ACER Scholarship Test Preparation

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) develops scholarship assessments used by independent schools across Australia. These tests help schools identify students who demonstrate strong academic potential for Year 7 entry.

The ACER exam evaluates a student's ability across Written Expression, Mathematics, and Humanities — testing not just knowledge, but how well students can apply their thinking to unfamiliar problems. With the right preparation, students can approach the exam feeling calm and confident.

What does the ACER test cover?

ACER offers scholarship assessments at two levels — secondary entry (Years 7-12) and primary entry (Years 4-6). Each level has its own set of components and timing.

Secondary (Years 7-12)

Total duration: ~130 minutes

50 minutes

Written Expression

Students complete two writing tasks, such as a creative narrative and a persuasive or informative piece. The focus is on structure, vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly under timed conditions.

2 writing tasks
25 minutes each, 50 minutes total

40 minutes

Mathematics

The maths component covers number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. Questions often require multi-step reasoning and the ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.

32–36 multiple-choice questions
40 minutes

40 minutes

Humanities

This section tests reading comprehension and interpretation across a variety of text types, including articles, poetry, maps, and charts. Students demonstrate their ability to analyse, infer, and reason with written and visual information.

40–45 multiple-choice questions
40 minutes

Primary (Years 4-6)

Total duration: ~100 minutes

30 minutes

Reading and Viewing

Evaluates how well younger students understand, interpret, and draw conclusions from age-appropriate written passages and visual texts.

25 multiple-choice questions
30 minutes

30 minutes

Mathematics

Covers number, measurement, geometry, and data at a primary level, with questions that test mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

20 multiple-choice questions
30 minutes

40 minutes

Writing

Students complete two writing responses, demonstrating their ability to organise ideas, write with creativity, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar for their age level.

2 extended responses in different genres
20 minutes each, 40 minutes total

Schools that use ACER

Independent schools across Australia use the ACER assessment as part of their scholarship selection process. Entry levels and test dates may vary — check with each school directly for the latest details.

