What Is OC Placement?
Opportunity Class (OC) is a specialised academic program offered by the NSW Department of Education for academically gifted and high-potential students in Years 5 and 6. OC classes are hosted within select government primary schools across the state, including several in Sydney's Hills District — Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills, and beyond.
The OC placement process is highly competitive, with thousands of students across NSW applying each year for a limited number of spots. Placement is determined primarily by performance in the OC Placement Test, which assesses thinking skills, mathematical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The test is designed to measure academic potential rather than curriculum knowledge, making structured preparation essential.
For Hills District families, securing an OC placement can open doors to enriched learning experiences, peer groups of similarly motivated students, and an accelerated curriculum that challenges gifted learners. Many parents view OC placement as a strong foundation for future academic success, including selective high school entry in Year 7.
OC Placement Key Dates & Timeline
The OC placement process follows a structured annual timeline. While exact dates vary slightly each year, the typical schedule below will help Hills District parents plan ahead and never miss a critical deadline.
Application Period Opens
Parents submit applications through the NSW Department of Education's online portal, listing up to three school preferences. Ensure you have proof of residency ready for catchment consideration.
Application Period Closes
Late applications are generally not accepted. Double-check your application before the deadline — errors in school preferences cannot be corrected after closing.
OC Placement Test Date
The test is administered at designated test centres across the state. Hills District students typically sit the test at local exam venues. Arrive early with all required materials.
Results & First Offer Round
Test results are released and placement offers begin. You will receive an outcome via email or the online portal. Offers are based on test performance and school preferences.
First Offer Acceptance Deadline
Accept or decline your offer within the specified window. Unaccepted offers are redistributed to students on the waiting list in subsequent rounds.
Subsequent Offer Rounds
Additional offers are made as vacancies arise. Students on the reserve list may receive offers through to the start of the school year.
Mark these dates well in advance and begin preparation early. The students who succeed are typically those who start building their skills 6–12 months before the test.
Hills District Suburb-by-Suburb Catchment Guide
Understanding OC catchment areas is crucial for Hills District families. The availability of OC classes and specific catchment boundaries vary by suburb. Below is a detailed breakdown of each major Hills District suburb, the OC schools serving it, and what you need to know.
Baulkham Hills
OC Schools
Matthew Pearce Public School (OC class), Baulkham Hills North Public School, Jasper Road Public School
Catchment Notes
Matthew Pearce PS is one of the most sought-after OC schools in the Hills District. Its catchment covers central and southern Baulkham Hills. Students outside the catchment may still apply, but in-catchment applicants receive priority.
Historical Context
Matthew Pearce consistently ranks among the top OC programs in NSW. The competition for places is intense, making early and thorough preparation essential for success.
Castle Hill
OC Schools
Castle Hill Public School, Oakhill Drive Public School, Excelsior Public School
Catchment Notes
Castle Hill PS has a well-established OC program serving the Castle Hill area. Oakhill Drive and Excelsior also maintain strong academic reputations and feed into the OC pathway.
Historical Context
Castle Hill PS has produced consistently strong OC results over the years. The school's OC program is well-regarded and attracts applicants from neighbouring suburbs.
Cherrybrook
OC Schools
Cherrybrook Public School, John Purchase Public School, Tangara School (private)
Catchment Notes
Cherrybrook PS offers a well-regarded OC program. The catchment covers most of Cherrybrook and parts of West Pennant Hills. John Purchase PS is another strong option for families in the area.
Historical Context
Cherrybrook PS has grown in popularity in recent years, with increasing demand for its OC program. Families often list it as a top preference alongside Matthew Pearce.
West Pennant Hills
OC Schools
West Pennant Hills Public School, Murray Farm Public School, Roselea Public School
Catchment Notes
Murray Farm PS has a strong OC program with a catchment extending into parts of Carlingford and West Pennant Hills. West Pennant Hills PS and Roselea PS also serve the area well.
Historical Context
Murray Farm is known for its nurturing yet rigorous academic environment, making it a popular choice among West Pennant Hills families seeking OC placement.
Glenhaven
OC Schools
Glenhaven Public School, Crestwood Public School, Hills Grammar (private)
Catchment Notes
Glenhaven PS does not host an OC class itself. Students from Glenhaven typically apply to nearby OC programs at Cherrybrook PS, Matthew Pearce PS, or Murray Farm PS.
