ASAT is a comprehensive assessment program specifically for Year 5/6 students who will sit the Selective High School Placement Test. It prides distinction among other practice exams in producing up-to-date questions and implementing exam information upgrades parallel to that of the actual tests. ASAT is developed and conducted by Pre-Uni New College. For the information about the Selective High School Placement Test, please visit the NSW Department of Education website.
What are the benefits?
Participation in ASAT provides an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their current achievement level under the same exam conditions as actual Selective High School Placement Test. It is greatly help parents select or review suitable school choices for their selective high schools applications.
Authentic CBT Practice
The on‑site ASAT mirrors the official selective school exam in timing, structure, question style and computer‑based test format.
While venue conditions may vary slightly, the experience helps students develop the digital skills and confidence needed for the real exam.
After completing the on‑site ASAT, students also take an additional online mock test from home, providing further practice under flexible conditions and reinforcing core exam skills.
Detailed Diagnostic Insights
After the on‑site ASAT, students receive a comprehensive performance report including section‑by‑section accuracy, overall and gender‑specific ranks, performance bands and comparison charts.
Informed School Selection Support
With one of the largest datasets available, the on‑site ASAT offers useful statistical indicators to support selective school preference decisions. While not definitive predictions, these data‑driven insights can guide families as they consider school choices.
Realistic Test‑Day Experience
During the on‑site ASAT, students follow supervisor instructions, manage scheduled breaks and navigate test‑day routines in a supervised venue, giving them a realistic test‑day experience that strengthens time management, exam readiness and confidence.
How are the ASAT results reported?
All candidates receive their on-site ASAT outcome report by email usually 2 weeks after the test. The report contains students’ test performance bands, overall rank as well as other information about averages and levels in the skills compared with the rest of the candidates.
Video
The 38th ASAT Information
What is included in the ASAT
The ASAT package includes two online full-set mock tests and a full-length, on-site ASAT event conducted in a computer-based testing environment.
Two Online Full‑Set Mock Tests
Each online mock test provides full-set practice and is completed as a self‑test from home under parental supervision.
On‑Site ASAT
The on-site ASAT event is conducted in a computer-based testing environment on Sunday, 18th October 2026, using students' BYOD laptops.
The complete package offers students valuable opportunities to strengthen essential test‑taking strategies, build exam confidence and identify areas for improvement. Through repeated full‑set practice under timed conditions,
students learn to manage time effectively, respond to challenging questions and refine the skills required for the selective school exam.
Who can register
Registration is open to Year 5 students who plan to sit the 2027 Selective High School Placement Test.
Test Date
The on-site ASAT tests will be held on Sunday, 18th October 2026.
The two online full‑set mock tests will be accessible from home during the designated access period, which will be provided after the on‑site ASAT.
On-site Test Session
8:20am - 12:00pm OR 1:30pm - 5:10pm session.
Session times may vary depending on the venue and number of participants. Exact timings will be confirmed closer to the test date.
From 13th October 2026, students will receive an email containing their Test Centre Advice Letter, which will include full details of their test centre and confirmed session time.
Test Format
The test will be conducted using personal BYOD laptop and will consist of four (4) sections: reading, writing, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills.
Testing Device Options
1. Bring your own device (BYOD)
Testing Device Minimum Requirements
O/S: Windows 10 or later, macOS 25 or later, or the latest Chrome OS.
Wi-Fi: Your laptop must be capable of connecting to the ASAT local wireless network.
Battery: Fully charged, minimum 4 hours of battery life (no power outlets available).
Device Security: No login or password issues; students must know how to unlock their device.
Chromebooks:
Make sure ‘Guest Browsing’ is enabled in Privacy & Security settings.
If your Chromebook is managed by your work or school, and Guest Browsingcannot be enabled, bring a Windows laptop or a MacBook instead.
Antivirus: Disable any antivirus software to avoid conflicts with the ASAT CBT platform.
Network:NO proxy or VPN settings enabled on your device.
MacBook users must install the macOS version of Chrome and iCloud Private Relay must be disabled in System Settings app.
Software Restrictions:
Grammar/spell‑checking tools (e.g., Grammarly) must not be installed or running.
AI tools or AI‑assisted software must not be installed or running
Detection of such tools may result in test invalidation.
Device Compatibility: Tablet PCs (iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc.) are not supported.
If a student’s BYOD laptop fails during the test, a rental laptop may be provided (if available) for a flat fee of $50, regardless of usage duration. Parental permission will not be required at the time of issue.
