Opportunity classes are offered by the NSW Education Department for high potential and gifted students in Year 5. These classes are offered at a selected number of schools.
Opportunity classes are coveted by parents and students especially those wishing to compete for a Selective High School placement in Year 7. Parents should note that OC entry is even more competitive than Selective High School as only 1870 OC places are offered with over 15,300 students applying for a place in 2024.
Parents apply for OC when students are at the end Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 for placement in Year 5. It is a 2-year program (Year 5 to 6). It is not possible to apply for Year 6 placement only.
There is an entry exam for the OC placements. The next test will be held on May 2 – 4 2025.
There are currently 57 opportunity classes in NSW. 20 % of spots in OC classes are reserved under the so-called Equity Model for students from under-represented backgrounds.
For the first time, the following primary schools will have opportunity classes starting in Term 1, 2025:
- Blacktown West Public School
- Brookvale Public School
- Lindfield East Public School
- Maroubra Junction Public School
- Miranda Public School
- Penrith Public School
- St Clair Public School
- Toongabbie Public School
- Wahroonga Public School
To accommodate these new classes some other schools have had their OC places reduced.
How to apply for an OC place
Parents can choose two schools only. Children who apply must be aged between 9 years 5 months and 11 years when they commence the program.
In 2025, the OC exam has been brought forward to early May (at the same time as the Selective High School exam) and will be held on computer at independent external test centres. 19 May will be a make-up day for sick/misadventure students.
The test is prepared by Cambridge University and administered by Janison Solutions.
Applications to sit the test open 7 November to 21 February 2025.
Parents considering OC for their child can find further information and the full listing of schools with OC classes on the Department’s website. This information changes regularly so we recommend that you check the website from time to time.
