounter.
Our recommended pathway for SEHS Exam Preparation:
Explore & learn more:
Work with an expert teacher in a small group setting to ensure they have a solid foundation in English and Maths before formal exam preparation begins.​
Begin targeted preparation to develop exam skills, knowledge and confidence.
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If beginning between January & March of Year 8, we recommend completing a Premium Program, which includes workshops for all subjects tested on the exam, practice exams and revision sessions.​
​If commencing after March of Year 8, speak to one of our Customer Liaison Officers to work out the most suitable Program.
Beyond academics, develop skills like leadership and creativity early. Read our Guide to Developing Leadership and Creativity.
Why Parents Choose Hendersons
Founded in 1993, Hendersons has helped thousands of students gain offers to Victoria's Select Entry High Schools.
Over 30 years of experience.
Hendersons' teachers are experienced educators. They have in-class teaching experience and are experts in their disciplines
Expert teachers.
Workshops are capped at a maximum of 8 students. This helps ensure personalised feedback and attention for every individual.
Small class sizes.
We consistently have a high percentage of Hendersons' students receive an offer to their preferred school.
Strong results.
Shaped by years of feedback from students who have sat the real exam, our exams closely mimic the real exam.
High-Quality Practice Exams.
Choose Programs or services to suit your child's needs, their schedule and your budget.
Flexible Programs & Schedule.
Nrupak Shah
"Thanks to Hendersons, my daughter got into her top-choice selective school in the first round."
Shani Tilakaratne
"My daughter had a great exposure to selective exam format and structure through the mock exams."
Raj San
"We highly recommend Hendersons to anyone preparing for selective entry exams."
A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Select Entry High School Exams
Resources & Guides
Understand SEHS Acceptance Rates in Victoria
Tips for Preparing for Select Entry High School Interviews
What Subjects are in the Selective Test?
Information Booklet - Your Guide to the Victorian School System and School Entrance