Massive demand for Year 8 places at Perth Modern School

22/05/07
A record number of Western Australia's brightest Year Seven students are competing for a place at the academically selective Perth Modern School next year.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said more than 1000 students had applied for the school's 175 places, a 33 per cent increase on last year.
"We have received 1024 applications from academically gifted students for a place at Perth Modern next year, compared with the 768 students who competed for a place last year," Mr McGowan said
"To qualify, students have sat nationally recognised aptitude tests, which include writing, English language, mathematics and general ability tests.
"This is an extraordinary demand, it shows parents and students have embraced the concept of academically selective public schools."
Mr McGowan said Perth Modern was fast becoming a beacon of public education, but it wasn't the only choice for parents with gifted children.
"There are other public secondary schools in Perth that offer elite academic programs," he said.
"For example, Shenton College and Comet Bay College, Governor Stirling Senior High School and Melville, Kelmscott, Willetton and Duncraig Senior High Schools all offer excellent programs in Mathematics, Science and Humanities.
"Also, Mount Lawley Senior High School and Rossmoyne Senior High School offer elite language programs."
Mr McGowan said it was likely the entry benchmark to Perth Modern School would be raised for next year, because of stronger academic performances in selection tests by the 2008 candidates.
Students who scored the highest marks would be sent first round offers to the school this week.
Minister's office - 9222 9111