IGNITE Program Adelaide: 2027 Entry Guide - Exam Format, Dates and How to Prepare

If your child is aiming for a place in the IGNITE program at Glenunga International High School, The Heights School or Aberfoyle Park High School, this guide explains what the selection test involves, when it happens, and how Adelaide families can prepare effectively.

📥 Free Download: The IGNITE Parent Guide. Want the complete preparation checklist, timeline and practice strategies in one place? Get the free IGNITE Guide here — we'll email it to you instantly.

What is the IGNITE Program?

IGNITE is South Australia's accelerated learning program for gifted and talented students, offered at three public schools: Glenunga International High School, The Heights School and Aberfoyle Park High School. Students complete Years 8 to 10 at an accelerated pace, giving them more depth and choice in their senior years. Entry is competitive and based on a selective entry assessment, usually sat in Year 6 for entry into Year 7 the following year.

When is the IGNITE exam?

The ACER IGNITE assessment is typically held in late February each year, with registrations opening through the schools in the months prior. Most families begin preparation 6 to 12 months before the test, so if you are reading this in the second half of the year, now is the ideal time to start structured preparation.

What does the IGNITE exam test?

The assessment covers four key areas. Reading Comprehension tests how quickly and accurately your child can interpret written texts. Mathematical Reasoning goes beyond school maths, testing problem-solving under time pressure. Abstract Reasoning assesses pattern recognition and logical thinking with shapes and sequences, something most students have never practised at school. Written Expression requires students to produce a clear, well-structured piece of writing in a short window of time.

How competitive is entry?

Hundreds of students sit the assessment each year for a limited number of places across the three schools. Strong school grades alone are not enough. The test rewards students who have practised the specific question styles, learned time-management strategies and built confidence under exam conditions.

How to prepare: what actually works

Start early and be consistent. Six to twelve months of steady weekly preparation beats a last-minute cram. Practise all four components, especially Abstract Reasoning and Written Expression, which are least familiar to primary students. Use timed practice tests so the real exam feels routine rather than overwhelming. Review mistakes carefully, because the biggest gains come from understanding why an answer was wrong. Finally, work with someone who knows the test. Generic tutoring helps school grades, but IGNITE preparation is a specialised skill.

Not sure where to start? Download the free IGNITE Guide for the full preparation timeline and checklist, then read our FAQ for answers to the questions Adelaide parents ask us most.

How Private IGNITE Tutoring can help

I'm Bren, founder of Private IGNITE Tutoring and a Glenunga International High School graduate with a 97.35 ATAR. Over the past four years I have helped prepare more than 20 Adelaide students for IGNITE, scholarship and selective entry tests.

I offer one-on-one IGNITE preparation in your home, at a local library or online, covering every test component with structured lessons, practice exams and feedback for parents after every session.

For families who prefer self-paced study, our IGNITE Online Program includes a full video curriculum, practice material and mock exams.

Book a session or send an enquiry at privateignitetutoring.com.au, or call or text Bren on 0481 136 457. Spots are limited in the lead-up to the February exam, so early enquiries are strongly recommended.