Perth Modern School — affectionately known as “Perth Mod” — is Western Australia’s only fully academically selective co-educational public senior high school, located at 90 Roberts Road, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, an inner suburb approximately 3 kilometres west of the Perth CBD.
The school was founded in 1911, making it the first government high school in Western Australia. When it opened, Perth Modern introduced three pioneering reforms that were radical for their era:
- Co-education — boys and girls learning together in the same school (though initially in separate classrooms with different entrances)
- No corporal punishment or detentions — a progressive departure from most schools of the time
- Modern languages — teaching French and other modern languages rather than focusing solely on classical studies
Today, the school caters to approximately 1,100-1,200 students in Years 8-12 and has built a reputation as one of the highest-performing schools in Australia, consistently producing exceptional WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education) and ATAR results.
Principal and Leadership
Perth Modern School is led by Principal Mr Mitchell Mackay, who was appointed in July 2023. Mr Mackay previously served as the substantive Principal of John Curtin College of the Arts for 17 years and was recognised as WA Principal of the Year at the 2021 WA Education Awards. His career with the Department of Education spans more than 40 years, including a range of senior leadership roles across the state.
The school’s motto — “Exceptional Schooling, Exceptional Students” — reflects the high standards maintained across all aspects of school life.
How to Gain Entry
Perth Modern is a fully selective government school, meaning all students must sit the Gifted and Talented (GAT) test administered by the WA Department of Education to gain entry. Entry is awarded purely on academic merit, with approximately 230 new students admitted in Year 8 each year from a field of thousands of applicants from across Western Australia.
The school also offers a Year 7 Entry Scholarship for a small number of students to enter the school a year early.
A Sphinx Scholarship is available to support students facing financial hardship, ensuring that the school remains accessible to talented students from all backgrounds.
Academic Programmes
Perth Modern School offers a rigorous academic curriculum across the Middle Years (Years 8-9) and Senior Years (Years 10-12):
- Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) — the standard WA senior school certificate, taken by all students in Years 11-12
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — available as an alternative senior pathway for eligible students
- Thriving Minds — the school’s dedicated student wellbeing programme, supporting academic performance alongside mental health and personal resilience
- BYOD Programme — all students use personal devices as part of the school’s contemporary learning environment
- Music Programme — a structured, specialist music programme with ensembles, orchestras, and individual tuition
Acknowledgement of Country
Perth Modern School acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the Boodja (country) on which the school learns. The school pays respect to its Elders past and present and honours the Noongar people’s enduring educational legacy and connection to this land.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 90 Roberts Road, Subiaco WA 6008, Australia |
| Phone | (08) 9392 6855 |
| perthmodernschool@education.wa.edu.au | |
| Website | perthmodern.wa.edu.au |
| Principal | Mr Mitchell Mackay |
| School type | Government, fully selective, co-educational senior high school |
| Year levels | Years 8 – 12 |
| Founded | 1911 |
School Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Perth Modern School Term Dates 2026
Perth Modern School follows the WA Department of Education term dates as a government school. Exact school-specific key dates (including student-free days, examination periods, and special events) are published annually on the official school website at perthmodern.wa.edu.au/key-dates-2026/.
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday, 2 February 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 October 2026 | Thursday, 17 December 2026 |
Perth Modern School Term Dates 2027
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 1 February 2027 | Friday, 9 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 26 April 2027 | Friday, 2 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July 2027 | Friday, 24 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October 2027 | Thursday, 16 December 2027 |
Note: Perth Modern School is a selective government school following the WA Department of Education gazetted term dates. However, the school may set specific student-free days, examination blocks, and key events within these terms that vary from standard government school dates. Always confirm school-specific key dates via perthmodern.wa.edu.au/key-dates-2026/ before finalising plans.
Last verified: 10 July 2026. Official sources: WA Department of Education — Term Dates and Perth Modern School — Key Dates 2026
Community and Alumni
Perth Modern School has a rich network of community and alumni support:
- Perth Modernian Society — the active alumni association maintaining connections with former students
- The Sphinx Foundation — supporting scholarships and school development
- Museum Association Inc — preserving and celebrating the school’s 100+ year history
- Parents & Citizens (P&C) Association — active parent body
- Foundation Building Fund — supporting ongoing facility improvements
Notable alumni of Perth Modern span fields including medicine, law, academia, politics, the arts, and business, reflecting the school’s 100+ year legacy of producing high achievers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I gain entry to Perth Modern School?
All students must sit the WA Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented (GAT) test. Entry is awarded on academic merit, with approximately 230 Year 8 places available annually.
Does Perth Modern School offer the IB?
Yes. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is available alongside WACE as a senior school pathway for eligible students.
Is Perth Modern School a private school?
No. Perth Modern is a government (public) school, fully funded by the WA Department of Education, with no tuition fees — entry is by academic merit only via the GAT test.
Who is the current Principal?
Mr Mitchell Mackay, appointed in July, was previously Principal of John Curtin College of the Arts and 2021 WA Principal of the Year.
Who do I contact for admissions or school-specific queries?
Contact Perth Modern School at (08) 9392 6855 or perthmodernschool@education.wa.edu.au.
Related Western Australia School Calendars
- Como Primary School Calendar
- Morley Primary School Calendar
- Highgate Primary School Calendar
- Alkimos Primary School Calendar
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