South Australia doesn’t have a fully selective government high school. What it does have is Ignite, a program for gifted and talented students that runs inside three public high schools from Year 7. Here’s what the Ignite program is, which schools offer it, and how the ACER Ignite Assessment works for students starting Year 7 in 2028. Registrations open on Monday 2 November 2026.
What is the Ignite program?
Glenunga International High School describes it like this: “The Ignite Program is a special interest program funded by the Department of Education, designed to support the learning needs of identified gifted and talented students.”
Ignite students are part of a regular high school, but they learn together. At Glenunga, Ignite students stay in one mentor group “from Years 7 through Year 9”, so they move through the first three years of high school with the same group of classmates.
Which schools offer Ignite?
The SA Department for Education’s list of special interest and specialist programs names three high schools under “Gifted and talented”, each marked “(IGNITE)”:
| School | Note |
|---|---|
| Aberfoyle Park High School | Ignite program |
| Glenunga International High School | Ignite program; also offers the IB Diploma in Years 11 and 12 |
| The Heights School | Ignite program; takes about 60 Ignite students a year |
On the Department’s list, an asterisk “means the school is approved by the department to select students for entry via an audition, test or interview the year before starting at the school.” For Ignite, that selection is the ACER Ignite Assessment, sat in Year 6.
You may also see Adelaide High School on the same list. It is approved to select students for its Languages, Cricket and Rowing programs, but it isn’t an academically selective school. The Department’s list doesn’t show any fully academically selective government high school in South Australia.
Key dates for Year 7 in 2028
These dates are for children in Year 5 now, who will sit the assessment in Year 6 and start Year 7 in 2028:
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registrations open | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| ACER Ignite Assessment | Saturday 20 February 2027 |
Last checked 17 October 2026. Glenunga’s Ignite page says “The ACER Ignite Assessment will be held on 20 February 2027” and registrations “will open on Monday 2 November 2026”. Check the school’s page for the closing date and how to register before you plan.
What’s in the ACER Ignite Assessment?
The assessment takes “approximately 3 hours” and has four parts:
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Written Expression
One rule surprises some families: students may sit the assessment “once and only at one Ignite School”. So choose your school before you register, rather than planning to try at each one.
Getting ready without pressure
Because the assessment looks at reading, reasoning and writing rather than a list of facts to learn, the best preparation is the everyday kind. Keep reading together, including longer chapter books your child enjoys. Play games that need thinking, such as cards, puzzles and building. Let your child write for real reasons: a letter, a story, a card for a grandparent. And keep the weeks before the assessment ordinary, with normal sleep, school and friends. A child who arrives rested and relaxed will show what they can really do.
How much does it cost?
Check the current fee with the school you choose. As a guide, The Heights School’s page for 2027 entry said “a non-refundable fee of $150 applies”. The fee for 2028 entry may differ, so confirm it when registrations open.
Is Ignite right for my child?
Ignite suits a child who loves learning, enjoys a fast pace and would like to be among classmates who feel the same. It isn’t the only way to stretch a bright child, and plenty of children thrive at their local high school. A few questions can help you decide together:
- Does my child want this? Ask them, and listen. Excitement is a good sign; worry is worth talking about.
- Which school, and how far? You can sit the assessment at only one Ignite school, so think about the daily trip before you choose.
- What matters outside class? Friends, sport and activities near home all count.
- Will either result feel OK? Agree before the assessment that a place, or no place, both lead somewhere good.
Families in other states can compare programs in our guide to selective schools across Australia. And if your child is in Year 3 or Year 5, our guide to NAPLAN for parents explains that national test, which is separate from Ignite.
Questions parents ask
What is the Ignite program in SA?
It is a special interest program funded by the SA Department for Education for identified gifted and talented students, run inside three public high schools from Year 7. At Glenunga, Ignite students stay in one mentor group from Year 7 to Year 9.
Which schools have the Ignite program?
Aberfoyle Park High School, Glenunga International High School and The Heights School.
When is the Ignite test for 2028 entry?
The ACER Ignite Assessment is on Saturday 20 February 2027, for children in Year 6 that year. Registrations open on Monday 2 November 2026.
What is in the Ignite assessment?
Four parts: Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Written Expression. It takes about three hours.
Can my child sit the Ignite test at more than one school?
No. Students may sit the assessment once, and only at one Ignite school, so choose the school before you register.
Does South Australia have selective high schools?
The Department’s list doesn’t show a fully academically selective government high school. Instead, SA offers the Ignite program at three high schools, and other schools run special interest programs such as languages or sport.
Sources
- List of high schools with special interest or specialist programs, Department for Education, South Australia
- Ignite, Glenunga International High School
