Opportunity Classes (OC)

Balgowlah Heights Public School has an opportunity class. Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students.

Opportunity classes cater for intellectually gifted and high potential students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. Students successfully placed will usually have to leave their current school to enrol in a school with an opportunity class for Years 5 and 6.

In 2027, BHPS has 15 places with one composite opportunity class catering for Year 5 and Year 6 students. Fifteen new students are accepted in Year 5 each year, with fifteen students continuing in Year 6. There are 30 students in the class.

The Opportunity Classes are integrated into the Stage 3 program and leadership structures.

Visit the NSW Education website for more information on opportunities classes.

For more information on changes to the application process for 2027 entry, please visit the NSW Education website.

Key dates for Year 5 Opportunity Class of 2027

• 6 November 2025 to 20 February 2026 | Parents and carers apply for selective high school or opportunity class entry in 2027
• 8-9 May 2026 | Students sit the Opportunity Class Placement Test for entry in 2027. Students are allocated to attend one test day only.
• 15 May 2026 | Last day for parents to submit an illness or misadventure
• 22 May 2026 | Make up test date (approved illness/misadventure requests)
• 5 June 2026 | Last day to change school choices
• Late September 2026 (TBC) | Placement outcomes expected to be released
• Term 1, 2027 | Students who gain entry begin attending their opportunity class or selective high school

Testing and assessment

Applications for opportunity class placement are considered on the results of the Opportunity Class Placement Test alone. Students who wish to be considered for opportunity class placement will sit the Opportunity Class Placement Test 8-9 May 2026.

How to apply

Applications are closed for opportunity class entry in 2027.

You must submit only ONE application for each student.

Virtual school tour

Opportunity Class presentation

Year 5 Opportunity Class 2027 | Summer uniform order form

Option 1 | Complete the Order Form and email it to bhpsuniformshop@gmail.com.  Your summer uniform pack will be ready for collection during TERM 4 on Tuesdays after 2.00pm from the Administration Office on the Western Campus up until Tuesday 15 December 2026.

Last Spriggy orders must be in by Monday 14 December 2026.

The last day to purchase is 2.30pm-3.30pm Thursday 17 December 2026.

Option 2 | If your child needs to try on or you are after second-hand items, uniforms can be purchased directly from the Uniform Shop during TERM 4.

Opening Times:  Tuesdays 8.30 - 9.30am

Thursdays 2.30 - 3.30pm

(Please fill out an Order Form for quicker service).

For more information see our uniform shop webpage.

Benefits of attending our opportunity class

• Students learn with classmates who have similar academic ability.

• Teachers use special teaching methods to move students through the curriculum at a faster pace and in more depth.

• Students tell us they love learning with other like-minded students.

Opportunity class students also take part in our regular extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, music and clubs.

You can apply to our opportunity class even if our school is outside your local enrolment area.

Is an opportunity class the right fit for my child?

Talk with your child about this option. Together, look over the information on our website and in the Student Resource Hub.

Your child might have high intellectual potential if they:

• enjoy learning

• are intensely curious

• display a good memory

• ask complex questions

• enjoy learning new and often complex ideas or skills

• require fewer repetitions when learning new things

• are creative

• become intensely focused in their area of interest or passion.

Please note that not all gifted students will show all of these traits. This may be due to disability, disadvantage or lack of opportunity.

Learn more about the department’s High Potential and Gifted Education Policy.

More information

For more information about opportunity classes visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes.

Year 5 OC Stationery list 2026

At the start of each school year, parents and carers are requested to purchase stationery items for their child. You may reuse items left from last year or purchase new ones from your preferred store. For your convenience, Humphreys Office Supplies are also offering an online ordering and home delivery service via their website - all details are included in the stationery list.

Interested in joining the BHPS Band?

If your child is interested in joing our Band program please contact the Band Coordinator, Mrs Caroline Fechner at bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au for more information visit the Band website https://www.bhpsband.com

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us