NSW Opportunity Class Test Guide

Discover everything you need to understand, prepare for and succeed in the NSW Opportunity Class Test. From application tips to OC school selection, find all the guidance and resources in one place from our expert educators.

Select the headings or icons below to explore each section.

Opportunity Classes (OCs) are offered by the NSW Education Department in NSW for high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6. These classes are available at a selected number of schools.

OC schools are highly sought after by parents and students, especially those wishing to compete for a Selective High School placement in Year 7 or position themselves for a private school scholarship.

OC entry is even more competitive than Selective High School as less than 2000 OC places are offered, with over 15,000 students applying for a place.

Parents apply for OC when students are at the end Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 for a placement in Year 5.

OC 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 placement test is held in the beginning of May around the same time as the Selective High School Placement Test. The online test is held at a designated examination centre.

There are currently 89 opportunity classes in NSW with 57 in metropolitan Sydney and 31 in rural or regional centres.

20% of places in OCs are reserved under the Equity Model for students from under-represented backgrounds.

There are two types of opportunity classes:

  • Primary schools with full-time opportunity classes.
  • Aurora College – providing online opportunity classes for rural and remote students.

Applying for an Opportunity Class (OC) placement in New South Wales involves a few steps. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the process:

  1. Check Your Eligibility
    • Your child must be in Year 3 (end of) or 4 (beginning of) at the time of application. They must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry (Year 5).
  2. Online Application
    • Applications are made online through the NSW Department of Education’s website. The application window opens in November and stays open until February. Keep an eye on the specific dates announced each year.
  3. Nominate Preferred Schools
    • As part of the application, you will nominate up to four schools with OC programs that you’d like your child to attend. A full list of schools is available here in this guide.
  4. Prepare for the Exam
    • Entry to an OC is competitive and most students who gain entry undertake an exam preparation program such as the one offered by The Swot Shop. An exam preparation program helps to build skills in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills as well as practising speed and accuracy under timed test conditions.
  5. Sit the Placement Test
    • Your child will take the OC placement test, held in early May. This test assesses their skills in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills.
  6. Receive the Results
    • Results are released in Term 3. You’ll receive information about your child’s performance and whether they’ve been offered a placement or placed on a reserve list.
  7. Accept the Offer
    • If your child is offered a place, you’ll need to accept the offer online by the deadline provided. You can also decline if you decide not to proceed.
  8. Prepare for the Transition
    • Once the offer is accepted, prepare your child for the move to their new school in Year 5. Schools usually provide orientation sessions to help students settle in.

Tips for Parents

  • Understand the Process: Familiarise yourself with the timelines and requirements early to avoid missing critical deadlines.
  • Choose Wisely: Research schools / opportunity classes carefully to determine which ones align best with your child’s needs, interests and their academic ability.
  • Prepare for the Exam: Encourage your child to prepare for the Opportunity Class Placement Test with practice tests and study materials and consider a specialised Exam Preparation Program through a provider such as The Swot Shop.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the NSW Education Department’s website for updates or changes to the process.

By staying proactive, informed and organised, you can help your child navigate the competitive opportunity class process with confidence.

At The Swot Shop we can help you prepare your child for the OC placement test and build their skills in core areas leading up to the exam. We also provide support and information along the way to take some of the stress out of the process for you and your child.

When applying for OC in NSW, you can nominate up to four schools, listed in order of preference. Importantly:

  • Your child will receive only one offer, and it will be for the highest-ranked school on your list for which they qualify based on their exam results.
  • If your child is eligible for more than one school, they will not receive multiple offers – only the top preference among them.

For this reason, your order of your list is crucial. Below we have provided helpful information to guide you in choosing the right schools for your child.

 

Schools offering Opportunity Classes

Currently the following classes are offering OCs:

The Department is currently increasing the number of schools offering OCs so keep a lookout on their website for changes and new schools coming onboard.

How to Prioritise Your School Choices

To maximise your child’s chances, while still aiming high, consider the following:

  1. First Preference: Choose the school your child most wants to attend and where you believe they have a reasonable chance of qualifying.
  2. Second Preference: This could be another school that is desirable and within your child’s reach academically.
  3. Third Preference: Consider a school with a slightly lower entry threshold (estimated) that your child is likely to qualify for. It should still be a school you and your child would be happy with.
  4. Fourth Preference: Consider a school with a lower entry threshold (estimated) that your child is likely to qualify for. It should still be a school you and your child would be happy with.

