"I nearly missed the adjusted testing conditions deadline by one day. This checklist saved us from having to wait another entire year." - Perth Parent, 2026 Applicant
Last Updated: January 2025
This checklist is regularly updated with official dates from the WA Department of Education. Current information is for 2027 entry (testing in 2026). All data verified against official WA Education sources. Bookmark this page and check back regularly as dates are confirmed.
The Critical Deadlines That Determine Your Child's GATE Application Success
Missing a single deadline can mean waiting an entire year for your next opportunity. The WA Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance process spans several months with multiple critical milestones, and the official WA Department of Education makes clear that late applications are only considered under exceptional and extenuating circumstances.
This page is your definitive reference for every key date in the 2026 testing cycle for 2027 entry. Bookmark it, print it, and check back regularly - we update this checklist directly from official WA Department of Education sources.
In this key dates checklist, you will find:
- Every critical deadline for Year 7, 9, 10, and 11 entry in 2027
- Month-by-month action checklist so you never fall behind
- Specific testing dates for ASET, arts, and languages programs
- Results and offers timeline including response deadlines
- Special provisions deadlines for adjusted testing conditions
Quick Navigation:
Application Phase: October 2025 - February 2026
The application window for 2027 entry opened on Tuesday 14 October 2025 and closes at 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026. This deadline applies to all intake years - Year 7, 9, 10, and 11.
Critical Application Deadline
Applications close at 6 pm (AWST) on Friday 6 February 2026. The WA Department of Education states that late applications can only be considered under exceptional and extenuating circumstances. Do not rely on extensions.
Application Phase Key Dates
Application Phase Timeline
Critical dates for 2027 entry applications
| Applications open | Tuesday 14 October 2025 | Now Open |
| Parent information evenings | Wednesday 15 October - Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Completed |
| Applications close | 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026 | UPCOMING |
| Adjusted testing conditions requests deadline | 12 pm Friday 13 February 2026 | UPCOMING |
| ASET exemption requests deadline | Friday 13 February 2026 | UPCOMING |
| Outcome of adjusted conditions/exemptions emailed | By Monday 16 February 2026 | Upcoming |
What Parents Should Do During Application Phase
The application phase requires careful preparation. Here is what the WA Department of Education advises:
- Complete the online application before 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026
- Select the correct intake year for your child - the onus is on parents to choose correctly
- List program preferences in order of priority
- Submit adjusted conditions requests if your child has a diagnosed disability, chronic illness, or impairment
- Review the Applicant Guidelines document thoroughly
Parent Information Evenings
All parent information evenings for the 2027 intake have concluded. If you missed them, the WA Department of Education provides a parent presentation online that covers the full application, testing, and placement process.
Adjusted Testing Conditions and Exemptions Deadline
If your child has a diagnosed disability, chronic illness, or impairment that may affect test performance, you must submit your request by 12 pm Friday 13 February 2026. According to the WA Department of Education Applicant Guidelines:
- Completed requests must be submitted by email to gtsu@education.wa.edu.au
- Requests received after this date will only be considered under exceptional circumstances
- Early notification greatly assists the ability to cater for specific needs
- You will receive the outcome by Monday 16 February 2026
Testing Phase: February - March 2026
The Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) is conducted in March 2026, with arts testing occurring throughout Term 1. Testing details are emailed to families after applications close.
ASET Testing Dates for 2027 Entry
ASET Testing Schedule
All testing dates for 2027 entry
| Year 7 ASET - Standard conditions (Perth metro, Bunbury, Albany) | Saturday 7 March 2026 | |
| Years 9, 10, 11 ASET - Standard conditions (Perth metro, Bunbury, Albany) | Sunday 8 March 2026 | |
| Regional WA ASET (excluding Bunbury/Albany) | Monday 9 - Tuesday 10 March 2026 | |
| Adjusted conditions ASET (Perth metro only) | Tuesday 17 - Friday 27 March 2026 |
Testing Details Email
The WA Department of Education will email your child's ASET testing details from late February to early March 2026. Your child must attend the location and session they have been assigned to-venue allocations have no bearing on program preferences.
Arts Testing Schedule 2026
Arts testing occurs throughout Term 1, 2026. Dates vary by program:
Arts Testing Schedule
Testing dates by arts program
| Media Arts workshop | Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 February 2026 | |
| Media Arts call-back | Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 March 2026 | |
| Dance workshop (John Curtin College of the Arts) | Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 February 2026 | |
| Dance workshop (Hampton SHS) | Monday 23 March 2026 | |
| Dance call-back (JCCA) | Sunday 8 March 2026 | |
| Drama workshop | Multiple dates: 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 26 February 2026 | |
| Drama call-back | Multiple dates: 8, 11, 15, 18, 22 March 2026 | |
| Music Theatre workshop | Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 February 2026 | |
| Music Theatre call-back | Sunday 22 and Saturday 28 March 2026 | |
| Visual Arts workshop (JCCA) | Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 March 2026 | |
| Visual Arts workshop (Kalamunda SHS) | Sunday 22 March 2026 | |
| Visual Arts workshop (Balcatta SHS) | Saturday 21 March 2026 | |
| Visual Arts workshop (Applecross SHS) | Saturday 28 March 2026 | |
| Arts interviews | Throughout Term 2, 2026 |
Languages Interview Timeline
If your child is applying for Languages programs at Mount Lawley SHS or Rossmoyne SHS:
- Languages interviews commence: Early June 2026
- Deadline to add Languages preference for Round 1 consideration: Friday 22 May 2026
- Languages preferences added after this date will only be considered for Round 2 offers
Prepare for ASET Before Testing Day
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Access ResourceResults and Offers Phase: June - December 2026
This phase determines whether your child receives a placement offer. Response deadlines are strict-failing to respond or enrol by stated deadlines means the place is automatically offered to the next ranked applicant.
