A.C.E.D. stands for ‘Acceleration’, ‘Challenge’, ‘Enrichment’, and ‘Discovery’ – these are the values that underpin Mount Ridley P-12 College’s Select Entry Academic Program. This program offers places to a limited number of very capable and committed students who are able to meet the academic rigors set by the program.

The vision of this program acknowledges that every student is unique, and that their learning style is reflective of their individuality. Through a process of inquiry, questioning, curiosity and collaboration, students are accelerated through their coursework and are provided with a challenging learning environment.

The enrichment component of the program encourages the study of more complex and abstract concepts, with a greater emphasis on higher order thinking skills. There are a number of opportunities provided to these students, including participation in a range of competitions, excursions, leadership opportunities and special projects.

The major intake for the program occurs at Year 7 (see below for information regarding 2027 Year 7 Intake). Students may elect to join the program at Year 8 and onwards, should positions become available during mid-year intake opportunities. These opportunities are advertised via Compass.

Who is the program suited to?

Accelerated and enrichment learning is not appropriate for all students.  It is both rewarding and demanding, with high expectations and a greater classroom workload.  The program suits students who want to be challenged and who demonstrate capability across multiple academic areas.

Students are actively encouraged to develop investigative, problem solving and creative thinking skills that will extend and engage them and which will provide an excellent foundation for further studies. For this reason, students that consider themselves naturally curious and self-driven are encouraged to apply.

We expect, where possible, that applicants are performing beyond the expected level for their age. The ACED Program is an enrichment program aimed at creating 21st Century learners, preparing students to be informed global citizens.

 APPLICATION PROCESS: YEAR 7 – 12 2026

(students currently enrolled at the College)

Opportunities for students to join the ACED Program after the initial Year 7 intake may arise at mid-year or end-of-year, depending on class availability. These opportunities are contingent upon vacancies within existing ACED classes.

Should positions become available, relevant information will be communicated to families via Compass and shared with all currently enrolled students.

Selection Criteria for the ACED Program is based on a combination of:

• Learning task results, Semester examinations and other academic data sets
• Application content
• Teacher references
• GPA progress
• Consistent demonstration of College values
• Attendance of 85% or higher

NOW AVAILABLE: ACED 2027 PROGRAM HANDBOOK

YEAR 7 2027 APPLICATION PROCESS

Introduction

The application process for ACED is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. For each Year 7 intake, one group (of no more than 25 students) will make up the ACED class and will potentially remain in that group up until the end of Year 12 (provided they meet the requirements of the program as set by the College).

For the duration of their enrolment in the ACED Program, students will be in the care of a:

• Mentor teacher,
• the Director of Specialised Programs - ACED/Enhancement Programs and
• Deputy Principal - Curriculum.

The application process for ACED is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. All information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the demands of an enrichment learning program.

STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION

Students hoping to be considered for a place in the Year 7 2027 ACED class must complete an online application form. 

The link to the online form will open at 9:00am on Thursday 25^th June 2026 (Term 2 Week 10) and will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 22^nd July ,2026 (Term 3 Week 2).

COMING SOON: Link to Year 7 ACED 2027 Online Application Form

STEP 2: EDUTEST REGISTRATION 

All applicants must ALSO register online with EduTest.

The EduTest link will open at 9:00am on Thursday 25^th June 2026  (Term 2 Week 10) and will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 22^nd July, 2026 (Term 3 Week 2).

A non-refundable payment of $90 applies to cover testing and assessment charges. This payment is due at the time of online registration and is made directly to Edutest.

COMING SOON: Link to access the Edutest portal for registration and payment

STEP 3: TESTING 

All applicants that have submitted a timely online application, Edutest Registration and payment are invited to complete the EduTest assessment.

The Edutest assessment will be held at Mount Ridley P-12 College on Tuesday 28^th July, 2026 (Term 4 Week 3). The testing is expected to run from 8:30am until 12:30pm.

STEP 4: INTERVIEW 

Upon review of test scores, reports and information from primary schools, applicants will be shortlisted to progress to interview stage.

All applicants to reach this stage of the selection process are required to attend an interview at the College accompanied by their parents/carers. During this interview, students will be asked a range of questions and present a work sample.

Interviews are scheduled to occur in mid-Term 3, (late August / early September) 2026.

STEP 5: SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 

Upon consideration of all components of the application process, all applicants will be notified via email correspondence of the outcome of their application following the confirmation of enrolment at the College. The decision by the College is final.

Final placements for Year 7 2027 Specialised Programs at MRC will be confirmed by Friday 18^th September 2026 (Term 3 Week 10).

Please note: 

Completion of the ACED online form does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. Parent/Carers must still submit ‘The Department of Education Application for Year 7 Placement 2027 Form’ to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.

EduTest Registration must be completed for application to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Contact Information

Samantha White

Director of Specialised Programs – ACED

samantha.white3@education.vic.gov.au