The application
One parent/carer will create a Primary contact parent profile in the Queensland Academies Portal. That parent can then register their child's details and start a new application. A second parent may be added (for emergency contact), but only the parent/carer registered as the Primary contact can start or edit an application.
It is recommended that the Primary contact is the parent who will manage all stages of the application process (e.g. checking emails, registering for the test, booking interviews and all other related application correspondence).
The following information is required in the online application:
- A recent photograph of the applicant (a school ID or passport-style photo taken within the last 2 years)
- Evidence of identity and citizenship -
details from the applicant's birth certificate, passport and, where applicable, visa evidence (Australian and New Zealand permanent residents, international students and temporary residents). A physical copy of the applicant's Birth Certificate may need to be sighted - we will inform you if this is required.
- 2 most recent semester school reports.
- NAPLAN results for Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 (or a reason why this cannot be provided—Year 9 NAPLAN will be requested once available).
- * if an applicant is seeking Access Arrangements or Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) in the entrance test, please read the 'AARA' section of our Entrance Test Policy. Medical diagnosis letters/reports, supporting documentation from the current school or authority (eg learning plan, NAPLAN-approved adjustments, if available): should generally be no more than 3 years old. Letters must be on official letterhead and give clear information on the candidate's condition as it affects their ability to sit the entrance test, and specify recommended adjustments.
- Evidence of giftedness (where available)*.
Formal assessment or report issued by a suitably qualified
professional, school Guidance Officer or Gifted Education
Coordinator. Only provide where the author of the report has given
written consent to share this.
**Queensland Academies nurtures the development of Highly Capable Learners: students who have high levels of natural academic abilities, a record of strong academic performance, and are motivated to learn. Some highly capable learners have also been formally assessed for giftedness. Where available, information in reports may be used to assist the school in understanding a successful candidate's learning needs. Many highly capable learners have not undertaken such assessments; there is no requirement to undertake formal assessment for giftedness. Learn more about how we nurture the development of Highly Capable and/or Gifted Learners, at Queensland Academies.
Edutest Entrance Test Information
Students will undertake the Edutest entrance test as part of the selective-entry process. Applicants
seeking special consideration for the entrance test should contact the Queensland Academies Admissions Team on (07) 3377 9366 prior to lodging their application. The tests will cover both ability and achievement.
| Ability tests are designed to measure a child's ability to think, reason and solve problems, without necessarily relying on prior knowledge. Ability generally predicts how quickly a child will be able to learn and the level of complexity they can comfortably deal with. | Achievement tests are designed to measure actual achievement or performance in some key academic areas. Achievement scores are influenced by a child's ability, as well as the application and practise of knowledge that has been learned. |
| Ability | Verbal reasoning | 30min | Measures the ability to think and reason using words and language. This includes vocabulary, word relationships, classification and deduction. |
| Ability | Numerical reasoning | 30min | Measures the ability to think and reason using numbers. This includes series, matrices, arithmetical reasoning and deduction. |
| Achievement | Reading Comprehension | 30min | Measures the capacity to read and interpret meaning from written passages, as well as correct, complete and punctuate sentences. |
| Achievement | Mathematics | 30min | Measures year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge, including items tapping numbers, measurement, algebra, space and data. |
| Achievement | Written expression | 15min | This test assesses the ability to convey ideas clearly in written form. Punctuation, creativity, construction, grammar, spelling and relevance to the task are assessed. |
Applicants who are living and studying a significant distance from a Queensland Academy, interstate or overseas, and wish to sit the Entrance Test at a testing location other than Queensland Academies, must contact both admissions@qa.eq.edu.au and remote@edutest.com.au immediately upon completing your Queensland Academies application. Depending on personal circumstances and location, remote testing arrangements can take several weeks to organise. Apply to Queensland Academies, register for an Entrance test, and contact Edutest Remote, at least 3 weeks prior to the test date. Click here to learn more External link.
Remote tests are not available to applicants who cannot attend a test due to travel.
Entrance Test Policy
Read the full Entrance Test Policy before applying and for detailed information about:
- Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)
- Registering for an Entrance Test
- Entrance Test dates, days, sessions and times
- Non-attendance
- Request for a Deferred Entrance test
- Medical conditions, medications and health support needs
- Illness or misadventure
- Items permitted in the testing room
- Behaviour expectations on Entrance Test day
Entrance Test results
Please note that we do not distribute individual test results or parent reports.
The application process is to enable selection of the most suitable candidate from among a cohort of highly capable students for a place at the school. Entrance Test results are not reviewed in isolation but are considered alongside the other evidence provided in your application and the applications of other candidates, to form a holistic assessment of your student's academic ability and relative suitability for a place.
We do not provide diagnostic information about an applicant's strengths or areas for growth; please refer to your current school if you are seeking information and advice about your child's academic progress.
Selective-entry Interview
Applicants invited to attend a campus interview must bring the following:
The
purpose of this sample is for the applicant to use it as a basis to
respond to questions during the interview as well as communicate reasons
they should be considered for a place at the campus for which they are
applying. A portfolio of awards and certificates is not required. The
sample of work should be from an area of the applicant's interest and
should demonstrate academic excellence and innovation. The work sample
should evidence an extended piece of writing or journaling; examples may
include anything from a scientific research assignment, to a creative
piece with supporting written analysis, to a school assignment.
A statement of academic journey
This
statement should be a maximum of one A4 page, font size Arial 10,
outlining the applicant's academic journey, including the highlights and
challenges.
Re-interview arrangements
The Principal will reinterview an applicant where further information or clarity is required.
Notice of Outcome
Outcomes are notified via email.
Applicants will receive either:
letter of offer; or
notification of unsuccessful outcome; or
notification
that a place is not being offered at this time but that their candidacy will continue to be considered for a place. Further documentation may be requested.
Application fees
Application fee Year 10: $270.00 (non-refundable)
Please
note that we cannot accept some payments via international credit/debit
cards or from overseas. If you are experiencing issues with this,
please email admissions@qa.eq.edu.au.
Remote online testing incurs an additional fee. See the Edutest website for more details.
Refund policy: All
application fees are final and non-refundable. This includes where: an
application is withdrawn; an application is submitted with incorrect
information; an application is unsuccessful; an application is submitted
in error, or for the wrong program; an application is submitted for a
candidate who is not eligible to apply for that program; a Mid-course
entry application where the Principal determines course continuity is
not possible; a successful application where the candidate is unable to
commence studies on the offered commencement date; an applicant is
unable to complete the application process.
There is no
application process for scholarships. Eligible students and their
parents/carers will be contacted by the relevant principal should
opportunities arise. Applicants seeking fee relief need to refer to the Fee Relief Information and Procedure upon receiving a successful Letter of Offer outcome.
Before you apply
The
following policy and process documents will take you to the Queensland
Academies Admissions Portal to commence your application.
Please read following prior to lodging your application.