An extremely competitive entrance test identifying high-achieving students for the GATE (Gifted & Talented Secondary Selective Entrance) Programs. Prepare with expert-designed, WA-format practice tests, mock exams and writing review.
To secure a place in the Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance Program, interested students must take an entrance test — the ASET (Academic Selective Entrance Test). This fiercely competitive and standardised test is used to screen and select students fit for the GATE program.
The ASET comprises 4 tests, of which 3 are multiple-choice and one is an open (written) response. The difficulty level of the ASET increases each year, which means good preparation is absolutely necessary. The ASET is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
Four equally weighted components, completed in a single session of approximately 2 hours 50 minutes.
A multiple-choice test where students answer 35 questions in 35 minutes. It assesses the ability to understand and interpret excerpts from various literary genres. The stimulus can come from any genre or subject — each question has four options (A, B, C, D), and the student chooses the most appropriate answer.
The written-response section, completed in 25 minutes. A prompt — an image, a statement, or both — is provided. It assesses the ability to think creatively, generate original ideas, and communicate them in a structured, organised and coherent form. Style and genre are the candidate's choice, but unoriginal content is penalised.
A multiple-choice test of 35 questions in 35 minutes. Very different from school maths — it tests the ability to logically reason on a quantitative basis: interpreting and extracting information, identifying relationships, patterns, connections, differences and similarities, and problem-solving.
A multiple-choice test of 35 questions in 20 minutes. It tests problem-solving through pattern problems — students identify, strategise and solve. It measures the capacity to recognise relationships, hypothesise and evaluate. Each question has four options (A, B, C, D).
| Component | Questions | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 35 | 35 min | Multiple choice |
| Communicating Ideas in Writing | 1 task | 25 min | Written response |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 35 | 35 min | Multiple choice |
| Abstract Reasoning | 35 | 20 min | Multiple choice |
A competitive entrance test with this difficulty and high cut-offs leaves nothing to chance — a guided preparation plan and consistent practice make the difference.
The official website of the Education Department of the Government of Western Australia provides all the necessary test-related details for the ASET / GATE. Alongside the free official materials, Selectivetrial provides the best ASET practice tests, practice questions and study plans built to the latest ASET format.
The Gifted and Talented (GATE) Secondary Selective Entrance Programs span participating public secondary schools across WA, offering an enriched, challenging curriculum that extends high-achieving students. Perth Modern School is the most highly sought-after academic placement.
| Academic GATE School | Year 7 places | Min TSS (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Perth Modern SchoolMost competitive | 225 | 244.34 |
| Willetton SHS | 64 | 235.98 |
| Shenton College | 64 | 231.55 |
| Bob Hawke College | 32 | 230.80 |
| Harrisdale SHS | 32 | 226.57 |
| Melville SHS | 32 | 224.15 |
| Carine SHS | 32 | 221.98 |
| Duncraig SHS | 32 | 216.71 |
| Bunbury SHS | 32 | 209.50 |
| Kelmscott SHS | 32 | 209.50 |
| Comet Bay College | 32 | 209.50 |
| Fremantle College | 32 | 209.50 |
| Albany SHS | 32 | ALT* |
| Alkimos College | 32 | ALT* |
| Ellenbrook SC | 32 | ALT* |
| Governor Stirling SHS | 32 | ALT* |
| Online Program (regional only) | Unlimited | 209.50 |
John Curtin College of the Arts (fully selective arts college) — Drama (60), Dance (50), Music (50), Media Arts (25), Music Theatre (25), Visual Arts (22).
Other arts programs: Churchlands SHS (Music, 50), Hampton SHS (Dance, 32), and Visual Arts at Applecross SHS, Balcatta SHS and Kalamunda SHS (32 each).
Mount Lawley SHS (32 places, min TSS 209.50) and Rossmoyne SHS (40 places, min TSS 227.00).
Languages applicants complete the ASET and must reach the minimum threshold to qualify for an interview, which contributes 20% to the final ranking (the ASET contributes 80%).
The WA GATE program includes 24 participating schools across Academic, Arts and Languages streams. ALT* indicates a program approved for a lower benchmark because of difficulty filling its cohort. Results are reported as standardised scores compared to the whole cohort and combined into a Total Standard Score (TSS); the minimum threshold for academic program consideration is TSS 209.5, while competitive schools require much higher. Entrance scores vary year to year — use these 2026 figures as a guide and confirm current numbers on the official WA Department of Education website.
An indicative cycle for Year 7 entry in 2027. Always verify the official dates for your intake on the WA Department of Education website, as deadlines shift each year.
Reading Comprehension, Communicating Ideas in Writing, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning — all in the current WA ASET style format.
All practice questions follow the current WA ASET style test format. All paid subscribers also receive a free Handy English Grammar Book covering a wide range of grammar topics with examples and exercises.
We've built a high-quality ASET question bank using previous test papers, the curriculum, and government-published sample papers — so practice mirrors the real exam in pattern, difficulty and timing.
Writing is assessed on:
Writing review is applicable with the Pro and Marked Writing packs. Each writing is marked within 3–4 working days of submission.
A complete online practice platform — built for focused preparation, with live online tutoring and a free grammar book for every paid subscriber.
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Our e-book is designed to teach English grammar basics to school-level students, covering a wide range of topics with clear explanations, examples and exercises — so building strong grammar foundations becomes easy. Included free with every paid ASET pack.
All papers are time-managed for a true exam feel, with full review and explanations after every test.
Writing will be assessed as per the below points:
Students who do not address the above points in their writing will receive low marks.
★ Writing Review is applicable only with ProThe use of technology in schools is often debated, and there are strong arguments on both sides of the question.
First and foremost, students can become too reliant on spell-check and search engines without understanding the reasoning behind their answers. This can affect how deeply they learn.
Instead of researching and weighing different sources, they may simply trust the first result they find.
Furthermore, screen time is a growing concern, so balance matters for healthy learning habits.
We have been using the Selectivetrial platform for the last few months and my daughter has improved her results drastically. Highly recommended for anyone preparing for competitive exams.
Amit BhartiGoogle ReviewMy son secured a place at a top selective school, and it wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional support from Selectivetrial. Their practice materials were instrumental.
Marites DulayGoogle ReviewThe quality of their courses is very good. Two years ago I purchased a course for my elder child, and now another for my younger one — the consistency and outcomes make Selectivetrial our go-to.
Lalit YadavGoogle ReviewStart free with a time-scored ASET trial, then build exam-perfect confidence with structured Selectivetrial practice and tutor-marked writing.
