6500 enrol for elite school exams

More than 6500 students have enrolled to sit the elite secondary school exams - almost half again the number last year - suggesting confidence is high despite the debacle following the 2004 exams.

The students will sit 27 subjects between them after enrolment for Scholarship exams closed last week. The number is expected to change as there are usually late entries while others withdraw before the December tests.

Last year 4500 students sat Scholarship, but their results were blighted by inconsistent results. Hundreds who had performed well all year failed the exams, prompting the Government to take the unprecedented step of introducing "distinction certificates".

Changes have been made to ensure no repeat of the mess this year, with a guaranteed percentage receiving Scholarships.

Karen Sewell, acting chief executive of the Qualifications Authority, has previously said this year's exams would take place efficiently and properly, and the results would be fair and reasonable. "I remain of that view," she said last night.

Implementation was well advanced and the mechanism for awarding Scholarship was different this year. "Our target is for 2 to 3 per cent of year 13 students studying each subject to get Scholarship in that subject."

Results will be released in February next year, with exam papers returned to students.

The Qualifications Authority has been working with an independent advisory group (Scholarship Technical Advisory Group) to implement the changes to Scholarship. The group, chaired by Professor Gary Hawke from Victoria University, will continue to meet over the next few months.