GATE Parent Information Evenings 2026: Dates, Schools and How to Book
Published 11 October 2026, from the WA Department of Education's session list for the 2028 intake.
The Department of Education's Gifted and Talented Selection Unit is running parent information evenings at Gifted and Talented program schools across WA, from Wednesday 14 October to Monday 23 November 2026, plus an online session for regional families on Thursday 26 November. Each one explains the application, testing and placement process for the 2028 intake: the round for children in Year 5 now, who sit the test on Saturday 6 March 2027.
Why we recommend going
The evenings are optional, but if you are applying this year we think one is worth your time:
- It comes straight from the people who run selection. You hear how applications, testing and offers actually work from the team that manages them, not second-hand.
- You get to know the programs before you choose. You can list up to three program preferences across academic, languages and arts programs, and your choices decide which tests and auditions your child is invited to. It pays to understand every option first.
- You can ask your own questions. Each session ends with a short question-and-answer time if time permits.
- There is likely one near you. Sessions run at 23 schools across Perth, Bunbury and Albany, plus an online session for regional families.
Before you book
- Bookings are essential.
- Every session starts at 6pm and finishes between 7:30pm and 8pm.
- One session per family. The same information is presented at every session, so if your first choice is full, pick another.
- Regional families (outside Bunbury and Albany) can join the online session instead.
- Can't make it? The Department will publish the presentation slides on its page from Tuesday 1 December 2026.
All 24 sessions
| Date (2026) | Location |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 14 October | Carine Senior High School |
| Wednesday 14 October | Comet Bay College |
| Thursday 15 October | Churchlands Senior High School |
| Thursday 15 October | Melville Senior High School |
| Monday 19 October | Kelmscott Senior High School |
| Tuesday 20 October | Shenton College |
| Thursday 22 October | Governor Stirling Senior High School |
| Monday 26 October | Harrisdale Senior High School |
| Tuesday 27 October | Applecross Senior High School |
| Wednesday 28 October | Albany Senior High School |
| Thursday 29 October | Bunbury Senior High School |
| Thursday 29 October | John Curtin College of the Arts |
| Monday 2 November | Perth Modern School |
| Tuesday 3 November | Willetton Senior High School |
| Wednesday 4 November | Ellenbrook Secondary College |
| Wednesday 4 November | Kalamunda Senior High School |
| Thursday 5 November | Duncraig Senior High School |
| Wednesday 11 November | Balcatta Senior High School |
| Wednesday 11 November | Fremantle College |
| Thursday 12 November | Alkimos College |
| Tuesday 17 November | Mount Lawley Senior High School |
| Wednesday 18 November | Rossmoyne Senior High School |
| Monday 23 November | Bob Hawke College |
| Thursday 26 November | Online session for regional WA families only (not Bunbury or Albany, which have their own evenings) |
Questions worth asking on the night
- How should we order our three program preferences, and when can we change them?
- Which programs need extra steps (auditions, workshops or interviews), and when do those happen?
- How are offers made across Round 1, Round 2 and the reserve lists?
- If my child needs adjusted testing conditions, what evidence is needed, and by when? (Requests close at 6pm Friday 5 February 2027.)
- What happens if my child is unwell on test day?
Applications are already open
Applications for the 2028 intake open on Tuesday 13 October 2026, the day before the first evening, and close at 6pm Friday 5 February 2027. You can apply before or after attending a session. Our step-by-step application guide covers every part of the form, and the key dates post lists every deadline through to offers.
Preparing for the test on 6 March 2027
The information evenings explain the process. Preparing for the test itself is where AsetPrep comes in: weekend GATE classes in Perth and online, and a practice platform with timed mock exams and writing feedback built around the WA ASET.
Source: WA Department of Education, Parent information evenings (checked 11 October 2026). Sessions can fill up or change, so check the Department's page when you book. AsetPrep is an independent preparation provider and is not affiliated with the Department of Education.
See also: GATE 2027 key dates, How to apply for GATE, GATE schools in WA.