Frequently Asked Questions
For comprehensive and up-to-date information about entry requirements, processes, and policies for all four of Victoria’s Selective Entry High Schools—including eligibility, application timelines, and equity consideration—please visit the official Victorian Government website.
Is Suzanne Cory zoned?
No. Suzanne Cory High School is not zoned. Our student body is drawn from suburbs all areas of Victoria.
Do you offer Year 7 and 8?
No. Enrolments are only offered for Years 9 to 12. Students are advised to attend their closest suitable secondary school until Year 9. You can find your local government school via the Find My School website.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To apply for a Selective Entry High School, students must be:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen, or
- A visa or ImmiCard holder exempt from International Student Fees (more info)
- Eligible by the time offers are made
Do you accept international students?
No. Suzanne Cory High School does not accept international students.
Fee-paying international students are not eligible.
How many students are accepted each year?
In Year 9 we accept 208 students.
In Year 10 we accept a minimum of 26 students
In Year 11 commencing with our 2027 intake, we will be accepting students into one of two pathways:
International Baccalaureate Stream: Up to 12 Students
For students intending to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
Arts, Humanities and LOTE stream: Up to 12 Students
For students intending to study 2 or more of the subjects below in VCE.
- LOTE: French, Chinese
- Humanities: History, Global Politics
- ADT: Art, Drama, Media, VCD, Music
Is there a cap on enrolments from a single school?
Yes. A maximum of 4% of Year 8 students from any single source school can receive offers. For Prep–Year 9 schools, the cap is 10%.
Preferences allow families the opportunity to consider which selective high school is the best fit for their child. When allocating spaces in Year 9 the Department of Education automatically allocates students the highest preference they have qualified for. If a student is offered a place at their second or third preference school, they may be offered a place at a higher preference school in a later round.
Student preferences are only taken into consideration by Suzanne Cory High School when inviting students to apply for the Principal’s Discretionary Process. When selecting students to invite to apply for this selections process preference will be given to those who have placed our school at a higher preference.
What curriculum options are available at Suzanne Cory High School? Do you offer alternatives to the VCE such as the International Baccalaureate or VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)?
Suzanne Cory High School offers two senior pathways: the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for Years 11 and 12.
We are proud to be one of the only non-zoned, co-educational government schools in Victoria to offer the IB Diploma. While there is no prerequisite for entry into the IB, interested students will be required to sit an interview as part of the selection process.
Please note that we do not offer the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) at Suzanne Cory High School.
View an outline of our curriculum.
What is the Principal’s Discretion category?
Up to 5% of enrolments for Year 9, 50% of places at year 10 and all places at 11 may be offered through a Principal Discretion process. Selected students may be invited to submit a written application, attend an interview, and provide supporting documentation. An invitation does not guarantee a place. Students are not able to nominate for this category but will be selected by the school based on a range of factors including assessment scores, preferred school, current school, residential location and gender.
Is there equity consideration available for students applying to Suzanne Cory High School?
Yes. Equity consideration is available as part of the application process for students who meet specific criteria. This may include students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, students with disabilities or medical conditions, and those from rural or regional locations.
To be considered under the equity category, families must indicate their eligibility when applying and provide relevant supporting documentation. Equity consideration does not guarantee placement but may be taken into account during the selection process.
More information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Selective Entry High Schools website.
What are the application fees for 2027 entry?
Application fees will be published when applications open. Fees differ for Year 9 and Years 10–11.
How do I apply for the Selective Entry Exam?
You must register to sit the entrance examination in the year prior to entry. Applications for Year 12 are not accepted. Details on the application process and timeline are available here.
When is the entrance exam held?
The entrance exam is held in June/July each year. Dates are announced at the end of February.
Where is the exam held?
Candidates will be allocated a venue to sit the exam. Details will be provided upon registration.
Can my child sit the exam remotely?
