What year level sits the ASET for 2027 Year 7 entry?

Students in Year 6 in 2026 sit the ASET in March 2027 to enter Year 7 in 2027 (the year following the test). Year 5 students may also sit the ASET one year early.

Where is the ASET held?

The ASET is held at designated venues across the Perth metropolitan area, allocated by the WA Department of Education. Your venue is confirmed in the letter sent after applications close.

Can you sit the ASET more than once?

Yes. Students in Year 5 can sit the ASET for Year 7 entry one year early. If unsuccessful, they can sit again in Year 6. Only the most recent result is used.

How long does the ASET take?

The full test day is approximately 3 hours including registration, breaks, and instructions. The four test sections total 110 minutes of actual testing time.

When are ASET 2027 dates confirmed?

The WA DoE officially announces test dates in Term 3 of the year before (July–September 2026). The dates above are based on the established annual pattern and are subject to official confirmation.

How many students sit the ASET each year?

Approximately 5,100–5,500 students sit the ASET annually. GATE programs across all WA schools offer around 2,000 places in total.

Key Dates

ASET 2027 Test Dates & Application Timeline

By Alok Singh · Perth parent & founder

Updated 2026-06-11 · 6 min read

·6 min read

The complete timeline for WA Year 7 GATE entry via the 2027 ASET — from when applications open in October 2026 through to placement offers in June and July 2027. Dates are based on the established annual pattern and are subject to official DoE confirmation.

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ASET 2027 Key Dates

The ASET follows the same annual rhythm set by the WA Department of Education. Below are the expected milestones based on previous years. Official confirmation appears on the DoE selective entry page in Term 3 2026.

Mid-October 2026

Applications open

The WA DoE opens the online application portal. You'll need your child's school enrolment details and the schools you want to nominate (up to 3).

Early February 2027

Applications close

Typically the first week of February. Late applications are not accepted. Schools must be listed in order of preference at this point.

13 March 2027

ASET test day

Expected second Saturday of March. The test runs across multiple Perth venues simultaneously. Approx 5,100+ students sit the ASET each year.

Late May 2027

Performance reports

Families receive a breakdown of their child's performance across all four sections (AR, QR, RC, Writing) and their TSS.

Late June 2027

Round 1 offers

First round of school placement offers released. Most students receive their first-preference school if their TSS is competitive.

Late July 2027

Round 2 offers

Second round for students who declined Round 1 or were not placed. Remaining vacancies are filled from the waitlist.

Early August 2027

Acceptance deadline

Families must accept or decline their offer. Declining opens that place for the next student on the waitlist.

ASET 2027 Test Format

The four-section format has remained consistent since 2015. There is no indication from the DoE that the 2027 test will differ from previous years.

Abstract Reasoning

20 min · 35 Qs

Non-verbal pattern recognition. No reading or maths required — pure logical thinking.

Quantitative Reasoning

35 min · 35 Qs

Calculator-free maths and data interpretation. Fractions, ratios, algebra, geometry, statistics.

Reading Comprehension

30 min · 30 Qs

Four passage types: informational, narrative, opinion, and diagram-based.

Written Expression

25 min · 1 task

One writing task marked on a 24-point rubric across Ideas, Structure, Vocabulary, and Conventions.

The TSS (Total Standard Score) is the sum of scaled scores from all four sections. Read our TSS explained guide for a full breakdown of how the score is calculated.

When Should Your Child Start Preparing?

Students sitting the ASET in March 2027 are typically in Year 5 (now, mid-2026) or Year 6 (starting 2027). Here's how to think about the preparation window:

Currently in Year 4 (2026)

18+ months until the test. Focus on building reading habits, mental maths, and pattern recognition. No pressure — regular short sessions compound enormously over 18 months. See our Year 4 guide.

Currently in Year 5 (2026)

9–10 months until the test. Begin structured practice across all four sections. Aim for 3–4 short sessions per week. Identify your weakest section and target it early.

Currently in Year 6 (starting 2027)

3 months or fewer. Move to timed full mock papers. Simulate exam conditions. Focus on consistency and managing pressure rather than learning new concepts.

What Happens After the Test?

After the March test, the DoE takes around 10 weeks to process results. Performance reports (showing section scores and TSS) are released in late May. Round 1 school offers follow in late June. For a detailed breakdown of what each stage means, read our ASET results and offers timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year level sits the ASET for 2027 Year 7 entry?: Students in Year 6 in 2026 sit the ASET in March 2027 to enter Year 7 in 2027 (the year following the test). Year 5 students may also sit the ASET one year early.
Where is the ASET held?: The ASET is held at designated venues across the Perth metropolitan area, allocated by the WA Department of Education. Your venue is confirmed in the letter sent after applications close.
Can you sit the ASET more than once?: Yes. Students in Year 5 can sit the ASET for Year 7 entry one year early. If unsuccessful, they can sit again in Year 6. Only the most recent result is used.
How long does the ASET take?: The full test day is approximately 3 hours including registration, breaks, and instructions. The four test sections total 110 minutes of actual testing time.
When are ASET 2027 dates confirmed?: The WA DoE officially announces test dates in Term 3 of the year before (July–September 2026). The dates above are based on the established annual pattern and are subject to official confirmation.
How many students sit the ASET each year?: Approximately 5,100–5,500 students sit the ASET annually. GATE programs across all WA schools offer around 2,000 places in total.