Results and Offers Timeline
Results and Offers Timeline
Key dates for placement decisions
| ASET Performance Reports emailed | Early June 2026 (to be confirmed) | |
| Deadline for results check requests | To be confirmed | |
| Deadline to add Languages preference for Round 1 | Friday 22 May 2026 | |
| Round 1 offers emailed | Late June 2026 (to be confirmed) | |
| Round 1 responses due | To be confirmed | |
| Results check outcomes emailed | To be confirmed | |
| Round 2 offers emailed | Late July 2026 (to be confirmed) | |
| Round 2 responses due | To be confirmed | |
| Unsuccessful notifications emailed | Early August 2026 | |
| Reserve lists close | Tuesday 1 December 2026 |
Responding to Offers Is Mandatory
According to the WA Department of Education, you must respond to an offer of placement to secure your child's place. Applicants who accept are bound to enrol by the school's deadline. Failure to enrol means automatic withdrawal, and the place goes to the next ranked applicant.
Understanding Round 1 and Round 2 Offers
Round 1 (Late June 2026): Your response options include:
- Accept - No other offers will be made; you must enrol by the deadline
- Decline - Your child will not be considered further
- Hold - If the offer is not your first preference; you remain eligible for higher preferences in Round 2
- Withdraw - Remove your child from all consideration
Round 2 (Late July 2026): There is no "Hold" option in Round 2. Response options are:
- Accept (no other preferences) - Finalises placement
- Accept (yes other preferences) - Accept but remain on reserve lists for higher preferences
- Decline - Your child will not be considered further
- Withdraw - Remove your child from all consideration
Preference Changes After Results
After receiving your child's ASET performance report, you have approximately 7 days to make selected changes to preferences before Round 1 offers. The specific deadline is noted in the Performance Report email.
Allowed changes include:
- Adding Academic program preferences
- Adding Arts preferences (only if testing has been completed)
- Adding Languages preferences (deadline: Friday 22 May 2026 for Round 1)
Complete Year 7 Entry Timeline
This comprehensive timeline covers every key date for students currently in Year 6 (in 2026) applying for Year 7 entry in 2027.
Year 7 Entry: Complete 2026-2027 Timeline
Application Window
Objectives
- Submit online application by 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026
- Attend parent information evening or view online presentation
- Submit adjusted conditions/exemption requests by Friday 13 February 2026
Key Activities
- Research programs and list preferences in order
- Gather documentation for adjusted conditions if needed
- Read the official ASET Handbook and try the Practice ASET
Testing Period
Objectives
- Receive ASET testing details via email (late February)
- Sit ASET on Saturday 7 March 2026 (standard conditions)
- Complete arts testing if applicable (various dates)
Key Activities
- Review ASET Handbook with your child before test day
- Plan journey to allocated testing venue
- Ensure required documents are ready (ID form, photo, pencils)
Results and Placement
Objectives
- Receive ASET Performance Report (early June)
- Make preference changes within 7-day window
- Respond to offers within stated deadlines
Key Activities
- Compare child's TSS against previous minimum entrance scores
- Decide on Round 1 response (Accept, Hold, Decline)
- Complete school enrolment by deadline if accepting
Years 9, 10 and 11 Entry Timeline
Students in Years 8, 9, or 10 in 2026 can apply for late entry into Gifted and Talented programs. The timeline is similar to Year 7, with testing occurring on a different day.
Key Date Differences for Years 9-11 Entry
Year 7 vs Years 9-11 Entry
Key date differences by intake year
| ASET standard conditions testing | Saturday 7 March 2026 | Sunday 8 March 2026 |
| Regional ASET testing | Monday 9 - Tuesday 10 March 2026 | Same dates |
| Arts testing dates | Multiple dates throughout Term 1 | Some dates differ - check specific programs |
Limited Vacancies for Late Entry
According to the WA Department of Education, places for Years 9, 10, and 11 entry are limited and depend on available vacancies at each school. Competition for these places can be particularly high.
