Victoria Selective Entry — Mathematical Reasoning
Choose a topic below to read the explanation and practise questions for the Victorian Selective Entry Examination.
Whole Numbers & Place Value
Reading, writing, rounding and ordering large numbers
Start →Integers & Number Lines
Positive and negative numbers, ordering and operations
Start →Fractions
Equivalent fractions, operations, mixed numbers
Start →Decimals
Decimal place value, operations and conversions
Start →Percentages
Converting, finding percentages, increase and decrease
Start →Ratios & Proportions
Simplifying ratios, dividing quantities, direct proportion
Start →Algebra & Equations
Variables, expressions, solving equations, substitution
Start →Number Patterns & Sequences
Arithmetic and geometric sequences, finding the rule
Start →Measurement & Units
Length, mass, capacity, time and unit conversions
Start →Area & Perimeter
Formulas for rectangles, triangles, circles and composite shapes
Start →Angles & Geometry
Angle types, triangle properties, quadrilaterals and symmetry
Start →Data & Statistics
Graphs, mean, median, mode, range and data interpretation
Start →Probability
Likelihood, theoretical and experimental probability
Start →Volume & Surface Area
3D shapes, prisms, cylinders and composite solids
Start →The Victorian Selective Entry High School Examination is the entrance test for Year 9 places at Victoria's academically selective government schools. It is a competitive exam that assesses a range of reasoning and academic skills.
The exam covers reading comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and writing. Regular, varied practice across all of these areas — especially the reasoning components — is the key to a strong result.
| Purpose | Entry to Year 9 at Victoria's selective-entry high schools |
| Who sits it | Students in Year 8 applying for Year 9 |
| Components | Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Writing |
| Question type | Multiple-choice, plus a writing task |
| Nature | Highly competitive, timed assessment |
- Mathematical Reasoning — problem solving across number, algebra, geometry and data
- Verbal Reasoning — word relationships, logic and language
- Numerical Reasoning — patterns, sequences and quantitative logic
- Reading Comprehension and Writing — understanding texts and expressing ideas clearly
- Practise all components, but give extra attention to verbal and numerical reasoning.
- Build speed and accuracy together with timed practice.
- Read widely to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary.
- Practise planning and writing short pieces within a time limit.
What is the Victorian Selective Entry exam for?
It determines Year 9 entry to Victoria's academically selective government high schools.
What does the exam test?
Reading comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and writing.
Who sits the exam?
Students in Year 8 who are applying for a Year 9 place.
How should I prepare?
Practise all components with a focus on reasoning, build speed under timed conditions, and read widely.
Are these Selective Entry practice questions free?
Yes. All Selective Entry practice on Safe Learning for Kids is free, with explanations.