Entry into opportunity classes in Year 5 in 2021 is determined by the students’ results in the Opportunity Class Placement Test1 in English, mathematics and general ability. Other evidence of academic merit may also be considered.

There are 76 opportunity classes offering placement in Year 5 for entry in 2021.

The Department of Education publishes the minimum entry scores2 for opportunity class placement annually at the end of Term 1. This information has been updated for 2021 entry, as at the end of Term 1 2021.

Number of vacancies: 1,830

Number of applicants: 14,561

Data Notes:

• The minimum entry score for an opportunity class is the score of the lowest scoring student to accept a place there. Minimum entry scores vary from school to school and from year to year.

• The reserve lists for all opportunity classes remain active for the whole of Year 5 and at least the end of Term 1 in Year 6. Should vacancies arise after all vacancies have been filled offers continue to be made in the strict order of the reserve list.

• The minimum entry score is determined by the geographical location of the schools and the academic merit of the students applying for entry. Where parents decline offers after the school term begins, it may become necessary to go much further down a reserve list than may have happened in previous years.

• The minimum entry score is not an indicator of the relative performance of the primary schools with opportunity classes.

• Parents should not use minimum entry scores as the only criterion on which to base their choice of opportunity classes. They should also consider factors such as the curriculum offered at each school and travelling times and transport.

• For further information about applying for placement in an opportunity class in Year 5, visit the Public Schools website.

• Examples of the Opportunity Class Placement Test can be found on the Department’s website.

Data Source:

• High Performing Students Team, NSW Department of Education.