Find out how to submit an online application for the Gifted and Talented program.
Submit the online application form
Complete the Gifted and Talented program online application form.
Applications for Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 in 2028 are now open. Applications close at 6 pm Friday 5 February 2027.
All applications must be made online.
The following information will help you complete your child's application.
Required application information – your child’s details
The first part of the application will ask for information about your child, including:
- first and last names
- preferred name (this is the name they prefer other than their first name, if they have one)
- date of birth
- current year level
- whether they are living in WA, interstate or overseas
- their current WA school, or for home-schooled students, their local catchment school
- whether they have a diagnosed condition which may impact their test performance (see Support for Students with a Disability, Chronic Illness or Impairment)
- whether they are part of a shared custody arrangement which may impact decision making.
If your child’s date of birth is outside the standard range for the year group they are applying for, you will be asked to provide evidence they are in the correct year group. The evidence requested may differ depending on your location and the age gap. For example, overseas students who are more than 180 days outside the age range for Western Australian (WA) students in Year 6 will need to provide evidence that their enrolment in Year 6 would be accepted by a non-Gifted and Talented program WA public school. If a year group cannot be confirmed, the application cannot progress.
If your child’s school is expected to change by the time of testing, you will need to list the school they are most likely to be enrolled at in March 2027. All WA students at the same school and year will be tested at the same place and time, so the information you supply is important.
Required application information – parent or carer details
The second part of the application asks for information about up to two parent/carers (i.e. the person/s lodging the application), including:
- first and last name/s
- temporary visa subclass (if applicable)
- contact phone number
- email address.
All information is sent by email, so you must provide at least one email address and check it regularly. We are not responsible for any deadlines or processes missed if, for example, the information you provide is incorrect, your email is full, or an email goes to your junk mail.
Check the key dates, and if you think you should have received an email, email gtsu@education.wa.edu.au or call 9264 4307.
Required application information – program preferences
The third part of the application asks you to list up to 3 program preferences in order from most preferred to least preferred.
If your child is already in a Gifted and Talented program, you don't need to select this program as one of your preferences. Your child will remain in this program automatically unless they are offered and accept a different program.
You must choose at least one preference and no more than 3. Your preferences can be across the different program types (arts, academic, languages) or they can all be for one type only (for example, academic).
The preferences you select determine which assessments your child will be invited to complete.
There is one test for all academic programs. Arts programs require separate workshops, auditions and interviews. Languages programs require an interview.
If you want your child to participate in a particular test, or if they are interested in more than one type of program, you must nominate it as one of your 3 program preferences so they can be invited to the assessment.
Your child can’t be offered a place in a program if they haven’t completed the required testing, so remember to talk to your child about their interests and choose your preferences carefully.
Music preferences
Applicants can nominate up to 2 instruments they currently play and will audition on those instrument(s).
We do not select students on piano or keyboard alone. If your child plays the piano or keyboard only, they may audition on piano but must learn a second instrument if offered a place.
If your child plays piano or keyboard and another instrument, nominate their other instrument as their first preference and piano or keyboard as their second preference.
Note:
Churchlands Senior High School offers 2 funded piano places. Your child should be performing at approximately AMEB Grade 7 or above to be considered.
Dance preferences
John Curtin College of the Arts Dance applicants will need to nominate their preferred dance style (ballet, contemporary or both).
Preference order
Your first preference should be the program you most want for your child. Always choose in order of priority, not the program you think your child has the best chance to get into.
If you are unsure what your final preference order should be at this stage, don’t worry. Preference order is less important than making sure your child is included in the testing they need to be considered. If your child has multiple interests, list the preferences that allow your child to be invited to the different program tests. If you wait until after the testing to request an arts program, for example, it will be too late for your child to complete the assessments.
You will have the opportunity to change your preferences and their order before each release of offers, provided your child has completed the necessary testing.
Deadlines for program-specific preference changes are listed in the key dates.
How to add preferences to your child's Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance application
Find out more about changing preferences before the first round of offers on ASET Performance Report.
Submission and confirmation
When you have entered all your information, you will have the chance to review it.
We recommend that you check:
- names and email addresses are spelled correctly
- your preferences are listed correctly
- any attachments (if applicable) are not password-protected.
When you submit your application, you will receive an email confirming that we have received it. This email is your proof of application and includes a record of the preferences you have selected. Keep this so you can refer to it later, if needed.
Support for students needing alternate arrangements
The application will ask if your child has a diagnosed condition which may impact their test performance. If you select ‘yes’ the form will take you to an information page that outlines the options available and how to apply. You must make requests for support separately to the online application and give supporting evidence.
To understand how to apply for adjusted conditions or an exemption for your child or to request support, refer to Support for children with a disability, chronic illness or impairment. Submit requests for support in full no later than 6 pm Friday 5 February 2027.
Late applications
The Department promotes secondary school options each year, but parents and carers are responsible for researching opportunities and submitting applications by the published closing date.
Submit applications by 6 pm Friday 5 February 2027. This deadline also applies to requests for disability-related support.
We will only consider late applications where exceptional and unavoidable circumstances resulted in the inability of all parents and carers to lodge an application within the application window.
Reasons not accepted for late applications
- Not knowing about the program or deadlines
- Failing to read information provided
- Voluntary travel for all or part of the application window
- Short-term illness or impairment, or illness or impairment only affecting one parent or carer where there are 2
- Work, school or extracurricular commitments
- Inability to decide to apply or change of mind based on personal preference or events
Late requests:
- must be requested through the Gifted and Talented Selection Unit
- will require supporting evidence that may be sensitive in nature
- will be considered by a panel
- cannot be considered once testing has commenced.
To request a late application, email gtsu@education.wa.edu.au. Include the reason or reasons for your request. You will receive a response to your email within 2 working days, and we may request that you provide further information.
If we deny a late application request, the decision is final, and there is no appeal process.
Change an application
You cannot make changes yourself to a submitted application. Instead, request a change by email to gtsu@education.wa.edu.au or call 9264 4307. Submit your request before the relevant deadline. To find the relevant deadlines, refer to the Key dates.
Our acceptance of changes will depend on the type of request and relevant deadlines.