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Sixteen WA public schools run academic Gifted and Talented (GATE) programs from Year 7, plus an online program for regional students. For Year 7 in 2027, the lowest ASET score that received a Round 2 offer ranged from a TSS of 200.0 at Albany SHS to 247.09 at Perth Modern School.
Academic GATE schools: places and cut-offs
| School | Year 7 places | Round 2 cut-off (TSS) | Reserve minimum (TSS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth Modern School | 225 | 247.09 | 247.0 |
| Willetton SHS | 64 | 240.86 | 237.5 |
| Shenton College | 64 | 237.75 | 233.0 |
| Bob Hawke College | 32 | 235.09 | 231.0 |
| Harrisdale SHS | 32 | 231.92 | 227.0 |
| Melville SHS | 32 | 228.94 | 223.0 |
| Carine SHS | 32 | 227.27 | 219.0 |
| Duncraig SHS | 32 | 223.36 | 215.0 |
| Fremantle College | 32 | 214.69 | 209.5 |
| Bunbury SHS | 32 | 209.5 | 209.5 |
| Comet Bay College | 32 | 209.5 | 209.5 |
| Kelmscott SHS | 32 | 209.5 | 209.5 |
| Regional Online Academic | No cap (regional students only) | 209.5 | 209.5 |
| Alkimos College | 32 | 208.75 | 200.0 |
| Governor Stirling SHS | 32 | 205.2 | 200.0 |
| Ellenbrook Secondary College | 32 | 204.01 | 200.0 |
| Albany SHS | 32 | 200.0 | 200.0 |
Places are for Year 7 entry in 2028. Cut-offs and reserve minimums are for Year 7 entry in 2027, the latest published. The Department will publish 2028 figures once that placement process ends.
How to read these numbers
- Round 2 cut-off is the lowest TSS that received an offer at Round 2. It is not a pass mark. It depends on how many students applied, their preferences, the number of places and how many offers were accepted.
- Reserve minimum is the score needed to go on that school's reserve list. Students on reserve can still receive an offer until 1 December.
- Scores move each year. A school that sat at 209.5 one year can rise if more strong applicants list it.
Arts GATE programs
Arts applicants sit the ASET, plus an audition or workshop, and may be interviewed. The ASET is 20% of the final score.
| School | Program | Year 7 places |
|---|---|---|
| John Curtin College of the Arts | Dance 50, Drama 60, Media Arts 25, Music 50, Music Theatre 25, Visual Arts 22 | 232 total |
| Churchlands SHS | Music | 64 |
| Applecross SHS | Visual Arts | 32 |
| Balcatta SHS | Visual Arts | 32 |
| Hampton SHS | Dance (contemporary) | 32 |
| Kalamunda SHS | Visual Arts | 32 |
Cut-off scores do not apply to arts programs.
Languages GATE programs
Students need a minimum TSS to be invited to interview. The final score is 80% ASET and 20% interview.
| School | Languages | Year 7 places | Interview minimum, 2027 (TSS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rossmoyne SHS | Chinese Mandarin, French, German, Japanese | 40 | 231.0 |
| Mount Lawley SHS | Italian, Chinese Mandarin | 32 | 214.0 |
Languages programs are for genuine second-language learners. Students with a family background in the language are not eligible for that language.
Frequently asked questions
How many GATE schools are there in WA? Sixteen schools run academic programs, plus a regional online program. Six schools run arts programs and two run languages programs. Some schools offer more than one stream.
Which GATE school is hardest to get into? Perth Modern School, with a Year 7 Round 2 cut-off of 247.09 for 2027 entry. Willetton SHS and Shenton College were next.
What is a good ASET score? For Year 7 in 2027, a TSS of 209.5 met the reserve minimum at most schools with lower cut-offs. Shenton College and Willetton SHS needed about 238 to 241, and Perth Modern needed about 247.
Does the school I list first affect my score? No. Your TSS is the same whatever you list. Preferences only decide which offer you receive.
Sources
- Academic and languages program cut-off scores, WA Department of Education
- Applicant guidelines for entry in 2028 (PDF)
- Selective schools
Figures checked against official sources on 31 October 2026.