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Emu Education
Selective Schools Tutoring in Melbourne
Some students progress faster than the standard curriculum and thrive when given greater challenges. If this describes your child, selective schools may be a suitable option. However, admission to these institutes is highly competitive. So, if you need expert assistance with the selective school exam preparation in Melbourne, Emu Education can help.
We conduct a one-year program to prepare students for this exam. Our sessions begin in the third term each year and finish in the second week of June the following year. Using tailored learning plans and proven strategies, our selective schools tutoring will help your child stay focused and ready for the exam.
Selective School Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To apply for a Victorian selective entry high school, students must be in Year 8. They should also not have appeared for the Selective Entry High Schools (SEHS) exam before. Applicants should meet any one of the following criteria:
- Is an Australian citizen
Is a New Zealand citizen who is residing in Australia
- Holds a visa or ImmiCard that exempts them from paying international student fees to attend a Victorian government school
The candidate must meet these citizenship or visa requirements by the time offers are made. This applies to students living in Victoria, in another state, or overseas. Moreover, students from public, private, and registered home schools who are registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority are also eligible.
However, fee-paying international students enrolled in Victorian schools are not eligible. Plus, candidates who are offered a place must provide original documents, such as a Certificate of Evidence of Australian Citizenship, visa and/or birth certificate to verify their eligibility. Failing to do so will result in the offer and enrolment being withdrawn.
Entrance Exam Structure
Admission into Year 9 in a selective entry high school is determined through a centralised selection process. This includes an entrance examination held in June that’s conducted at multiple venues. Every year, about a thousand spots are available across the four selective entry schools in Victoria.
Each applicant is assigned a specific exam centre. The assessment lasts approximately three hours and consists of both multiple-choice questions and written tasks. It covers the following areas:
Selection Ranking
The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) handles applications and offers for Year 9 entry. Selection ranking determines how the spots for selective entry high schools are allocated. The process is outlined below:
Standard Merit
It means that 85 out of every 100 spots go to students who get the highest scores in the exam. There are no interviews, no school reports or no special circumstances. It’s purely based on the candidate’s performance in the exam.
Equity Consideration
The other 10 places out of every 100 are reserved for students who meet equity considerations. These students still need to appear for the exam, but are also recognised for their personal or financial circumstances. To be eligible, a student must meet one of the following:
- Their parent or guardian holds a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pension Card and receives income support.
- They identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander on the application form.
Principal Discretion
After the selective school exam, principals may invite certain students to apply under this category (the remaining 5 seats out of 100). These invitations are based on exam results, but principals may also look at other factors. These include the student’s school preferences, gender balance, and whether they have siblings at the same school.
Our Approach to Selective School Exam Preparation
We prepare students for both ACER and Edutest exams by building strong logical skills, which cover Year 9 and Years 10–11 entries, respectively. Our tutors are high-achieving university students dedicated to helping others succeed. They provide personalised resources and regular feedback to ensure steady progress.
Our selective entry tutoring program includes one hour of tests each week for the last five months, plus two mock exams in the final two months. The classes are conducted in small groups, which allows for individual attention and an approachable learning environment. This approach helps students build confidence and perform their best on exam day.
Selective Entry High Schools in Melbourne
The Victorian Selective Schools exam is a highly competitive process that is used for admission into four prestigious schools. These schools bring together all potential students sharing similar abilities under one roof. They are:
Why Choose Our Selective Exam Preparation Program?
Is your child consistently achieving top marks and eager to take their learning further? Well, selective schools offer an excellent pathway for outstanding students. Emu Education provides a selective school exam program that will get your child ready for the entrance exam. Here’s why we stand out:
Get Started with Selective Schools Tutoring Today!
Are you looking for reliable selective schools tutoring in Melbourne? Emu Education is here to assist. Whether you want to enquire about the application process, exam preparation, or available tutoring options, our team is ready to help. Talk to our expert tutors today on 0479 190 958 or email us at info@emueducation.com.au to learn more.
FAQs
The selective school entrance exam is usually held mid-year, around June or July.
Thousands of students sit the selective school test in Victoria each year, with numbers rising rapidly. Contact us for the latest and most accurate information.
Generally, placement offers start in July, and exam performance reports are emailed in September.
Our selective school coaching covers reading comprehension, mathematics, writing skills, verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning. All of these are aligned with the actual exam format and requirements.
Yes, the program includes training in time management and exam strategies to help students approach tough questions confidently and manage time under pressure.
We provide customised resources, weekly printed materials, and regular homework for practice. Students also receive ongoing assessment and feedback to support continuous improvement. For details, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Yes, we do. Students have one hour of testing each week during the last five months. Additionally, two full-length mock tests are held in the final two months.
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