Month-by-Month Action Checklist
October 2025: Application Opens
- ✓Applications open Tuesday 14 October 2025
- ✓Attend a parent information evening (Wednesday 15 October - Wednesday 26 November)
- ✓Research programs and schools that fit your child
- ✓Begin preparing your online application
- ✓Review the Applicant Guidelines document
November - December 2025: Research Phase
- ✓Complete parent information evening attendance or view online presentation
- ✓Download and review the ASET Handbook with your child
- ✓Have your child try the free Practice ASET
- ✓Finalise program preferences in order of priority
- ✓Gather documentation for adjusted conditions if applicable
January 2026: Final Preparation
- ✓Complete and review your online application
- ✓Ensure all details are correct before submitting
- ✓Submit adjusted conditions requests if needed (deadline approaching)
- ✓Prepare Student Identification Form with photograph
- ✓Set calendar reminders for February deadlines
February 2026: Critical Deadlines
- ✓SUBMIT APPLICATION by 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026
- ✓Submit adjusted conditions/exemption requests by 12 pm Friday 13 February 2026
- ✓Receive outcome of adjusted conditions by Monday 16 February 2026
- ✓Arts testing begins (check your specific dates)
- ✓Watch for ASET testing details email (late February)
March 2026: Testing Month
- ✓Receive ASET testing details email (early March)
- ✓Year 7 ASET: Saturday 7 March 2026 (standard conditions)
- ✓Years 9-11 ASET: Sunday 8 March 2026 (standard conditions)
- ✓Regional ASET: Monday 9 - Tuesday 10 March 2026
- ✓Adjusted conditions ASET: Tuesday 17 - Friday 27 March 2026
- ✓Submit illness/misadventure review requests within 7 days if needed
April - May 2026: Arts and Languages
- ✓Complete any remaining arts interviews (throughout Term 2)
- ✓Add Languages preference by Friday 22 May 2026 for Round 1 consideration
- ✓Languages interviews commence early June
June 2026: Results Released
- ✓Receive ASET Performance Reports (early June)
- ✓Make preference changes within 7-day window
- ✓Submit results check request if needed (deadline TBC)
- ✓Round 1 offers emailed (late June)
- ✓Respond to Round 1 offer by stated deadline
July - August 2026: Final Placements
- ✓Round 2 offers emailed (late July)
- ✓Respond to Round 2 offer by stated deadline
- ✓Results check outcomes emailed (TBC)
- ✓Unsuccessful notifications emailed (early August)
- ✓Begin school enrolment process if offer accepted
September - December 2026: Enrolment
- ✓Complete school enrolment by stated deadline
- ✓Reserve lists remain active until Tuesday 1 December 2026
- ✓May receive late offer if vacancy arises (typically 48-hour response window)
What to Do If You Miss a Deadline
The WA Department of Education is clear that late applications are only considered under exceptional and extenuating circumstances. If you have missed a deadline:
- Contact the GTSU immediately on (08) 9264 4307 or email gtsu@education.wa.edu.au
- Explain your circumstances with supporting evidence
- Understand that approval is not guaranteed
For testing-related issues (illness, misadventure), you must submit a review request within 7 days of your child's testing date.
Preparation Support: Building Skills Before the Deadline
While the WA Department of Education explicitly states that coaching or tutoring is not necessary and there is no credible research showing coaching helps a child gain entry, many families find value in structured skill-building practice using official materials.
The Department recommends:
- Reading through the ASET Handbook carefully
- Completing the free Practice ASET to understand question formats
- Helping anxious children feel comfortable with timed test conditions
Official ASET Resources
Free materials from WA Department of Education
WA Department of Education - Key Dates
Official key dates and applicant guidelines from WA Education
Access ResourceASET Handbook and Practice Test
Official free practice materials from WA Department of Education
Access ResourceFrequently Asked Questions: WA ASET Key Dates
When do WA ASET applications close for 2027 entry?
Applications close at 6 pm Friday 6 February 2026. This deadline applies to Year 7, 9, 10, and 11 entry. Late applications are only considered under exceptional circumstances according to the WA Department of Education.
When is the ASET test for Year 7 entry in 2027?
The ASET for Year 7 entry (standard conditions) is on Saturday 7 March 2026 for Perth metro, Bunbury, and Albany students. Regional WA students sit on Monday 9 - Tuesday 10 March 2026.
When do ASET results come out in 2026?
ASET Performance Reports are emailed in early June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed). You will have approximately 7 days to make preference changes before Round 1 offers.
What is the deadline for adjusted testing conditions?
Adjusted testing conditions and ASET exemption requests must be submitted by 12 pm Friday 13 February 2026. Outcomes are emailed by Monday 16 February 2026.
How long do I have to respond to an ASET offer?
Response deadlines are specified in your offer email and are strict. Failing to respond or enrol by the deadline means your child's place is automatically offered to the next ranked applicant.
When do reserve lists close?
Reserve lists close on Tuesday 1 December 2026. If vacancies arise after Round 2, offers are made from reserve lists with typically 48-hour response windows.
Contact Information
For official enquiries about the WA Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance process:
Gifted and Talented Selection Unit (GTSU)
- Phone: (08) 9264 4307
- Email: gtsu@education.wa.edu.au
- Website: education.wa.edu.au/gifted-and-talented
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Last Updated: January 2025 | Source: WA Department of Education | Dates are subject to change-always verify with official sources.
This page is independently published by BrainTree Coaching Australia and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the WA Department of Education. The Department does not endorse or recommend any form of private professional coaching or tutoring services.