Welcome to Opportunity Class (OC) Test Information

Your guide to mastering the OC Test and securing a spot in a top school.

This website contains everything you need to know and product comparisons.

Visit selective-test.com.au for Selective Test Information

What is the Opportunity Class (OC) Test?

The OC Test is a competitive examination designed to assess the academic aptitude of Year 4 students in New South Wales, Australia. Administered by the NSW Department of Education, this test determines entry into OC classes, which provide an enriched educational environment for academically gifted students.

The OC Test is comprised of multiple components, including sections on Reading, Mathematics, and Thinking Skills, all aimed at measuring a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic proficiency. Thousands of applicants each year vie for limited spots, making thorough preparation essential for success.

Why is the OC Test Important?

Admission to an OC class is a significant achievement. These classes provide students with advanced resources, high-quality teaching, and a learning environment that fosters academic excellence. They are known for consistently achieving top marks in state-wide and national testing. Entry into such classes opens doors to a world of opportunities, from advanced learning programs to academic scholarships and beyond.

Understanding the Test Structure

The OC Test is divided into several key sections, each designed to assess different aspects of a student's academic ability. Here's a breakdown of the test structure:

Reading Comprehension

This section tests a student's ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written passages. It includes various types of texts, from fiction to non-fiction, and focuses on a range of skills such as vocabulary understanding, literal and inferential comprehension, and the ability to analyse the text.

Mathematical Reasoning

The Mathematics section evaluates a student's understanding of numerical concepts, ranging from basic arithmetic to more complex topics like algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Problem-solving and the application of logical thinking are critical in this section.

Thinking Skills

This section tests a student's reasoning and logic skills through a series of verbal and non-verbal questions. Thinking Skills questions may include patterns, sequences, analogies, and other problems that require abstract thinking and fast decision-making.

General Preparation Tips for Success

Preparing for the OC Test requires focus, discipline, and a strategic approach. Here are some essential tips to help students maximise their chances of success:

Remember, preparation for the OC Test is not just about hard work; it's about working smart. Stay organised, focused, and motivated as you approach the test date.

Looking for Preparation Platforms?

Take a look at our detailed breakdown of online OC Test preparation platforms before making the important decision of who to continue with.

See Detailed Comparison of Online Platforms

Looking for Tutoring Centres?

Take a look at our detailed breakdown of tutoring centres before making the important decision of who to continue with.

See Detailed Comparison of Tutoring Centres

In-Depth Preparation Strategies for the OC Test

Mastering the OC Test requires not only academic knowledge but also a well-rounded strategy tailored to the test’s structure. Here, we provide in-depth preparation strategies to help students approach each section with confidence and optimise their chances of success.

Reading Comprehension Preparation

The Reading Comprehension section is designed to assess a student’s ability to read and comprehend complex passages quickly and accurately. To excel, students should:

Reading is weighted as 33.33% of your final weighted percentile, making this section important.

Mathematics Preparation

The Mathematics section tests a broad range of mathematical concepts, from arithmetic to advanced problem-solving. Here’s how students can prepare effectively:

Mathematical Reasoning is weighted as 33.33% of your final weighted percentile, making this section important.

Thinking Skills Preparation

Thinking Skills questions challenge a student's logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to recognise patterns. These tips will help sharpen skills for this section:

Thinking Skills is weighted as 33.33% of your final weighted percentile, making this section very important.

Frequently Asked Questions About the OC Test

What is the Opportunity Class (OC) Test?

The OC Test is an examination held annually in New South Wales, designed to assess the academic capabilities of students seeking placement in Opportunity Classes (OC). It is intended for Year 4 students aiming to enter Year 5 in these classes. The test measures a range of skills across various subjects to determine a student’s eligibility for OC admission.

What is the format of the OC Test?

The OC Test comprises three sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. Each section evaluates different aspects of a student’s academic ability:

  • Reading: Comprehension of complex texts
  • Mathematical Reasoning: Problem-solving and numerical reasoning
  • Thinking Skills: Critical thinking and logical reasoning
The test is conducted under timed conditions, with a total duration of around 2 hours.

How competitive is the OC Test?

Each year, thousands of students in New South Wales apply to take the OC Test, but only a limited number of spots are available across the state's Opportunity Classes. This makes the competition for entry highly competitive, with students needing to perform at a high level across all test sections.

How is the OC Test scored?