School	Suburb	Level
Xavier College	Kew	Secondary
Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC)	Burwood	Secondary
Peninsula Grammar	Mt Eliza	Primary, Secondary
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar	Essendon	Secondary
Ivanhoe Grammar School	Ivanhoe	Secondary
Huntingtower	Mt Waverley	Secondary
Bialik College	Hawthorn East	Primary, Secondary
Cornish College	Bangholme	Primary, Secondary
Overnewton Anglican Community College	Keilor	Primary, Secondary
Saint Ignatius College	Geelong	Secondary
Oakleigh Grammar	Oakleigh	Primary, Secondary
Scotch College	Hawthorn	Secondary
Melbourne Grammar School	South Yarra	Secondary
Yarra Valley Grammar	Ringwood	Secondary
Strathcona Girls Grammar	Canterbury	Secondary
All Saints Grammar	Belmore
Arndell Anglican College	Oakville
Australian International Academy	Strathfield
Bishop Druitt College	Coffs Harbour
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College	Fletcher
Broughton Anglican College	Campbelltown
Calrossy Anglican School	Tamworth
Emanuel School	Randwick
Frensham	Mittagong
German International School Sydney	Terrey Hills
Hunter Valley Grammar School	Ashtonfield
Inaburra School	Bangor
International Grammar School	Ultimo
International Maarif Schools of Australia	Prestons
Irfan College	Thornleigh
Kinross Wolaroi School	Orange
Korowal School	Hazelbrook
Macquarie Anglican Grammar School	Dubbo
Mamre Anglican School	Kemps Creek
Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College	North Sydney
Mount Annan Christian College*	Mount Annan
Mount St Benedict College	Pennant Hills
New England Girls School (NEGS)	Armidale
Northholm Grammar School	Arcadia
Norwest Christian College	Bella Vista
Nowra Anglican College	Nowra
Oran Park Anglican College	Oran Park
Pacific Hills Christian School	Dural
Penrith Anglican College	Orchard Hills
Penrith Christian School	Penrith
Pittwater House School	Collaroy
Presbyterian Ladies' College Sydney	Croydon
Reddam House	Woollahra
Redfield College	Dural
Redlands	Cremorne
Rosebank College	Five Dock
Rouse Hill Anglican College	Rouse Hill
Santa Sabina College	Strathfield
SCEGGS Darlinghurst	Darlinghurst
Scone Grammar School	Scone
Scots All Saints College*	Bathurst
Shellharbour Anglican College	Dunmore
SHORE – Sydney Church of England Grammar School	North Sydney
Snowy Mountains Grammar School	Jindabyne
Southern Highlands Christian School	Bowral
St Andrew's Cathedral School	Sydney
St George Christian School	Kogarah
St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill	Hunters Hill
St Paul's College, Walla Walla	Walla Walla
St Paul's Grammar School	Cranebrook
St Peter's Anglican College	Broulee
St Philip's Christian College Newcastle	Waratah
St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens	Raymond Terrace
St Spyridon College	Kingsford
St Vincent's College	Potts Point
The Riverina Anglican College	Wagga Wagga
The Scots College	Bellevue Hill
The Scots School Albury	Albury
Thomas Hassall Anglican College	Middleton Grange
Wahroonga Adventist School	Wahroonga
Waverley College	Waverley
Wollondilly Anglican College	Tahmoor
A B Paterson College	Arundel
All Saints Anglican School	Merrimac
All Souls St Gabriels School	Charters Towers
Brigidine College	Indooroopilly
Brisbane Boys' College	Toowong
Brisbane Girls Grammar School	Spring Hill
Brisbane Grammar School	Spring Hill
Bundaberg Christian College	Bundaberg
Calvary Christian College	Springwood
Chisholm Catholic College	Cornubia
Clayfield College	Clayfield
Coomera Anglican College	Coomera
Fairholme College	Toowoomba
Faith Lutheran College	Plainland
Freshwater Christian College	Brinsmead
Iona College	Lindum
Ipswich Girls' Grammar School	Ipswich
Ipswich Grammar School	Ipswich
Islamic College of Brisbane	Karawatha
John Paul College	Daisy Hill
Loreto College	Coorparoo
Lourdes Hill College	Hawthorne
MacKillop Catholic College	Mount Peter
Marist College Ashgrove	Ashgrove
Moreton Bay College	Manly West
Mount Alvernia College	Kedron
Ormiston College	Ormiston
Our Lady's College	Annerley
Padua College	Kedron
Rockhampton Grammar School	Rockhampton
Saint Stephen's College	Coomera
SCOTS PGC College	Warwick
Sheldon College	Sheldon
Somerville House	South Brisbane
St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School	Corinda
St Andrew's Catholic College	Redlynch
St Augustine's College	Augustine Heights
St Benedict's College	Mango Hill
St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace	Spring Hill
St Joseph's College Coomera	Coomera
St Joseph's Nudgee College	Boondall
St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School	Ascot
St Rita's College	Clayfield
Stuartholme School	Toowong
Toowoomba Grammar School	Toowoomba
Townsville Grammar School	North Ward
Trinity Anglican School	White Rock
Trinity College	Beenleigh
Concordia Lutheran College*	Toowoomba
The Glennie School*	Toowoomba
Anglican Church Grammar School*	East Brisbane

View all ACER schools →

How PrepHQ helps you prepare

We believe learning should feel good. PrepHQ gives students the tools to build genuine understanding and confidence — not just memorise answers.

Targeted practice tests

Practise with questions aligned to the ACER format across Mathematics, Humanities, and Written Expression. Each test adapts to focus on areas where your child needs the most support.

Detailed explanations

Every question comes with a clear, step-by-step explanation so students don't just learn what the right answer is — they understand why.

Progress tracking

See how skills develop over time with clear performance insights. Identify strengths and areas for improvement at a glance.

A calm, encouraging approach

Scholarship preparation doesn't have to be stressful. PrepHQ is designed to build confidence gradually, with encouraging feedback and a pace that suits each student.

Start practising for ACER

Give your child the best chance at scholarship success with structured, supportive practice. Create a free account to get started today.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ACER scholarship test?

The ACER scholarship test is an academic assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It is used by independent schools across Australia to award scholarships for Year 7 entry. The test typically covers Written Expression, Mathematics, and Humanities.

Which schools use ACER for scholarships?

Independent schools across Australia use ACER scholarship tests, including schools in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and other states. In Victoria, these include Xavier College, Scotch College, and Melbourne Grammar. In NSW, schools such as The Scots College, Knox Grammar School, and SHORE use ACER for their scholarship assessments.

What subjects are tested in the ACER exam?

The ACER scholarship exam assesses three main areas: Written Expression (two writing tasks such as a creative piece and a persuasive or informative piece), Mathematics (covering number, algebra, measurement, geometry, and statistics), and Humanities (reading comprehension, interpretation, and reasoning across various text types).

How can I prepare for the ACER scholarship test?

Effective preparation involves regular practice across all three test components. Focus on building strong writing skills through timed tasks, strengthening mathematical problem-solving, and developing comprehension and analytical reading habits. PrepHQ offers structured practice tests aligned with the ACER format so students can build familiarity and confidence ahead of the real exam.