GATE Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions parents ask about the GATE exam and Gifted and Talented programs in Western Australia.
What is the GATE exam?
The GATE exam, also known as the Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET), is a standardised test used by the Western Australian Department of Education to identify academically gifted students for entry into Gifted and Talented programs at select public schools. It is sat by Year 5 students seeking entry into Year 7.
When is the GATE exam held?
The GATE exam is typically held in March each year. Applications open around May-June of the preceding year, with a deadline usually in mid-August. Always check the Department of Education website for exact dates.
Who is eligible to sit the GATE exam?
All Year 5 students in Western Australia are eligible to apply, regardless of which school they attend (government or non-government). There are no prerequisite grades or minimum academic requirements to sit the test.
How many students sit the GATE exam each year?
Several thousand students sit the GATE exam each year in Western Australia. The exact number varies annually, but it is a competitive process with significantly more applicants than available places.
What does the GATE exam consist of?
The GATE exam has four sections: Reading Comprehension (35 questions in 35 minutes), Writing (1 task in 25 minutes), Quantitative Reasoning (35 questions in 35 minutes), and Abstract Reasoning (35 questions in 20 minutes). The total testing time is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
Is the GATE exam multiple choice?
Three of the four sections (Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning) are multiple choice. The Writing section requires students to produce a written response to a prompt by hand.
Can my child use a calculator in the GATE exam?
No. Calculators and electronic devices are not permitted in the GATE exam. Students need to perform all calculations mentally or using pen and paper.
How is the GATE exam scored?
Each section is scored on a standardised scale with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. The four section scores are combined to give a total score out of 400. The average total score is 200.
What score do I need for Perth Modern School?
The Department of Education does not publish fixed cut-off scores. The cut-off varies each year depending on the number of applicants and overall performance. Perth Modern School, being fully selective and the most competitive, requires the highest scores among all GATE schools.
How many schools can I list as preferences?
When applying, parents can list multiple schools in order of preference. The Department of Education allocates places based on each student's total score and their listed preferences, starting from the first choice.
When are GATE results released?
Results are typically released between May and June of the year the test is taken (approximately 2-3 months after the exam). Parents receive results and any offers through the Department of Education's online system.
Can my child sit the GATE exam more than once?
No. The GATE exam is a one-time opportunity for Year 5 students applying for Year 7 entry. It cannot be re-sat in subsequent years for the same intake.
How should my child prepare for the GATE exam?
Effective preparation includes regular practice across all four sections, with a focus on reasoning skills rather than rote memorisation. Start 6-12 months before the exam with consistent, short practice sessions. Reading widely, practising mental maths, and developing familiarity with abstract reasoning patterns are all valuable.
Is the GATE exam the same as the ASET?
Yes. GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education, which is the name of the program. ASET stands for Academic Selective Entrance Test, which is the name of the exam used for selection. They refer to the same testing process.
What happens if my child is sick on exam day?
If your child is unable to attend the exam due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, contact the Department of Education as soon as possible. In some cases, alternative arrangements may be made, though this is not guaranteed.
Are there GATE programs outside of Perth?
Yes. Bunbury Senior High School in the South West region offers a GATE program. However, the majority of GATE schools are located in the Perth metropolitan area.
What is the difference between Perth Modern and other GATE schools?
Perth Modern School is the only fully academically selective public school in WA, every student has been admitted through the GATE exam. Other GATE schools admit a cohort of selective-entry students alongside their regular student intake, running an enriched program for the GATE students within the broader school.
Do GATE students get a different curriculum?
Yes. Students in GATE programs follow an accelerated and enriched curriculum that goes beyond the standard Western Australian syllabus. The specific approach varies by school, but the aim is to provide appropriately challenging academic content for gifted learners.
Is there a fee to sit the GATE exam?
There is typically no fee to sit the GATE exam for students attending government schools. Check the Department of Education website for the most current information regarding any administrative fees.
Can international students sit the GATE exam?
International students on certain visa types may be eligible to sit the GATE exam and apply for GATE programs. Eligibility depends on visa status and residency conditions. Check with the Department of Education for specific eligibility criteria.
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