Frequently Asked Questions

What can my child do to prepare for the Academic Excellence (ACER) test?

The ACER Academic test assesses a student’s ability to interpret, infer, deduce, and think critically. It is not a curriculum-based test that enables students to retrieve learned knowledge. The test includes written expression tasks, mathematics and humanities. Practise tests and further information is available on the ACER website.

Where is the Academic Excellence (ACER) test held?

Students applying for an Academic Excellence scholarship and identifying Westminster as their first preference will attend the Senior School to sit the test (assuming this is practically possible). Detailed information regarding testing day will be sent via email a week before testing.

How many scholarships are offered?

This varies from year to year and is determined by the calibre of the candidates in any given year.

What conditions apply to the Academic Excellence scholarships?

Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a high academic standard and actively participate in the School’s co-curricular program. Regular reviews of these scholarships are conducted to ensure there is a reasonable progress and contribution by the student.

When can we expect to be notified of the results?

All applicants will be notified of their results by Friday 29 March 2024.

Is there a report available for parents and caregivers?

Yes, all applicants will receive instructions from ACER on how to download their child’s report, approximately three weeks after testing.

Can my child apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, students are invited to apply for multiple scholarships.

Can my child be awarded more than one scholarship?

No, while students can apply for multiple scholarships, successful applicants can only hold one scholarship at any time.

Do we need to submit separate applications for each scholarship?

Students can nominate for more than one general excellence scholarship on the scholarship application form and attach their relevant supporting documentation.

Students will be required to submit a separate application for the ACER Academic Scholarship for Year 7 entry into the Secondary School.

Should the scholarship application be completed by the student or by the parents/caregivers?

The scholarship application must be completed by the student who should be able to articulate their interest in Westminster School and motivations for enrolment.

Can I start my scholarship application and compete the submission later?

The applicant may update and edit their scholarship submission/s any time prior to payment of the scholarship application fee.

What is the cost of application for a scholarship?

The cost to apply for an ACER Academic Excellence scholarship is $130.

The cost to apply for general excellence scholarship/s is $50 per student (this is a one-off charge covering a single application or multiple applications).

Will late applications be accepted?

No, all applications must be received by the closing date, being Friday 19 January 2024.

What are the criteria for the Fricker Performing Arts Scholarship – Music?

Candidates must be minimum AMEB Grade 3 or equivalent for strings, brass or woodwind and minimum AMEB Grade 4 or equivalent for piano. Successful candidates will be expected to choose Music as a subject from Years 7 to 12. Candidates will also be expected to take part in the co-curricular Music program at Westminster School. Students will be assessed by written submission and audition where they will be required to perform one piece on each instrument they play.

What are the criteria for the Fricker Performing Arts Scholarship – Dance?

Successful candidates will be expected to choose Dance as a subject from Years 7 to 12 and participate in the co-curricular Dance program at Westminster School. Candidates will be assessed by written submission and audition in a contemporary dance class (approximately one hour) held at Westminster in one of its Dance studios. The assessment will be in contemporary dance, incorporating classical movements. Students will be expected to respond to the direction and instruction of the Westminster Dance teachers. A prepared dance repertoire is not required for scholarship assessment.

Will we be notified of the outcome of our scholarship application?

All applicants will be notified of their outcome by Friday 29 March 2024.