The Specialist Tennis program offered at Applecross Senior High School was the first approved tennis program in Western Australia. Our school offers the program to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Physical Education Studies (Tennis) in Years 11 and 12.
Selected students will complete four hours per week of practical on-court and theoretical instruction in all aspects of the game.
The Specialist Tennis program offers tournament participation, school representation, interstate and international travel and competition, lectures and instruction from former touring professionals and accreditation in coaching.
The program has been formally endorsed by the Department of Education and Tennis West and caters for tournament players. Classes are strictly limited to twenty-four students, and entry into the program is extremely competitive.
Students wishing to be considered for the course must pass a skills appraisal and be involved in regular coaching, pennant and tournament participation. The skills appraisal consists of showcasing the abilities required for each shot in the game, along with a point play component. Selection trials are for students in Years 5 and above. These are conducted in March, May and July each year or by appointment should vacancies still exist. If numbers are limited, priority will be given to Year 6 students. There are 24 applicants in each trial, and spots can often fill up one year in advance; this may mean submitting an application form one year before you want them to trial.
An online application form can be filled out here.
The second part of the selection process involves students having their most recent school report approved by the Applecross SHS Principal. For Year 7 entry, this will need to include a copy of the student’s Year 5, Semester 2 report.
If you have any questions, please email chelsea.church@education.wa.edu.au
Testing Dates
Testing dates for applications are as follows:
- Thursday 27 February 2025
- Thursday 15 May 2025
- Thursday 24 July 2025
- Thursday 26 February 2026
Please view our Specialist Tennis Facebook Page for more information on our students’ latest achievements.
Where can the Special Tennis Program take you?
Some Past students:
Astra Sharma (2008-2012)
Top 100 WTA player, 2019 Australian Open Mixed Doubles finalist. Australian Fed Cup team member. Division 1 tournament MVP for Vanderbilt (USA). 2015 NCAA Division 1 winner for Vanderbilt University and WTA points holder.
Brydan Klein (2002)
2007 Junior Australian Open Champion, ITF Junior World #4, Australian Davis Cup representative, ATP player.
Bojana Bobusic (2000 – 2004)
Junior Wimbledon, Junior Australian Open participation, Member of Australian 14 and under World Youth Team, Junior Fed Cup Team, USA College Tennis Graduate University of California. WTA player and Australian Open participant.
Rhys Johnson (2007 – 2011)
50 ranked Australian Male. WA State League Champion and Most Valuable Player. Current USA College Tennis Scholarship holder University of Vanderbilt. Ranked #1 NCAA doubles 2015 and ATP points holder.
Scott Jones (2011 – 2012)
Member of Australian U14 World Youth Team and Semi finalist boys doubles 2016 Australian Open.
Applecross students have gone on to play on the ATP & WTA tours, gain USA college tennis scholarships, become accredited and highly respected tennis coaches, and participate in Men’s and Ladies State League Pennant.