This strategic approach gives your child the best chance of receiving an offer while still aiming for competitive options.

Some OCs are in particularly high demand. To gauge how competitive a school is, consider:

  • NAPLAN Rankings: Compare schools based on their NAPLAN scores, which can provide insights into their overall academic performance. High academic past performance attracts more applications and most likely from high ability students.
  • OC Place Availability: Schools with a limited number of OC places are likely to be more competitive as only a small number of students can be accommodated.
  • School Reputation: Research the reputation of the school, as a positive reputation often indicates strong academic standards.
  • Historic patterns: While official cut-off scores are no longer published, trends from prior years (where available) can provide some guidance.

Top ranked OC Schools (by NAPLAN results)

Below is a list of the schools that ranked in the top 200 by their most recent NAPLAN results.  Also listed is the number of OC places offered by each school.

You can reasonably assume that the schools with the highest NAPLAN ranking are the most sought after and hardest to gain entry to. Schools with a smaller number of OC places will also generally be more difficult to be admitted to.

Rank School OC places NAPLAN ranking
1 Woollahra Public School 30 3
2 Beecroft Public School 30 5
3 Artarmon Public School 30 6
4 Balmain Public School 30 7
5 Ermington Public School 30 8
6 Dural Public School 30 15
7 Summer Hill Public School 30 19
8 North Rocks Public School 30 22
9 Ironbark Ridge Public School 15 23
10 Hurstville Public School 60 25
11 Waitara Public School 30 26
12 Sutherland Public School 30 27
13 Ryde Public School 30 38
14 Lindfield East Public School 15 42
15 Ashfield Public School 30 47
16 Neutral Bay Public School 30 50
17 Holsworthy Public School 15 59
18 Earlwood Public School 30 61
19 Chatswood Public School 30 63
20 Wilkins Public School 30 69
21 Balgowlah Heights Public School 15 84
22 Caringbah North Public School 15 119
23 Quakers Hill Public School 30 120
24 Greystanes Public School 30 139
25 Kingswood Public School 15 158
26 Wahroonga Public School 15 160
27 Picnic Point Public School 15 163
28 Gosford Public School 30 181
29 Richmond Public School 30 195

Below is a listing of the remaining schools offering OC classes.

These schools did not feature in the top 200 by NAPLAN results. They are listed by the number of OC places available and then in alphabetical order:

No. School OC places
30 Alstonville Public School 15
31 Armidale City Public School 15
32 Bathurst West Public School 15
33 Biraban Public School 15
34 Blacktown South Public School 15
35 Blacktown West Public School 15
36 Blaxcell Street Public School 15
37 Bradbury Public School 15
38 Brookvale Public School 15
39 Camden South Public School 15
40 Casula Public School 15
41 Cessnock West Public School 15
42 Colyton Public School 15
43 Coonabarabran Public School 15
44 Cudgegong Valley Public School 15
45 Doonside Public School 15
46 Dubbo West Public School 15
47 Georges Hall Public School 15
48 Goonellabah Public School 15
49 Goulburn West Public School 15
50 Greenacre Public School 15
51 Guildford West Public School 15
52 Harrington Street Public School 15
53 Illaroo Road Public School 15
54 Jewells Primary School 15
55 Leumeah Public School 15
56 Lithgow Public School 15
57 Maroubra Junction Public School 15
58 Maryland Public School 15
59 Miranda Public School 15
60 Moree Public School 15
61 Moss Vale Public School 15
62 New Lambton South Public School 15
63 Newbridge Heights Public School 15
64 Penrith Public School 15
65 Port Macquarie Public School 15
66 Queanbeyan South Public School 15
67 Rutherford Public School 15
68 Smithfield Public School 15
69 Soldiers Point Public School 15
70 South Grafton Public School 15
71 St Andrews Public School 15
72 St Clair Public School 15
73 St Johns Park Public School 15
74 Sturt Public School 15
75 Tahmoor Public School 15
76 Tamworth Public School 15
77 Tamworth South Public School 15
78 Tighes Hill Public School 15
79 Toongabbie Public School 15
80 Toormina Public School 15
81 Wentworth Falls Public School 15
82 Alexandra Park Community School 30
83 Glenbrook Public School 30
84 Matthew Pearce Public School 30
85 Mona Vale Public School 30
86 Wollongong Public School 30
87 Wyong Public School 30
88 Aurora College 100
89 Blaxland East Public School None in 2025

 

Please check the Department’s website for updates and more information as the number of classes is being expanded and changed year by year.

Opportunity Classes are specialised programs for academically gifted students in Years 5 and 6. They offer an enriched learning environment tailored to high-potential learners.

OCs offer great opportunities for students, and there are good reasons why both students and parents are keen to explore this option. At the same time, the OC placement test is highly competitive, and OCs may not be the best choice for every student.

Below, we outline the benefits and challenges of opportunity classes to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits

OCs offer many advantages that support a student’s academic and personal development including:

  1. Tailored Learning Environment

OCs provide a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted students. Teachers employ evidence-based strategies to delve deeper into subjects, allowing students to explore complex concepts at an accelerated pace. This provides an ideal learning environment for many gifted students who thrive in a stimulating and challenging education setting.

  1. Peer Group Alignment

Being surrounded by like-minded peers can enhance a student’s academic and social experience. Many students report feeling a sense of belonging and understanding when grouped with others of similar abilities where high achievement and academic rigour is encouraged and celebrated.

  1. Preparation for Future Academic Endeavours

Participation in an OC can serve as a stepping stone to selective high schools or a private school scholarship, providing students with the skills and confidence needed for advanced educational settings.

  1. Access to Co-Curricular Activities

OCs often also offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, promoting a well-rounded education.

 

Challenges

Despite their advantages, opportunity classes come with challenges that parents and students should also consider:

  1. Transitioning Schools

Acceptance into an OC school typically requires students to move to a different school, which can be a significant adjustment socially and emotionally.

  1. Increased Academic Pressure

The rigorous academic environment may lead to heightened stress or anxiety for some students, especially if they feel the need to constantly perform at a high level. Being a ‘small fish in a bigger pond’ can be a challenge – a child may be used to standing out as the top performer whereas in an OC class they will be with equally high achieving students.

  1. Competitive Entry Process

Admission to OCs is competitive, requiring students to sit for a placement test. The preparation and testing process can be demanding for young students.

  1. Potential for Reduced Diversity

Grouping students solely based on academic ability might limit exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, which are valuable for holistic development.

When considering an OC school for your child, reflect on the following:

  • Academic Readiness: Is your child a high achiever, consistently seeking more challenging material and showing curiosity and a deep interest in learning?
  • Emotional and Social Maturity: Can your child handle the transition to a new school well and adapt to a more demanding academic environment?
  • Long-Term Goals: Does your child aspire to attend a selective high school or pursue advanced academic opportunities?

Engage in open discussions with your child, their current teachers, and educational professionals to assess suitability. This way you can ensure that the decision aligns with your child’s individual needs and aspirations.

At The Swot Shop we are also there to support you and are happy to discuss with you the options open to you and your child.

For more detailed information on Opportunity Classes and the application process, you can also visit the NSW Department of Education’s official page.

At The Swot Shop, we use our 25+ years of experience to support families through this important process. Our OC Preparation course students benefit from:

  • Regular ongoing tests providing insight and feedback into their academic performance.
  • General advice based on past student outcomes and school entry trends.
  • Informative parent sessions where school choices and strategy are discussed.
  • Practical insights into balancing ambition with realistic expectations based on your child’s performance.

If you’re enrolled in our OC Exam Preparation Program, our education and assessment team can offer guidance to help you make informed, confident choices.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the OC test and wish to view an OC practice test, view the Department’s online test resources here.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right school for your child is not an exact science. With cut-off scores no longer publicly available, you can only rely on informed judgment and available data. By considering your child’s abilities, interests, and daily wellbeing – along with the academic reputation and competition of schools – you’ll be better placed to make the right decision.

We hope this guide provides a helpful foundation. If your child is preparing with The Swot Shop, or you would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact us for further advice or to attend one of our information sessions.

For more information about our leading OC Exam Preparation Program, please get in touch with our team on (02) 9634 2000.

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