Enrolment for Years 8–11 (HAST)
Join a School Where Potential Becomes Performance
Hurlstone Agricultural High School offers a unique educational experience for students who are ready to challenge themselves, pursue excellence and make the most of every opportunity.
As a selective boarding public school, we bring together students with strong academic ability and a shared commitment to learning. Our students are supported by expert teachers, high expectations and a culture that values achievement, growth and contribution.
Whether in the classroom, on the farm, in the boarding community, on the sporting field, on the stage or through student leadership, students are encouraged to develop their talents, explore new opportunities and become confident, capable young adults.
Applications for entry in Years 8–11 provide an opportunity for students and families to join a vibrant learning community that is preparing young people for success in a rapidly changing world.
Quick Reference
Decided to apply to join Hurlstone Agricultural High School in 2027 for Years 8-11? This quick reference guide below will support you every step of the way:
Applicants will also need to use the application form below:
Why Join Hurlstone?
Choosing a new school is an important decision.
Families choose Hurlstone because it offers more than strong academic results. Our students experience a rich and challenging education that develops knowledge, character, skills and confidence.
At Hurlstone, students benefit from:
- Learning alongside other motivated and high-achieving students
- Expert teachers who use evidence-informed teaching practices
- Opportunities for extension, enrichment and acceleration
- A broad range of academic, sporting, creative and leadership pathways
- Access to authentic agricultural learning experiences
- Modern facilities designed for learning, collaboration and growth
- A supportive school and boarding community focused on student wellbeing and success
Our students graduate with outstanding academic outcomes, but more importantly, they leave with the skills, resilience and character needed to thrive beyond school.
Hurlstone provides a learning environment designed for students who are ready to be challenged.
Students engage with rigorous curriculum programs that promote deep understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving and intellectual curiosity. Teachers use explicit teaching strategies to make learning clear, structured and purposeful while providing opportunities for extension and independent thinking.
Our students are encouraged to pursue excellence through:
- Enrichment and extension opportunities
- Academic competitions and challenges
- Leadership in learning
- Acceleration pathways where appropriate
- Diverse Stage 6 course options
- Individual goal setting and academic mentoring
We believe high potential is only the starting point. Our focus is helping every student achieve meaningful growth and exceptional outcomes.
Agriculture is a defining feature of the Hurlstone experience.
Students learn in authentic settings that connect classroom learning with real-world challenges and opportunities. Through our working farm and specialised facilities, students develop practical skills, scientific understanding and an appreciation of the industries that help shape Australia's future.
Agricultural learning at Hurlstone encourages students to think critically, solve problems, work collaboratively and engage with emerging technologies and sustainable practices.
Whether students pursue careers in agriculture, science, engineering, medicine, business or other fields, the experiences they gain through agriculture help develop adaptable and capable learners.
A great education is about more than academic achievement.
Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities that help them discover interests, build confidence and contribute to the school community.
Opportunities include:
- Competitive and recreational sport
- Performing arts programs
- Music ensembles
- Debating and public speaking
- Student leadership programs
- Agricultural competitions and exhibitions
- Clubs, interest groups and special events
- Community service and volunteering
Participation beyond the classroom helps students develop teamwork, communication, resilience and leadership skills that will benefit them throughout life.
Students achieve their best when they feel supported, connected and known.
Our wellbeing programs help students develop positive relationships, manage challenges and build the skills needed to thrive both academically and personally.
Students are supported through:
- Year Advisers and wellbeing staff
- Academic mentoring and guidance
- School counselling services
- Boarding support programs
- Leadership development opportunities
- A strong culture of respect, responsibility and belonging
We work closely with students and families to ensure every young person is supported to learn, grow and succeed.
Boarding Opportunities
For many students, boarding is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Hurlstone experience.
Our boarding community provides a safe, structured and supportive environment where students develop independence, responsibility and lifelong friendships.
Boarders benefit from:
- Dedicated study and academic support programs
- Experienced boarding staff who know and support each student
- Modern residential facilities
- Access to school activities, sport and co-curricular programs
- Strong routines that support learning, wellbeing and personal growth
Boarding at Hurlstone creates opportunities for students from across New South Wales to access a high-quality selective education while becoming part of a connected and welcoming community.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from students seeking entry into Years 8–11. The application process for entry into Years 8 to 11 at Hurlstone Agricultural High School differs from the Year 7 process. Each selective school manages its own vacancies, assessments, and placement decisions. General information can be found at:
Places are offered when vacancies become available and are subject to the school's enrolment procedures and selection requirements.
Students applying for entry are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, positive behaviour and active participation in school life. Hurlstone requires applicants to use the general application that will be available on the selective high school website (click here) which will become available later in the year. Check the dates below for the key application stages.
We welcome applications from both day students and boarders.
Families are encouraged to review the application information and contact the school if they would like to discuss enrolment opportunities.
Further information is available via the Department of Education's website: Selective high schools – Years 8 to 11 applications
How the Application Process Works
The application process for Years 8–11 entry is designed to identify candidates who will flourish in, and meaningfully contribute to, the Hurlstone learning community. The process includes:
- Submission of an application form and supporting documentation.
- Completion of the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) by applicants.
- Consideration and review of applications and supporting documentation by a school panel, including HAST achievement scores and supplied documentation relevant to student attendance, achievement, engagement and potential.
- Invitation to interview for students identified by the school panel.
- Notification of outcomes when positions become available, including offer to enrol, placement on short-list and final outcome.
Families are encouraged to carefully review all application requirements (including the dates below) before submitting their application. Hurlstone requires applicants to use the general application that will be available on the selective high school website (click here) which will become available later in the year.
Key Dates
- Applications open: 17 June 2026
- Applications close: 24 July 2026
- Schools advise of assessment requirements: July-August 2026
- Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST): 8 August 2026
- Application assessments conducted by the school: August-September 2026
- Placement outcomes and interviews for Years 8-11 entry released: September-October 2026
- Orientation Day for new enrolments: 1 December, 2026 (for boarders, 30 November - 1 December, 2026)
- New enrolments begin at Hurlstone: 2 February, 2026
Additional transition activities are held for successful boarder applicants through these dates and are communicated to families through the application process. For questions about boarding applications, please contact the school directly.
Assessment and placement processes occur when vacancies become available.
There may be changes to these dates and procedures, so please check back regularly for any updates.
Hurlstone requires applicants to use the general application that will be available on the selective high school website (click here) which will become available later in the year.
Contact and Enquiries
We understand that choosing a school is an important decision.
If you would like to learn more about Hurlstone Agricultural High School, our enrolment processes, boarding opportunities or student programs, we encourage you to contact our enrolment team.
We look forward to helping you explore whether Hurlstone is the right fit for your child and their future.
Learning
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