Test Academy Reviews

Selective school · South-West Sydney

Hurlstone Agricultural High School: Selective Entry & How to Prepare

A clear guide to Hurlstone Agricultural High School (Glenfield, South-West Sydney) — what kind of school it is, how entry works through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, and the most effective way to prepare.

Hurlstone Agricultural High School at a glance

Location
Glenfield, South-West Sydney
Type
Fully selective (agricultural, boarding available)
Enrolment
Co-educational
Year levels
Year 7–12
Entry test
NSW Selective High School Placement Test

Hurlstone Agricultural High School is a fully selective, co-educational school at Glenfield in South-West Sydney. Alongside its academic program it runs a working farm, and boarding is available for eligible students from rural and regional areas.

Reputation and results

Hurlstone Agricultural High School is a well-regarded, fully selective school with a distinctive agricultural focus and a strong academic record. As one of the few selective schools offering boarding, it attracts applicants from across the state and demand for places is high.

How entry works

Places at Hurlstone Agricultural High School 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 Hurlstone Agricultural High School

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.

  • Build broad academic ability over time; the agricultural program complements rather than replaces core study.
  • If boarding is relevant, look into eligibility and life on campus early, as it suits some families well.
  • List your preferences honestly, and don't rely on online 'cut-off' figures, since none are published.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get into Hurlstone Agricultural High School?

Entry is through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test, which students sit in Year 6 (for Year 7 entry). You list Hurlstone Agricultural High School 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 Hurlstone Agricultural High School?

Tutoring isn't compulsory, but Hurlstone Agricultural High School 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 Hurlstone Agricultural High School?

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.