The test is scored based on each student's performance in the three sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. Raw scores are converted to standardised scores to ensure fairness across different test versions. These combined scores are used to determine a student’s ranking for placement in OC classes.

What are the eligibility criteria for Opportunity Classes?

To be eligible for OC placement, students must be in Year 4 when they sit the OC Test and demonstrate high academic achievement. Selection is determined by a ranking system, with the highest-ranked students offered places in OC classes.

How can students prepare for the OC Test?

Students preparing for the OC Test should focus on enhancing their skills in reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking. Preparation can include practicing past papers, timed mock tests, and developing strong problem-solving techniques.

When and where is the OC Test held?

The OC Test is held annually, typically in July, at designated test centers across New South Wales. Students are notified of their test venue upon successful registration. The results of the test are usually released a few months later, and students are informed of their placement offers by September.

What happens after the test?

After the test, the results are compiled and ranked. Students receive a placement outcome, which may include offers to attend an OC class, depending on their performance and available spots. If a student does not receive an initial offer, they may be placed on a reserve list for their preferred school.

Are there any alternative pathways to OC classes?

While the OC Test is the primary pathway for entry into Opportunity Classes, students who do not receive an offer may still be placed on a reserve list, and additional spots may open up as others decline offers. It’s important to monitor your ranking and offers after the test.

What types of schools offer OC classes?

OC classes are offered in select government primary schools across New South Wales. These classes are tailored to provide a challenging and enriched curriculum for academically gifted students.

What happens if a student does not get into an OC class?

If a student is not successful in gaining a placement in an OC class, they will continue in their current school or another local school. Students who do not receive an initial offer may still be placed on a reserve list for potential offers if spots become available.

Are accommodations available for students with special needs?

Yes, accommodations are available for students with special needs taking the OC Test. These accommodations are designed to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to perform to their best ability. Parents or guardians must apply for these adjustments during the application process, providing documentation of the student’s needs.

Can students change their OC class preferences after applying?

Yes, students can change their preferences for OC classes after submitting their application, but this must be done within the designated period before the test. After this period, changes to preferences are typically not allowed. It is important for students and parents to carefully consider their choices before submitting them.

How do OC classes differ from regular public school classes?

OC classes differ from regular public school classes in that they cater to students with high academic ability. Admission is based on merit, primarily through the OC Test. These classes often have a more challenging curriculum, tailored to students who are academically gifted. OC classes provide an environment that fosters academic excellence and typically offer enhanced resources, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for leadership development.

Comprehensive List of OC Schools in New South Wales

Below is a detailed table of all OC Schools in New South Wales, including the number of available spots for each school. This information is essential for students and parents planning their applications for the OC Test.

School Name Location Available Spots
Alexandra Park Community School Alexandria 30
Alstonville Public School Alstonville 15
Armidale City Public School Armidale 15
Artarmon Public School Artarmon 30
Ashfield Public School Ashfield 30
Aurora College Virtual (Rural/Remote) 100
Balgowlah Heights Public School Balgowlah 15
Balmain Public School Balmain 30
Bathurst West Public School Bathurst 15
Beecroft Public School Beecroft 30
Biraban Public School Toronto 15
Blacktown South Public School Blacktown 15
Blaxcell Street Public School Granville 30
Blaxland East Public School Blaxland East 30
Bradbury Public School Bradbury 15
Brookvale Public School Brookvale 15
Camden South Public School Camden 15
Caringbah North Public School Caringbah 15
Casula Public School Casula 15
Cessnock West Public School Cessnock 15
Chatswood Public School Chatswood 30
Colyton Public School Mount Druitt 15
Coonabarabran Public School Coonabarabran 15
Cudgegong Valley Public School Mudgee 15
Dubbo West Public School Dubbo 15
Dural Public School Dural 30
Earlwood Public School Earlwood 30
Ermington Public School West Ryde 30
Georges Hall Public School Georges Hall 15
Glenbrook Public School Glenbrook Not available in 2025
Goonellabah Public School Goonellabah 15
Gosford Public School West Gosford 30
Goulburn West Public School Goulburn 15
Greenacre Public School Greenacre 15
Greystanes Public School Greystanes 30
Harrington Street Public School Cabramatta 15
Holsworthy Public School Holsworthy 15
Hurstville Public School Hurstville 60
Illaroo Road Public School Nowra 15
Ironbark Ridge Public School Rouse Hill 30
Jewells Primary School Jewells 15
Kingswood Public School Kingswood 15
Leumeah Public School Leumeah 15
Lindfield East Public School East Lindfield 15
Lithgow Public School Lithgow 15
Maroubra Junction Public School Maroubra 15
Matthew Pearce Public School Baulkham Hills 30
Mona Vale Public School Mona Vale 30
Neutral Bay Public School Neutral Bay 30
North Rocks Public School North Rocks 30
Penrith Public School Penrith 15
Picnic Point Public School Picnic Point 15
Port Macquarie Public School Port Macquarie 15
Quakers Hill Public School Quakers Hill 30
Richmond Public School Richmond 30
Rutherford Public School Rutherford 15
Ryde Public School Ryde 30
Smithfield Public School Smithfield 15
Soldiers Point Public School Soldiers Point 15
South Grafton Public School South Grafton 15
St Andrews Public School St Andrews 15
St Clair Public School St Clair 15
St Johns Park Public School St Johns Park 15
Sturt Public School Wagga Wagga 15
Summer Hill Public School Summer Hill 30
Sutherland Public School Sutherland 30
Tahmoor Public School Tahmoor 15
Tamworth Public School Tamworth 15
Tamworth South Public School Tamworth 15
Tighes Hill Public School Tighes Hill 15
Toongabbie Public School Toongabbie 15
Toormina Public School Toormina 15
Wahroonga Public School Wahroonga 15
Waitara Public School Waitara 30
Wentworth Falls Public School Wentworth Falls 15
Wilkins Public School Marrickville 30
Wollongong Public School Wollongong 30
Woollahra Public School Woollahra 30
Wyong Public School Wyong 30

