Baulkham Hills at a glance
- Area
- Baulkham Hills, The Hills
- Exam
- NSW Selective High School Placement Test
- Sat in
- Year 6 (for Year 7 entry)
- How to prepare
- Online anywhere in NSW, or in person in Parramatta
Baulkham Hills gives its name to one of the state's most sought-after selective schools, and unsurprisingly the suburb has a thriving exam-preparation scene. This established, family-oriented part of the Hills draws parents who plan for selective and Opportunity Class entry well in advance. They can attend in-person classes in nearby Parramatta or choose the identical online program.
Which schools do Baulkham Hills families aim for?
Students preparing for the NSW Selective High School test from Baulkham Hills and the wider The Hills area commonly target Baulkham Hills High School. There are no published cut-off scores, so think of these as the schools families shortlist rather than fixed marks to hit — fit, travel and your child’s strengths matter just as much as any ranking.
- Baulkham Hills High School
How Baulkham Hills students prepare
There are two realistic paths for a Baulkham Hills family. The first is in-person teaching — Test Academy runs small classes (capped at eight students) from its Parramatta centre, within easy reach of The Hills. The second, and increasingly the most popular, is to prepare online: your child sits exam-realistic, computer-based practice tests at home, gets every answer marked instantly with a worked explanation, and you see exactly where the gaps are.
Baulkham Hills relies mainly on bus connections to Parramatta and the Metro, so a number of local families find online classes the more convenient option.
Why Test Academy suits Baulkham Hills families
Test Academy is, in our assessment, the strongest option in Sydney for selective preparation — largely because of its technology. Its platform mirrors the real Janison-style on-screen test, marks instantly, and gives criterion-by-criterion feedback on writing that few other centres match. For a Baulkham Hills family weighing the commute against results, being able to prepare to that standard from home is a genuine advantage.