[Freddie'sMum]

What they are ??

I hear the term "selective schools" in the media / on EB and I honestly have no idea what that means.

We have 2 little girls - one in the local Catholic Primary school, another one starting at the local Catholic Primary school (next year). I have friends with kids (all primary school age) - some go to the local public primary school, others go to Private schools (sometimes called independent schools).

I honestly don't know what a "selective school" is - is it a Public school - is it a Private school ?? Is it a Primary school or a High school ??

Can someone please enlighten me ??

Thanks very muchly

[MrsLexiK]

My understanding is it is a public school which is selective to who goes there - There are a few in Melbourne where you have to sit entrance tests to get in. And you have to be really smart.

[emmaellis]

From my understanding, it is a public high school that "selects" it's students based on academic ability - by way of exams I think. i.e. they are not zoned and only those who are selected can attend.

Also, I could be wrong but I heard of them when living in Sydney but have not heard anyone here in Melbourne talk about them so I don't think they exist in all states.

[FemboFerretOfDoo...]

It's a school that "selects" its students based on an entrance examination - these schools are geared toward children who are gifted / have above average intelligence.

[Hopetoun]

I understood a selective school to be a public school (usually secondary) that could pick and choose its students based on their own criteria - eg high academic results.
They are not bound to take students that live locally like other public schools.

[meljb]

In NSW there are selective public high schools there is an entrance exam sat in year 6 and from that they select the students who will be offered places. The schools are meant to be for the very brightest students.

[Foogle]

Wiki entry - NSW Selective schools

A full list is at the bottom of the page.

[Freddie'sMum]

Thanks ladies !!

Yes we are in Sydney and I do hear the term "selective schools" quite a lot esp because in the last week the HSC results have come out, and the reference to "selective schools" and how well their students did in the HSC have been in the media.

Thank you for enlightening me

[somila]

Brisbane SHS is a "partially-selective" high school. Students from outside the catchment can get in if they meet certain academic, musical or sporting criteria, but the school is obliged to take all students within the catchment.

Other Brisbane schools have "specialist programs" (technology, academic, artistic, linguistic) that students can apply for.

I disagree with some private schools who like to refer to themselves as "non-selective" as the fees automatically rule some people out.

[FluffyOscar]

Also, I could be wrong but I heard of them when living in Sydney but have not heard anyone here in Melbourne talk about them so I don't think they exist in all states.

There are currently four selective entry high schools in Victoria for students in Years 9−12: Melbourne High (boys only), The Mac.Robertson Girls' High (girls only), Nossal High School (co-educational) and Suzanne Cory High School (co-educational).
(from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/par...spx?Redirect=1)