Platform Comparison for OC School Test Preparation

Feature testacademy.com.au selectivetests.com.au selectivetrial.com.au braindocacademy.com.au oztests.com.au
Personalised Learning Features Yes, personalised weekly study schedules and weekly performance summaries Offers a structured study plan Detailed course selection options Just fixed test packages Just fixed test packages
Writing Feedback Yes, unlimited with detailed feedback on writing, personalised exemplars, and literary technique analysis Writing feedback provided Yes, offers basic writing feedback for select packages No No
Practice Questions Large question bank with very detailed question explanations Moderate question bank, focused on selective and OC exams Large question bank with very detailed question explanations Smaller bank of questions with great question explanations Many full-length tests for various exams
Analytics & Progress Tracking Advanced analytics, real-time performance tracking, and percentiles against other students Basic performance tracking, lacks detailed analytics Useful raw score reports (but outdated), no detailed progress insights Progress reports and percentiles against other students Basic progress reports
Free Trials or Free Resources Yes, includes full-length free tests and marked writing Free sample tests provided Limited free trial, includes sample tests No free trials Free full-length tests available
Price Range Moderate price per test Moderate price per test Expensive price per test Expensive price per test Expensive price per test
Support WhatsApp, Messenger, Email Phone and Email Phone and Email Email WhatsApp, Messenger, Email
Consultations Video calls for educational advice No No No No

Our Choice: testacademy.com.au

After evaluating all the platforms, testacademy.com.au emerges as the top choice for its comprehensive and personalised approach. With personalised study plans, detailed progress analytics, extensive question banks, and mobile optimisation, it provides a holistic solution for OC School Test preparation. While other platforms offer some useful features, none match the complete package and adaptability of testacademy.com.au.

Tutoring Centre Comparison in Sydney

Feature Success Tutoring Alpha One James An Scholola Pre-Uni New College NumberWorks'nWords North Shore Coaching College
Personalised Tutoring Yes, highly individualised Yes, focused on OC school preparation No, large class format Yes, adaptive and tailored tutoring No, fixed group lessons Yes, individualised learning programs Yes, some personalisation but mainly group-based
Qualified Tutors Yes, trained and experienced educators Yes, but varies by subject Experienced, but not all certified Yes, specialists in different fields Yes, selective entry students Yes, qualified educators Yes, highly qualified, selective tutors
Class Sizes Small, 1:1 or very small groups Small groups, max 4 students Larger, up to 25 students per class Small group or 1:1 Larger classes, typically over 20 students Small groups or 1:1 Larger classes, typical for coaching centers
Programs Offered K-12, HSC, Selective, and OC prep Selective, OC, and scholarship prep Selective schools and OC exams All subjects, K-12, including creative fields Selective schools, HSC, and OC prep Maths and English, primary through high school Selective, OC, and HSC prep
Learning Environment Encouraging, growth-oriented Focused on academic achievement Highly competitive, exam-focused Student-centered, collaborative Competitive, geared toward selective entry Supportive, focused on building confidence Highly competitive, focused on excellence
Price Range Moderate, flexible pricing options Higher end, premium service Moderate to high, depending on course Affordable, custom pricing Moderate to high Moderate, custom packages Moderate, varies by program
Free Trial or Initial Consultation Yes, free consultation and assessment No, paid trial lessons No trial, fixed programs Yes, free consultation No, paid trial programs Yes, free assessment offered No, paid trial sessions
Locations Multiple locations across Sydney and online Mainly in selective hubs, i.e. Parramatta Several locations in Sydney suburbs Multiple locations and fully online Primarily in urban locations Multiple Sydney locations, also online Many locations across Sydney suburbs

