OP scores scrapped at Qld high schools

Queensland high schools are preparing to switch to a new tertiary entrance system following a decision to scrap OP scores.

Students graduating in 2018 will be the last to receive overall position scores, which will be replaced by an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, bringing Queensland in line with other states.

"We believe this is the right decision to ensure young Queenslanders get the best start at life," Education Minister Kate Jones said on Monday.

Under the new model, results will be based on a student's achievement in three school-based assessments and one external test, to be set and marked by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

In maths and science, the external assessment will make up 50 per cent of a student's overall result, while in most other subjects it will contribute 25 per cent.

To prepare for the new system, about 20,000 year 11 students at 264 schools will undergo external assessment trials in May and June this year.

Queensland's OP system, which ranks students on a scale of 1 to 25, has been in place since 1992.