Historical Context
Glenhaven families have consistently achieved strong OC placement results, reflecting the high value placed on education in this community.
Kellyville
OC Schools
Kellyville Public School, Sherwood Ridge Public School, Rouse Hill Public School
Catchment Notes
Rouse Hill PS has a growing OC program serving the Kellyville and Rouse Hill areas. Kellyville PS and Sherwood Ridge PS provide strong foundational programs that prepare students well for OC testing.
Historical Context
The Kellyville area has seen significant growth in OC interest over recent years, with more families seeking preparation support to remain competitive.
Norwest
OC Schools
Norwest Christian College (private), St. Bernadette's Primary School (Catholic)
Catchment Notes
Norwest is primarily serviced by nearby OC programs at Bella Vista PS and Matthew Pearce PS for public OC options. Families in Norwest should factor travel time when listing school preferences.
Historical Context
As a newer residential area, Norwest families often seek OC placement at nearby established programs, making early planning essential.
Beaumont Hills
OC Schools
Beaumont Hills Public School, Ironbark Ridge Public School
Catchment Notes
Students in Beaumont Hills typically apply to OC programs at Rouse Hill PS or Matthew Pearce PS. Neither Beaumont Hills PS nor Ironbark Ridge PS host OC classes on site.
Historical Context
The Beaumont Hills community has a strong track record of OC success, with many students securing placements at top Hills District OC schools.
Bella Vista
OC Schools
Bella Vista Public School, St. Michael's Primary School (Catholic)
Catchment Notes
Bella Vista PS offers a strong academic program. Students seeking OC classes typically apply to nearby Matthew Pearce PS or Murray Farm PS.
Historical Context
Bella Vista families have increasingly pursued OC placement in recent years, reflecting the suburb's growing focus on academic excellence.
Need help navigating OC catchment options for your suburb?
Our team knows the Hills District OC landscape inside out. We can help you understand your options and prepare your child for success.
Get OC Prep SupportOC Test Format & Subject Breakdown
The OC Placement Test is designed to assess academic potential rather than curriculum knowledge. Understanding the format is the first step to effective preparation.
Thinking Skills
40 min
30 questions
Evaluates logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Questions involve patterns, analogies, deductions, and spatial reasoning. This is often the most challenging section as it tests raw cognitive ability rather than learned content.
Mathematical Reasoning
40 min
35 questions
Tests the ability to apply mathematical concepts to novel situations. Covers number sense, measurement, geometry, data interpretation, and problem-solving. The focus is on reasoning and application rather than computational speed.
Reading Comprehension
30 min
25 questions
Assesses the ability to understand, interpret, and analyse written passages. Covers literal comprehension, inferential understanding, vocabulary in context, and identifying main ideas and supporting details.
The total test time is approximately 110 minutes, with short breaks between sections. Each section is scored independently, and the combined performance determines the final placement score. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so attempting every question is encouraged.
Past Test Patterns & Question Types
Understanding the patterns in past OC tests can significantly improve your child's preparation. Here is what Hills District parents should know about each section's common question styles.
Thinking Skills Trends
- • Pattern recognition sequences — visual and numerical patterns that require identifying the next in a series
- • Logical deduction puzzles — determining relationships and constraints from given information
- • Analogical reasoning — "A is to B as C is to ?" style questions
- • Venn diagram and set-based classification problems
- • True / false / unknown logic statements requiring careful analysis
Mathematical Reasoning Trends
- • Multi-step word problems requiring strategic thinking
- • Data interpretation from tables, charts, and graphs
- • Measurement and unit conversion problems
- • Fraction, ratio, and proportion applications
- • Spatial and geometric reasoning tasks
Reading Comprehension Trends
- • Short to medium-length passages (150–400 words) covering various topics
- • Both fiction and non-fiction texts included
- • Questions requiring inference and conclusion-drawing
- • Vocabulary questions embedded in context
- • Author's purpose and tone identification
Time Management Tip: Each section is timed separately. Teach your child to move on from difficult questions and return to them if time permits. With no penalty for wrong answers, attempting every question is always the right strategy.
How to Prepare Your Child for OC Success
Starting preparation early is the single most important factor in OC success. Here are our key recommendations for Hills District families.
Start 6–12 Months Before the Test
Cramming doesn't work for cognitive skills tests. Building thinking skills takes time and consistent practice over months, not weeks. Early preparation reduces stress and allows for steady, sustainable progress.
