“TENDER RELEASED”

The NSW Department of Education (DoE) is seeking an Expression of Interest (EOI) from suitably experienced, competent, and skilled suppliers to provide a fit for purpose service for Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes (SHSOC) placement tests. Capabilities sought include:
* Development of Tests suitable to identify, assess, and select students for placement in academically-selective education programs.
* Management of Testing including including providing and/or managing the test centres, allocating student positions, distributing test materials, administering the test, capturing results, marking and reporting.
* Providing secure facilities and equipment, and developing procedures and practices so that test materials and data are always physically and electronically secure.

The objective is to approach the market to create and deliver a reliable and valid assessment test/process for determining the capability of students applying for Selective High School and Opportunity Class placement that aligns to the action items detailed in the Selective Education Access Review.

As a result of the Review, from 2020 the Department committed to fully revise the frameworks used to guide test design to ensure selection tests meet their stated purpose, and procure a new test designed to the latest and highest international standards for precision and accuracy.

NSW Selective schools, including high schools and primary schools with opportunity classes, offer valued choice for gifted students and their families, delivering excellence in academic achievement and student wellbeing. 

Selective schools are programs provided in public schools across a range of geographical and socio-economic areas. At present, 76 primary schools and 48 secondary schools use the centralised assessment and placement process. For secondary schools, this includes fully selective high schools, partially selective schools (with community and selective programs), and agricultural high schools. Additional provision for rural and regional area students is provided via residential boarding programs, as well as Aurora College, an online ‘virtual’ selective school for delivery of advanced content via online delivery.

As a guide, selective high schools offer over 4,100 places in Year 7, while opportunity classes offer over 1,750 places in Year 5. Positions in these selective schools are highly sought after by parents and students.