2. Device Rental
Laptops are available to rent at $50 per student. Availability is very limited, and rentals will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please indicate your rental preference during registration. Once all laptops are booked, this option will no longer be offered.
Parents/guardians are liable for any damage caused to rental laptops.
On-site Test Outcome
Parents/guardians will receive an outcome email on 1st November 2026, which will include a link to download their child's detailed test outcome reports.
What to bring to the on-site test
BYOD Laptop: Bring your own laptop that meets the minimum specifications if you don't choose a rental option - check the BYOD Testing Device Minimum Requirements for full details.
Test Centre Advice Letter: Bring a single-sided printed copy
Stationery and essentials: Pencils, an eraser, water in a clear bottle, and a snack (no nuts or nut products). A mouse for use with your laptop is optional.
Test Structure
The ASAT consists of four sections of tests and is structured as follows:
Section
Minutes
Questions
Reading
45
17 (3 questions have multiple parts to answer)
Mathematical Reasoning
40
35
Thinking Skills
40
40
Writing
30
1
Test Registration
How to Register
If your child is currently attending or has previously enrolled in our courses or tests, please log in to CYBERSCHOOL to book a seat.
If you don’t know your child’s Student ID or your child is new to Pre‑Uni New College, click the button below to check for an existing ID or create a new one.
The registration fee is $110 per applicant, covering the main ASAT tests on 18 October 2026 as well as access to the online full-set mock tests offered afterward.
Please note that this fee is non-refundable and non-creditable in the event of cancellation.
A discounted fee of $100 is available for students enrolled in a full-term WEMT, STTC, Thinking Skills, or Writing course (excluding holiday courses) with us in Term 1, 2 or 3 of 2026.
Registration deadline
Spaces are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Once all spots are filled, registration will close at any time.
Conditions of Registration
Every effort has been made to ensure accurate testing experience; however, we do not guarantee its accuracy or suitability for any specific purpose.
This test has been developed by Pre-Uni New College and is not officially endorsed by the NSW Department of Education.
The actual selective school exam may differ in format, content, and level of difficulty.
All test questions are strictly confidential and will not be available for review.
Cheating of any kind (including copying or screenshots) will result in immediate cancellation and loss of results.
Make-up tests will not be available for missed sessions for any reason.
No refunds or credits will be issued for cancelled registrations.
If a student’s BYOD laptop fails, a rental laptop may be provided (if available) for a flat fee of $50, regardless of usage duration. Parental permission is not required at the time of issue.
Pre-Uni New College is not responsible for damage to students’ personal laptops.
Parents/guardians are responsible for any damage to the rental laptop resulting from their child’s negligence or carelessness.
If the test cannot proceed as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances, the test centre may be relocated or a make-up session arranged at a revised date, time, or venue
Access to the online full-set mock tests will be available only during a specified access period, after which they will no longer be accessible.
What students say.
The ASAT test really helped me in familiarising with the new selective test structure and time frames. The questions were really similar to the real test and they both had the same time limits and questions.
I think that the ASAT test was harder than the selective test, giving us experience and reassurance that we were truly prepared. It was good practice and I think that it was beneficial that many people took part in the ASAT tests so that we could roughly see our ranking.
Reflecting on my ASAT experience, I have no regrets taking the tests as it was good practice and reassuring to know what I got in ASAT when I sat the Selective Test.
Grace's Testimonial
James Ruse Agricultural High School
I found the ASAT test quite similar to the real test. The close passage was easier than the real test, and so was the thinking skills.
Henry's Testimonial
James Ruse Agricultural High School
This was very helpful in preparation for the selective school test. The sessions were managed by staff members just like the real test and it felt like the actual test which helped me familiarise myself with the tension!
Dana's Testimonial
North Sydney Girls High School
The ASAT test was very helpful in preparation for the actual English, Maths and General Ability tests. The test times were very the same.
Even the ASAT questions were a bit harder than the actual tests, it was very helpful and beneficial.
Justine's Testimonial
James Ruse Agricultural High School
The ASAT was a bit harder than the actual tests but that’s always good because it’s preparing me and challenging me further than what we’d actually get. So I was prepared more than I need to be.
Aaron's Testimonial
James Ruse Agricultural High School
The actual test was very similar to the ASAT and I wasn’t feeling nervous because I’ve done the similar tests before. I was feeling really happy as I could let go of my knowledge at the test.
Susan's Testimonial
James Ruse Agricultural High School
2022 Selective High School Placement Test High Achievers Interview
