Blog post published 16 October 2026

The NSW Department of Education is expected to open applications for Opportunity Class entry in early November, for children currently in Year 3. Families apply directly through the Department; here’s how we can help you prepare.

OC entry is highly competitive. Fewer than 2,000 Year 5 places are offered each year, and roughly seven children apply for every place. A little planning now makes the process far less stressful.

The OC journey at a glance

  1. November to February: apply online through the NSW Department of Education and nominate up to four schools.
  2. Early May (date TBC): your child sits the OC Placement Test in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills.
  3. Term 3: results and placement offers are released.
  4. Year 5 (2028): students begin a two-year program in Years 5 and 6.

Choose your schools carefully

Your child will receive only one offer: from the highest-ranked school on your list for which they qualify. You can’t decline that offer to wait for a lower choice. List only schools you’d genuinely be happy with, put your top choice first, and consider travel time from home.

What’s changing

From the 2027 intake, OC classes offer an equal number of places for girls and boys. Up to 20 per cent of places continue to be held for high-potential students from under-represented groups. More OC classes are also becoming composite Year 5/6 classes.

Dates can change each year, so please check the Department of Education website for the confirmed application window.

Inside the OC guide

  • A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process
  • The full list of NSW schools offering OCs
  • How to judge how competitive a school is
  • Free past practice tests in maths, reading and thinking skills
  • A free OC sample lesson to download

🔹 Download free practice tests (A note on practice tests: past papers are best saved for the final weeks before the test. Tried too early, before any preparation, they usually give a disappointing result, and that can dent a child’s confidence.)

Missed our OC Preparation Program?

Entry to our OC Preparation Program for Term 4 has now closed. If the OC program in Term 1, 2027 would interest your family, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. Registering interest doesn’t guarantee the program will run, and doesn’t commit you to anything.

Join us on the path to excellence

Discover the difference of the Swot Shop approach. While we provide high-quality tuition and coaching, we’re far more than just a coaching centre. With our commitment to critical thinking, personalised learning and academic excellence, we aim to enrich your child’s education. Learn more about how we can contribute to your child’s bright future.