North Parramatta at a glance
- Area
- North Parramatta, Western Sydney
- 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
North Parramatta is a short hop from the city centre and sits within easy reach of some of NSW's most sought-after selective schools, including James Ruse. Because the suburb practically borders the Parramatta campus, in-person preparation is genuinely walkable for many families, though the identical online program is there for those who prefer to study at home.
Which schools do North Parramatta families aim for?
Students preparing for the NSW Selective High School test from North Parramatta and the wider Western Sydney area commonly target James Ruse Agricultural High School, Girraween High School and Parramatta High School (partially selective). 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.
- James Ruse Agricultural High School
- Girraween High School
- Parramatta High School (partially selective)
How North Parramatta students prepare
There are two realistic paths for a North Parramatta family. The first is in-person teaching — Test Academy runs small classes (capped at eight students) from its Parramatta centre, within easy reach of Western Sydney. 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.
North Parramatta's proximity to the centre means the campus is often just a brief walk or drive away for local students.
Why Test Academy suits North Parramatta 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 North Parramatta family weighing the commute against results, being able to prepare to that standard from home is a genuine advantage.