Yes. Remote sittings are available:
- Year 9 applicants: Request via the ACER portal before the deadline. A $210 remote sitting fee applies.
More information - Years 10 & 11 applicants: Request during Edutest registration. A $160 remote sitting fee applies.
More information
Year 9 Exam Format
The exam takes approximately 4 hours and includes:
- Reading Reasoning (35 mins)
- Mathematics Reasoning (30 mins)
- Verbal General Ability (30 mins)
- Quantitative General Ability (30 mins)
- Writing Task (40 mins)
Includes two short breaks.
Year 10 & 11 Exam Format
The exam includes:
Ability Tests
- Verbal Reasoning – 30 mins
- Numerical Reasoning – 30 mins
Achievement Tests
- Reading Comprehension – 30 mins
- Mathematics – 30 mins
- Written Expression – 15 mins
Preparing for the Entrance Exam: A Guide for Families
Preparing for the selective school entrance exam can be a significant step in your child’s educational journey. While the process can be challenging, the most important things are to understand the requirements, support your child’s preparation, and prioritise their wellbeing.
Understand the Process
- Carefully read the Selective Entry admissions information.
- Familiarise yourself and your child with the exam format and how the answer booklet is used.
- Download and review the sample questions available on the official website.
- Keep in mind that the test is intentionally challenging and competitive — not all students will be successful, and that’s okay.
Support Purposeful Preparation
- To prepare for the multiple choice test encourage your child to focus on how they think and solve problems, rather than relying on routine processes. rote memorisation.
- For the writing pieces encourage your child to practise responding to unseen prompts with their own ideas rather than relying on rote memorisation.
- Seek advice from your child’s current teachers about their areas for development, particularly in English and Mathematics.
- Preparation should be gradual and skill-building, rather than last-minute cramming.
- Practice tests are available from both the ACER and Edutest websites to give an idea of the question style.
Maintain Perspective
- This exam is just one part of your child’s overall development — it doesn’t define their worth.
- Help your child stay positive, believe in themselves, and aim to do their best.
Prioritise Wellbeing
- Ensure your child is well rested, especially the night before the exam.
- Try to minimise pressure; anxiety can negatively affect performance.
- Stay calm and encouraging on the day to help your child feel confident and supported.
- Keep a healthy balance — make space for downtime, hobbies, and relaxation.
Whether or not your child receives a place, they will gain valuable experience, skills, and resilience through the process. Your support makes all the difference.
How will I know if my child is offered a place?
Year 9: Offers sent by email from ACER between August and November each year. This includes the outcome of the Principal’s Discretionary process.
Years 10 & 11: Offers are sent by Suzanne Cory High School following Edutest assessment, consideration of written applications and the outcome of an interview with the school’s selection panel. Places are extremely competitive for Year 10 and 11 entry, and the selection panel’s decision is final.
Is additional documentation required?
Yes, if your child is invited for Principal’s Discretion at Years 9, 10 or 11 they will be required to submit a copy of their most recent school report and a written application detailing their co-curricular involvement and achievements.
Students invited to interview will be required to bring a portfolio of evidence showcasing the achievements they include in their written application.
Students apply for entry to Year 11 in either the IB or Arts, Humanities & LOTE streams will also be required to submit and indicative subject selection.
Yes. Student Ambassador-led tours are available throughout the year, typically on Tuesday mornings. Each tour concludes with a Q&A session with a member of our school leadership team. Bookings are essential and can be made here.
You can also explore the school via our virtual tour and hear from staff and students about life at Suzanne Cory High School.
I am a parent at the school. Where can I find important information and updates?
Current parents can access key information—including announcements, important dates, policies, and event details via our parent portal Compass. Compass also provides real-time updates on student progress, attendance, and messages from the school.
A comprehensive A to Z of School Information is available under the School Documentation section, located within the Community tab on Compass.
Please ensure your contact details are kept up to date at all times to receive timely notifications.
A school newsletter is also published twice a term, featuring highlights and school news.