+61 8 6274 1300
melville.shs@education.wa.edu.au
Discover future success.

Find out why students choose Melville Senior High School.

Book a School Tour.

Melville Senior High School offers specialised entry pathways at a world-class campus.

Unlock the potential by applying to one of our 5 Specialist or School-Based Programs where students gain access to unparalleled opportunities to excel in their passions and prepare for a successful future.

Our Specialist Aviation, Graphic Design Media and Netball Programs and Academic Extension and Music in Focus courses are designed to give students a career head start by exploring their interests, skills and future careers.

Discover Future Success at Melville Senior High School.

Specialist and School-Based Program Applications for 2026 are closed.
DISCOVER INNOVATION IN OUR SPECIALIST PROGRAM FLYER
APPLY FOR A SPECIALIST or SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM IN 2026

Apply to Enrol in a Specialist or School-Based Program

Applications for 2026 entry are closed. 

It is recommended that students apply for both the Gifted and Talented Program as well as the School-Based Specialist Program.

Testing Process and Dates for Entry in 2026

Students in Year 5 and Year 6 applying for admission to the Gifted and Talented, Academic Extension Course, Graphic Design Media and Aviation Studies complete an onsite test for entry to all Specialist and School-Based Specialist Programs in March each year.

The entry test requires no prior study and consists of writing, general aptitude and mathematics.  Successful applicants will be emailed a letter requesting an interview with the Teacher in Charge of the relevant Specialist or School-Based program.

Testing Dates for Entry in 2026

  • Gifted and Talented Program
    Saturday 15 March 2025
  • Specialist and School-Based Programs
    Academic Extension Course, Graphic Design Media and Aviation Studies applicants
    Saturday 22 March 2025, 8 am to 12 noon
    Melville Senior High School.
Important:
Testing for Specialist and School -Based Programs are separate to the Gifted and Talented Program testing conducted by the Department of Education.
Graphic Design Media
  • Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work on a USB on the day of testing Saturday 22 March 2025.
    For more detailed information, visit Graphic Design Media.
Netball
  • Netball applications close Saturday 3 May 2025
  • Netball applicants are not required to sit the Academic Test on Saturday 22 March 2025.
  • Netball applicants are required to complete Netball Trials onsite

Netball Trials for 2026 entry take place onsite at Melville Senior High School:

Year 5 and 6   9am to 2 pm, Monday 26 May 2025
Year 6                9am to 2 pm, Monday 9 June 2025

Note: Applicants will receive invitation emails outlining all requirements.

For more detailed information, visit Netball. 

Music in Focus
  • Music in Focus applicants are not required to sit the Academic Test on Saturday 22 March 2025.
  • Music in Focus applicants are required to complete a 40 minute theory and audition session between Tuesday 12 and 16 May.
    For detailed information, visit Music in Focus.

Melville Senior High School’s Specialist Programs

Unlock your potential by applying to one of our Specialist or School-Based Programs, where students gain unparalleled opportunities to excel in their passions and prepare for a successful future.

Melville Senior High School is part of a select group of schools across Western Australia to hold Specialist Program certification. Acceptance into one of our Specialist Programs is competitive and requires a 4 year commitment from Year 7 to  Year 10. Entry is by School-Based testing for students in Year 5 or 6.

Year 7 and 8 students who receive entry into a Specialist Program attend 2 specialist sessions a week, that doubles to 4 sessions a week in Year 9 and 10.

Note:

  • Year 5 students can re-sit the exam in Year 6, however they are not required to.
  • If a child wishes to withdraw from the program before the end of the 4 years or they do not achieve set standards, an interview will be required with the Deputy Principal.

School-Based Programs

Melville Senior High School offers 2 school-based extension programs:

Academic Extension Course (AEC)

Students in Years 7 to 10 are offered a range of extended academic opportunities.

The AEC program has 2 components, Mathematics and Science, and English, Social Science and Humanities (MESH). Students can be accepted into one, or both streams of the program. AEC students study each of their MESH subjects together for 4 hours each week.

Music in Focus

Students in Years 7 to 12 explore a repertoire of enriched musical ensembles, performances and opportunities to unleash creativity, master various instruments, and perform with confidence, all while being guided by experienced and passionate music educators.

Students receive 2 to 4 hours of classroom music each week, in addition to instrumental lessons with an Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) teacher.

Note:

  • Our School-Based Programs are designed for local students.
  • Out-of-area students need to apply once accepted into an endorsed Specialist Program.

ACADEMIC EXTENSION COURSE

AVIATION

GRAPHIC DESIGN MEDIA

MUSIC IN FOCUS

NETBALL