Enrol

HPGE (High Potential & Gifted Education) at Balmain Campus

View our Powerpoint Presentation here

Selective Stream - Year 7 Students

At SSC Balmain, 60 places in Year 7 are made available to selective students every year. There are no intake areas for selective classes so parents can apply regardless of where they live. Enrolment is by application via the statewide Selective Schools test conducted early in the final year of primary school. For more information see the Department's selective high schools page .

Steps:

1. Visit Selective high school and opportunity class placement
2. Register to start your application
3. Verify your email address
4. Log in
5. Complete all sections of the application form
6. Submit the application form
7. Student sits the placement test
8. Family is advised of the outcome.

You can apply for up to three selective schools. You must submit a separate application form for each school and list the schools in the same order of preference.

Late applications

The application period cannot be extended. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. For more information, check key dates .

Applications for enrolment in the selective stream for 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 will be open from 6 November 2025 to 20 February 2026.

Selective Stream - Year 8-10 Students

The application process for Years 8–10 selective enrolments – including vacancies, assessments, and placement decisions – is managed by SSC Leichhardt Campus. Enrolment is subject to available places and the meeting of academic criteria. There are no intake areas for selective classes.

Application forms and key dates are available on Department of Education’s Years 8-12 selective enrolment page. Students applying to Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt for year 8-10 selective placement should apply using the general application form at this link and include as much supporting evidence as possible, including school reports and NAPLAN reports.

A placement panel – including the Campus Principal or delegate, a teacher representative and a parent representative – considers all applications before an offer is made. Demonstrated evidence of high academic achievement must be evident.

All selective students must be Australian citizens, permanent Australian residents or the child of diplomatic staff.

Waiting lists will be established where there are no places available at the time of application or where requests for enrolment exceed available places. Waiting lists are current for one year. Parents will be advised if their child is being placed on a waiting list.

Applications for 2026 year 8-10 selective enrolment are now closed.

Enrichment Stream - All Years

Balmain Enrichment Classes offer a unique opportunity for students at Sydney Secondary College, Balmain Campus to explore their interests and enhance their learning beyond the standard curriculum.

These specialised classes are designed to challenge and inspire students, providing them with the chance to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about, whether it’s the arts, sciences, languages, or technology. Led by experienced educators and industry professionals, these enrichment programs foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, equipping students with valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond.

By participating in Balmain Enrichment Classes, students not only expand their knowledge but also build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. To find out more about our:

• Academic Enrichment Class
• Creativity Enrichment Class and
• Talented Athlete Program

Please contact the front office for an Enrichment Application Form.

Please note: Enrichment applications for 2025 are now closed. We are no longer accepting applications for 2025.

In previous years there have been two rounds of applications. Due to demand for the program, we are only able to offer one round for acceptance to the program for internal applicants.

Please submit all applications and portfolios for the Year 7 2026 program by 4th April 2025.

Please click on following presentation link to see a presentation of information of learning opportunities for High Potential and Gifted students at Balmain Campus.

Enrichment FAQs

Do we have to pick one of the three (academic, creative or TAP) programs or can you go for 2 or 3 options?

Students can apply for all three of the Enrichment classes:

• Academic Enrichment applies to placement into a class for English, Maths, Science, History and Geography classes
• Creativity Enrichment applies to placement into a class for Visual Arts, Music, Technology, Drama
• The Talented Athlete Program runs outside of school hours.

My child can't attend the test. Will there be another date available for testing?

This will be decided on a case by case basis. Please email the reason for missing the test prior to the testing date to the school's email: balmain-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

What is the relationship between Selective and Enrichment?

• Students may do some common assessment tasks
• Teachers will use similar teaching strategies including differentiation strategies form the Harvard Project Zero Differentiation Tool Box

Please note: if a student moves from selective to comprehensive, they will not be automatically placed in an enrichment class.

Why have you introduced a test (academic enrichment) and interview/trial/audition?

Making the application process more rigorous ensures that students aren't misplaced into classes providing more chance of them being successful in whichever class they are placed.

The test and interview provide us with additional sources of information to enable better comparisons between applicants.

Placement will consider the portfolio, interview and for the academic enrichment class, the testing.

What will be provided for the Creativity class?

• We promote and support connections to the DoE Arts Unit and the extra opportunities available through the Unit.
• Specialised programs with industry experts.

Is the Talented Athlete Program available to student in Selective Stream?

Yes – it is run outside of school hours.

Is the Creativity Enrichment Stream available to students in the Selective Stream?

No, it is only available to students in the Comprehensive Stream.

What happens once my child is in an enrichment class, but is not performing to the standard expected?

You will be informed in writing on two occasions prior to your child being moved from the enrichment class. In writing notification may be a letter home or on the student's Academic Report. If you receive notification, we would suggest that you make an appointment to discuss this with the head teacher, year adviser or deputy principal.

We will continue to update this page leading up to the due date for applications if further questions arise.

Enrichment Application Forms

Sydney Secondary College Balmain Enrichment Program - Application form Year 7 2027

Sydney Secondary College Balmain Enrichment Program - Application form Yeas 8, 9, 10 2027 (Open from early 2026)