Test Academy Reviews

Selective school · Regional & rural NSW

Aurora College: Selective Entry & How to Prepare

A clear guide to Aurora College (Online (virtual), Regional & rural NSW) — what kind of school it is, how entry works through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, and the most effective way to prepare.

Aurora College at a glance

Location
Online (virtual), Regional & rural NSW
Type
Virtual selective (rural & remote)
Enrolment
Co-educational
Year levels
Year 7–12
Entry test
NSW Selective High School Placement Test

Aurora College is a fully selective, co-educational school that operates entirely online, serving academically capable students in rural and remote parts of NSW. Students remain enrolled at their local school while joining Aurora's virtual classes, so they can access selective study without leaving their community.

Reputation and results

Aurora College is the state's virtual selective high school, created to extend high-potential students in rural and remote NSW who do not have a selective school nearby. It is highly regarded for opening selective education to students across the country, and demand reflects its unique role.

How entry works

Places at Aurora College are offered through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. Students sit the test in Year 6 (for Year 7 entry), list their preferred schools in order, and receive at most one initial offer based on performance and those preferences. For the full mechanics — sections, timing and how placement is decided — see our guide to the Selective test.

How to prepare for Aurora College

Because entry is relative and competitive, the families who do best prepare in a way that mirrors the real exam: timed, on a screen, with every mistake reviewed properly. Test Academy’s online platform recreates that environment, marks instantly, and gives the kind of detailed writing feedback that few other providers offer.

  • Aurora is designed for rural and remote students, so check that your home location and school fit the model.
  • Comfort with online learning and self-management matters, since classes are delivered virtually.
  • List your preferences honestly, and ignore any online 'cut-off' figures, as none are published.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get into Aurora College?

Entry is through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, which students sit in Year 6 (for Year 7 entry). You list Aurora College among your school preferences when you apply through the NSW Department of Education, and offers are made on combined test performance and the order of your preferences. There is no published pass mark.

Do you need tutoring to get into Aurora College?

Tutoring isn't compulsory, but Aurora College is highly competitive, so genuine familiarity with the on-screen test format and steady practice with good feedback make a real difference. Many families build that online rather than through weekly classes.

What is the best way to prepare for Aurora College?

Practise in the real computer-based format, review every wrong answer with a worked explanation, and get specific feedback on writing. Test Academy’s platform is built to do exactly this, which is why we rate it the strongest preparation option we’ve reviewed in Sydney.