As an academically selective school, James Ruse has a rigorous admissions' process.  Applicants must be permanent residents of NSW with numbers limited by accommodation to 120 in each of Year 7 and 8 with an increase to 160 in Years 9, 10 and 11 by an intake of another 40 students.  Students are not admitted into Year 12.

For students seeking entry in Year 7
The Selective Schools Unit of the Department of Education and Training conducts an entry test in mid March for entry into Year 7 the following year. Normally Year 6 students sit for the exam which covers a 40 minute examination in each of English, Mathematics and General Ability.  Application forms are available from all Primary Schools or from the Selective Schools Unit:

• Telephone (02) 9707 6262
• Email ssu@det.nsw.edu.au
• Website www.det.nsw.edu.au

Application for entry into Year 7 is to be made in November when the student is in Year 5 and the test will be administered in March when the student is in Year 6.  For example, students wishing to enter Year 7 2011 must send an application form in by November 2009.

For students seeking entry in Years 8 to 10
Application forms are available from all selective schools or the Selective Schools Unit (details above) from mid June each year with the closing date in August. There is no selection test for entry to James Ruse Agricultural High School in these years, however the application form should contain copies of all academic and cocurricular activities undertaken by the student over the past three years or more. An internal school selection panel of six educators convenes in early August to evaluate applications.

Further information may be obtained by email jamesruse.admin@bigpond.com