Victoria’s smartest kids’ future in doubt as selective entry schools’ entrance exams postponed
Entry to highly-selective Mac Robertson Girls’ and Melbourne High is like snaring a golden ticket to VCE glory. But entrance exams have again been postponed due to COVID-19, throwing the plans of 3500 hopefuls into limbo.
Education
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More than 3000 of the state’s smartest kids are in limbo as the Year 9 entry exam to the state’s best government schools has been postponed for the second time.
There are around 3500 applicants for the selective entry high school examination to attend Mac. Robertson Girls, Melbourne, Nossal and Suzanne Cory high schools each year.
The unzoned schools, in Albert Park, South Yarra, Werribee and Berwick, are appealing for parents looking for an elite education at a fraction of the cost of private schooling and parents who don’t think their gifted child is being catered for in their current school.
Entry is at Year 9 level and some parents shift their children from higher priced private schools if they win a hotly sought place at one of these schools.
There are less than 1000 places up for grabs across the schools which range are single sex and co-ed.
A Department of Education spokeswoman told the Herald Sun that the just announced road map to reopening meant the September 19 exam would be postponed.
“We know many students are anticipating this exam and we will provide applicants, their families and schools with further information on an alternative date shortly with as much advance notice as possible,” the department said.
Many families set their children for the exams several years out, employing tutors to help them win a place to the elite schools which are not zoned and draw students from every postcode.
In a ranking of 2019 median VCE study scores Mac. Rob was seventh and Melbourne High 13th out of 650 schools. Nossal was 35 and Suzanne Cory 58.
A parent, who did not want to named, said the delay had left her son, who attends a medium fee private school near their home, in limbo.
The family has to give one term notice that they are leaving the current school. Failure to do that will see them incur fees.
While the mother said there was no guarantee her child would win a place at one of the schools he was recognised as high achieving and it had been suggested that he try for a place at a select entry school.
The exam is held at a big venue such as the Royal Exhibition Building so is not allowed due to restrictions on gatherings.
In a normal year, students are usually notified of an offer by late August, early September after sitting the exam in June.
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