The NSW Government has accepted all recommendations of an independent review into the delivery of this year's selective education placement tests, with the 2026 tests and beyond to be held at smaller venues and logistics to be overseen directly by the NSW Department of Education.
Respected education academic Dr Michele Bruniges AM examined the issues that caused significant disruption to 2025 testing held at larger testing venues. Dr Bruniges has also chaired the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment Governing Board since 2017.
Disruptions on the first day of testing resulted in the department shifting subsequent testing to alternative smaller venues, managed by departmental staff. This approach will continue in 2026.
Dr Bruniges' recommendations for the department, include holding only one placement test session per day per school, with a maximum number of 300 students in large school venues and 180 students in the smaller school venues.
In her report, Dr Bruniges notes the department's successful establishment of computer-based test design and delivery outside of the three large testing venues.
Planning is underway for the 2026 tests. The first round of offers for next year's selective high school cohort will be today.
Along with the Bruniges Review, separate independent advice into the fairness and integrity of the 2025 tests was provided by Professor Jim Tognolini, Director of the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment at the University of Sydney.
Professor Tognolini's work examined whether students who sat the test twice due to disruption had an advantage and whether all test versions were comparable and equally difficult.
His review found:
- No evidence of advantage for students re-sitting the test.
- Minimal difference between the scores on the first and second test for students who sat the Selective High School and Opportunity Class test twice.
- All test versions, including re-sits, were of equal difficulty.
- Where common questions were used between tests, proven methods were applied to ensure fairness.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"The NSW Government is accepting all of Dr Bruniges recommendations including that future tests take place in smaller cohorts at local schools, ensuring we don't see the disruption we saw this year again.
"Every student deserves a fair go, and I thank Dr Bruniges and Professor Tognolini for their work to ensure we deliver fair and well-run tests for entry to selective schooling and opportunity classes."
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:
"We will implement all recommendations of the Bruniges review to ensure a smooth process for students participating in next year's tests.
"The disruption experienced at the larger testing centres earlier this year was not acceptable, and I'm pleased our steps to address the issues delivered a fair outcome."
Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:
"For NSW families and their children, a decision to sit for placement tests for entry into selective education is significant.
"The use of large testing centres this year caused disruption, and the review has made recommendations to ensure the disruption experienced is not repeated."
Professor Jim Tognolini said:
"Despite disruption to testing at major centres, students resitting the tests did not receive an advantage.
"There was minimal difference between scores on the original and re-sit tests, with proven testing methods ensuring fairness."