Focus on Foundations First
Ensure your child has strong maths and English fundamentals before introducing OC-specific content. Weak foundations will limit progress regardless of how much test practice is done.
Practice with Mock Tests
Familiarity with the test format, time pressure, and question styles is crucial. Regular mock tests build speed, accuracy, and confidence. They also help identify specific areas that need more attention.
Develop Thinking Skills Holistically
Encourage puzzles, strategy games like chess, brain teasers, and critical discussions at home. OC success comes not just from tutoring but from developing a curious, analytical mindset that extends beyond the classroom.
Balance Preparation with Wellbeing
Avoid overscheduling. Children perform best when well-rested, confident, and supported. Regular breaks, physical activity, and downtime are just as important as study time for optimal cognitive performance.
Want a structured OC preparation plan tailored to your child?
Our OC prep program is designed to build skills systematically over time.
Learn About Our OC Program
How Growth Academy Prepares Hills District Students for OC Success
With 15+ years of specialised tutoring expertise, Growth Academy offers a targeted OC preparation program designed to align with the OC Placement Test curriculum. Our program has helped countless Hills District students secure placements at Matthew Pearce PS, Cherrybrook PS, Castle Hill PS, Murray Farm PS, and other top OC schools in the area.
- ✓ OC-Specific Curriculum — Our lessons focus specifically on Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension as tested in the OC exam
- ✓ Regular Mock Tests — Full-length practice exams with detailed performance analytics and personalised feedback to track progress
- ✓ Small Class Sizes — Maximum 8 students per class ensures individual attention and targeted skill development
- ✓ Proven Track Record — Successful OC placements across all major Hills District schools including Matthew Pearce PS, Cherrybrook PS, Castle Hill PS, and Murray Farm PS
- ✓ Structured Preparation Timeline — Our program maps to the OC test cycle, ensuring students are test-ready by July
Inspiring, Focused Campus Environments
Where modern facilities meet specialised, distraction-free OC preparation.
Hear From Our Successful OC Students
Real results from real Hills District families in our OC preparation programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About OC Placement in the Hills District
When should my child start OC preparation?
We recommend beginning 6–12 months before the test date. This allows sufficient time to build skills gradually without pressure. Starting early also reduces last-minute stress and gives your child the opportunity to develop genuine confidence in their abilities.
Can my child apply to OC schools outside our suburb's catchment?
Yes. While in-catchment applicants receive priority, students outside the catchment can still be offered placement if spots remain after in-catchment offers. When listing school preferences, it is wise to include a mix of catchment and non-catchment options.
What is the OC Placement Test pass mark?
There is no fixed pass mark. OC placement is competitive and depends on the number of applicants and available spots each year. The required score varies by school and year. The key is to perform as well as possible relative to other applicants.
Does Growth Academy offer OC-specific tutoring?
Yes. Our OC preparation program is specifically designed to align with the OC Placement Test curriculum. We focus exclusively on the three test sections — Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension — through structured weekly lessons and regular mock tests.
Are there OC classes at every Hills District primary school?
No. OC classes are only available at select government primary schools. In the Hills District, OC programs are hosted at schools including Matthew Pearce PS, Castle Hill PS, Cherrybrook PS, Murray Farm PS, Rouse Hill PS, and a few others. Our suburb guide above details which schools offer OC programs and their catchment areas.
How are OC placement offers decided?
Offers are based on a combination of test performance and school preferences. Students are ranked by their test scores, and offers are made to the highest-ranked applicants based on their listed school preferences. Equity considerations and catchment priority also factor into the process.
Ready to Give Your Child the Best OC Preparation?
Fill out the form below and a member from our team will be in touch to discuss how Growth Academy can help your child secure an OC placement in the Hills District. Include "OC Guide" or "OC Tutoring" in your message so we can tailor our response.
📌 Please Note: To give our active students undivided attention, we do not take unscheduled incoming phone calls. Submitting this form secures your placement in our review queue.
Start With a Paid Trial. Then Backed by Our Guarantee.
Your first OC prep lesson is a paid trial at the standard per-session rate — no plan, no enrolment fee, no commitment. If it's not the right fit, simply let us know before the next session and you're done.
If you continue, our 10-Week Results Guarantee applies: complete the term, attend all lessons, and if your child doesn't demonstrate measurable improvement, we'll refund the term fee (excl. enrolment fee). That's our commitment to you.