Riot police called to crowd chaos outside NSW selective school exams

State education department secretary apologises after thousands of students and parents caught in unacceptable' situation

• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

The New South Wales education department has apologised after riot police were called to manage out-of-control crowds at the state's selective school exams.

Police were called to Canterbury Park Racecourse, south-west of Sydney's CBD, at about midday on Friday following reports of traffic and crowd control issues. About 1,300 students had finished exams at the Canterbury site and were trying to leave with their parents, as another 1,300 students plus their parents attempted to enter the facility.