Our Choices: Success Tutoring & Scholola

After comparing the various tutoring centres, Success Tutoring and Scholola stand out for their personalised learning approaches, small class sizes, and strong focus on student development. Both centres offer highly individualised support, making them the top choices for students aiming for academic success in a nurturing environment.

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Understanding OC Test Results and Competition

How Are OC Test Results Released?

Results for the OC Test are released via email and on the NSW Department of Education’s online portal. Outcome notifications will include:

  • Placement outcome: Offer, Reserve, or Unsuccessful.
  • Performance report: Comparison of the student’s performance against others (within percentiles such as top 10%, top 20%, etc.).

Offers are extended until all available places in Opportunity Classes are filled. Students who do not receive an immediate offer may be placed on a reserve list.

Understanding the Competition: Percentile Requirements

Admission to OC classes is highly competitive, with only a limited number of spots available each year. Students who score within the top percentiles are more likely to secure a place. The percentile-based system ranks students based on their relative performance compared to the entire cohort sitting the test.

How Are OC Test Scores Calculated?

The OC Test includes the following sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. Student performance in each section is compared with other test-takers, and the results are expressed as percentiles:

  • Top 10% of candidates
  • Next 20% of candidates
  • Next 30% of candidates
  • Lowest 40% of candidates

The OC Test does not provide raw scores, but percentile rankings help families understand where their child stands relative to other candidates. A detailed breakdown of each section's performance is available upon request.

Sample Calculation of Final Percentiles

The final placement score is based on weighted scores from each section of the test:

  • Reading: 33.33% weight
  • Mathematical Reasoning: 33.33% weight
  • Thinking Skills: 33.33% weight

For example, if a student scores:

  • Reading: 90th percentile
  • Mathematical Reasoning: 85th percentile
  • Thinking Skills: 80th percentile

The weighted score can be calculated as follows:

  • Reading: 90 * 0.3333 = 30
  • Mathematical Reasoning: 85 * 0.3333 = 28.33
  • Thinking Skills: 80 * 0.3333 = 26.67

The final score would be the sum of these weighted scores: 30 + 28.33 + 26.67 = 85. This score would then be compared to other candidates.


Disclaimer: This is a sample calculation and actual final percentiles depend on the strength of the cohort and test difficulty for that particular year.

Sample Percentile Report

Example of a percentile-based outcome report.

Reserve Lists and Additional Considerations

Students who do not receive an immediate offer may be placed on a reserve list. If a spot opens later, they may still receive an offer, usually up until the beginning of Year 5. Accepting a place from the reserve list cancels any previous offers.

Conclusion

The OC Test results are crucial in determining a student’s eligibility for placement in an Opportunity Class. By focusing on percentile rankings and understanding where a student stands among their peers, families can better assess their chances of securing a place in these prestigious programs.

Watch: OC School Test Outcome Information Video

Learn more about the OC School Test, the application process, and how results are processed through this informative video provided by the NSW Department of Education.

OC Weighted Percentile & School Entry Calculator

When using this calculator, take the minimal percentile of the band that you got for each section for a conservative output.
If you are confident that you performed better than the minimum, gradually increase it for better accuracy.

Enter Your Percentiles

Your Results

Final Weighted Percentile:

Prediction:

Based on top Year 5 NAPLAN results, some of the best OC Schools include: Matthew Pearce, North Rocks, Beecroft, Artarmon, Dural, Ryde, Waitara.

This calculator is for indicative purposes only. Reserves are not considered.

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