Test Debacle on May 2, 2025:

On May 2, 2025, the Selective High School Placement Test in NSW descended into chaos. The shift to a computer-based format, outsourced to Janison Education for $45 million, was marred by system crashes, inconsistent test versions, and poor support. Students suffered immense distress, with parents reporting panic attacks and tears during the exam. This fiasco laid bare the deep flaws in the selective school system, which entrenches inequality and sacrifices student wellbeing for exclusivity.

We call for the abolition of selective schools and the adoption of streamed classes in all high schools. Streaming would place students in ability-based groups within comprehensive schools, ensuring access to challenging curricula and peer learning. This model promotes social cohesion and dismantles the elitism baked into selective education.

• The Selective High School Placement Test experienced severe technical failures, including system crashes and inconsistent test versions, leading to distress and chaos for students.
• Student Wellbeing at Risk: The high-stakes test, worsened by technical issues, caused panic attacks, tears, and trauma among students, showing the system's neglect of mental health.
• Inequality in the Selective School System: Only 2% of selective school students come from the lowest socio-educational backgrounds, despite the Equity Placement Model, highlighting entrenched inequality.
• Tutoring Industry Exacerbates Inequality: Private tutoring, often costing thousands of dollars, gives wealthier families an unfair edge, undermining meritocracy and excluding disadvantaged students.
• Flawed Educational Approach: Tutoring emphasizes rote learning and exam techniques over critical thinking or creativity, clashing with selective school curricula needs.
• Ethical Concerns with Tutoring: Some tutoring centers leak test questions, engaging in unethical practices that erode trust and fairness in the process.
• Department of Education's Mismanagement: The Department failed to ensure a reliable testing system, ignored warnings, and had no contingency plans, directly causing the debacle.
• Minister Pru Carr's Inadequate Response: On May 2, 2025, Minister Carr acknowledged "technical issues" but offered no real accountability or solutions, sparking demands for a full explanation.
• Call for Systemic Change: The petition urges abolishing selective schools and introducing streamed classes in all high schools for tailored education without elitism, promoting equity and wellbeing.
•  Benefits of Streaming: Streaming groups students by ability within comprehensive schools, ensuring access to challenging curricula and peer learning while encouraging social cohesion.
• Urgent Demand for Accountability: The petition demands Minister Carr explain the failure's root causes and provide concrete steps to prevent future issues.