How to Get into Perth Modern School

What Makes Perth Modern School Special?

Perth Modern School is the only fully academically selective public school in Western Australia. Located in Subiaco, it has a long history of academic excellence dating back to 1911 and consistently produces some of the highest ATAR results in the state. Unlike other government schools that offer selective programs within a broader student body, every student at Perth Modern has been selected through the GATE examination process.

The school offers an enriched curriculum that goes well beyond the standard Western Australian syllabus. Students at Perth Modern benefit from accelerated learning, access to university-level coursework, specialist teaching staff, and a peer group of equally motivated learners. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from competitive mathematics and science olympiads to debating, music, and sport.

For many families, a place at Perth Modern represents the best educational opportunity available in the public school system. It is free to attend (as a government school), and its graduates regularly secure places at leading universities both in Australia and internationally.

Perth Modern Acceptance Rate and Competition

Getting into Perth Modern is highly competitive. Each year, approximately 6,000 students across Western Australia sit the GATE exam. Of these, Perth Modern typically offers around 220 places for Year 7 entry. This translates to an acceptance rate of roughly 3.7%, making it one of the most selective schools in Australia.

The Total Standardised Score (TSS) cutoff for Perth Modern fluctuates slightly each year depending on the overall performance of the cohort. In recent years, a TSS of around 244 or above has generally been needed to receive an offer. Some students with scores slightly below this may receive waitlist offers later in the process.

It is important for families to understand that the GATE exam does not have a fixed pass mark. Offers are made based on relative performance, so your child needs to score in approximately the top 3.7% of all test-takers to secure a Perth Modern offer. This is why thorough preparation is so important.

GATE Score Requirements for Perth Modern

The GATE exam produces a Total Standardised Score (TSS) for each student based on their combined performance across all four sections: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning. Each section is weighted to contribute to the overall TSS.

For Perth Modern entry, a TSS of 244 or above has been the approximate threshold in recent years, though this number can vary. The key thing to understand is that all four sections matter. A student who excels in maths and reading but performs poorly in writing or abstract reasoning may not reach the threshold, even if their strongest scores are very high.

This is why a balanced preparation approach is essential. Students aiming for Perth Modern need to perform strongly across every section, not just the ones they find easiest. The writing section is particularly important because many students overlook it in their preparation, yet it contributes significantly to the overall score.

Step-by-Step Preparation Plan for Perth Modern

If your child is currently in Year 4 or early Year 5, here is a recommended timeline for preparing for the GATE exam and maximising their chances of getting into Perth Modern:

What If My Child Does Not Get In?

With an acceptance rate of around 3.7%, the reality is that most students who sit the GATE exam will not receive an offer from Perth Modern. This does not mean your child has failed or that the preparation was wasted.

Many students who miss out on Perth Modern receive offers from other excellent selective programs across Perth. Schools such as Rossmoyne SHS, Willetton SHS, Shenton College, and others offer high-quality gifted and talented programs that provide enriched learning opportunities. You can explore these options in our guide to GATE schools in WA.

The skills your child develops during GATE preparation (reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, writing ability, and problem-solving) will benefit them regardless of which school they attend. These are foundational academic skills that support success throughout high school and beyond.

What AsetPrep Students Have Achieved

AsetPrep has a strong track record of helping students prepare for the GATE exam and secure places at Perth Modern and other selective schools. In 2025, 49 AsetPrep students received offers from Perth Modern School, representing nearly one in four of all places offered.

Across all selective programs, AsetPrep students achieved an 86% pass rate on the GATE exam. This success comes from the platform's focus on structured, consistent practice across all four sections, combined with detailed feedback and progress tracking that helps families identify and address weaknesses early.

AsetPrep provides over 3,500 practice questions, 10+ full-length mock exams, detailed writing feedback, and in-person classes at Rossmoyne Senior High School. Whether your child is just starting their preparation or fine-tuning in the final months, AsetPrep offers the tools and structure needed for effective GATE exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions