Katrina said the school commenced lessons in February with a Year 7 selective stream of 55 students, continuing Xsel students and Year 11 students in selected subjects.

"A total of seven students from Cowra, have gained a place in the virtual school," Ms Hodgkinson said.

"Aurora College will work in partnership with 49 rural and remote schools, including Cowra High School, Young High School and West Wyalong High School, where the students are physically based.

"Specialist teachers, including teachers from Cowra High School and West Wyalong High School, have been handpicked for Aurora College and come from a further 30 schools across the State.

"Students in rural and remote NSW will have access to our most experienced teachers, even if those teachers are based in the city."

Ms Hodgkinson said the schools would provide further opportunities for academically gifted students in rural and remote NSW.

"Attending a selective school is an opportunity that until now has only been available for students in metropolitan areas and larger regional centres," she said.

"Using the latest collaboration technology, we are addressing a major equity issue affecting talented students in regional areas - students who have previously been unable to access the subjects and resources they need.