Every year, New South Wales Year 12 students complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC)—Australia’s longest-running state senior credential—followed by ATAR releases in December.

For the 2024 cohort, NESA reports 70,012 students were awarded the HSC (36,162 female, 33,775 male, 75 non-binary), with most students from major cities (57,468).

Top Schools in 2024

NSW (Top 10 by HSC success rate)

1. North Sydney Boys High School

2. James Ruse Agricultural High School

3. Sydney Grammar School

4. Normanhurst Boys High School

5. Reddam House

6. Baulkham Hills High School

7. Hornsby Girls High School

8. North Sydney Girls High School

9. Sydney Boys High School

10. Abbotsleigh

Victoria (Top 10 by VCE success rate)

1. Ballarat Clarendon College

2. Huntingtower School

3. Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School

4. Mount Scopus Memorial College

5. St Catherine’s School

6. Ruyton Girls’ School

7. Haileybury Girls College

8. Bialik College

9. Melbourne Girls Grammar

10. Melbourne High School

Top 5 Schools in Australia (indicative)
There is no single official national ranking, but based on HSC and VCE results, as well as median ATAR outcomes, commonly cited top performers for 2024 include:

• Ballarat Clarendon College (VIC)

• North Sydney Boys High School (NSW)

• James Ruse Agricultural High School (NSW)

• Sydney Grammar School (NSW)

• Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School (VIC)

Year 11: Building the Launchpad

Choose Subjects Strategically

Balance your interests with aptitude and scaling realities. Review past HSC papers and consider how each subject aligns with your strengths.

Understand How the ATAR Works

Year 12 internal assessments and external HSC exams combine to form your ATAR. Each subject scales differently, so aim for strong relative performance.

Establish a Weekly Study Rhythm

Aim for 5–8 focused study sessions per week. Use 45–60 minute blocks that include class review, practice questions, and quick recaps.

Create Reusable Notes

Build a single set of exam-ready notes for each subject, tied directly to the syllabus dot points. These notes will serve you in Year 12.

Practise Past Papers Early

Start with micro-sets of 10–15 minutes each week. Keep a “mistake log” to track misconceptions and how to correct them.

Focus on Literacy and Numeracy

Even in STEM subjects, written expression matters. Practice short responses using PEEL or TEEL structure.

Try Study Tools, Then Standardise

Experiment with apps and systems in Year 11, but settle into a consistent workflow before Year 12.

Self-Audit Each Term

At the end of each term, review which topics are strong and which need catch-up during the holidays.

Year 12: Execution and Performance

Treat Trials as the Dress Rehearsal

Trials are often as challenging as the HSC. Use them to identify weak areas and rebuild your notes.

Prioritise Active Practice

Spend 60–70% of your study time on past exam questions. Transition from open-book to closed-book and then to timed practice.

Learn to Mark Like an Examiner

Self-mark using official guidelines. Build checklists of “what earns marks” for each syllabus point.

Focus on Smart Scaling

Push hardest in subjects where you can rise above your cohort. Even small improvements in scaled subjects can boost your ATAR significantly.

Plan Assessments Like Projects

Map every task and exam on a single wall chart. Back-plan from deadlines and protect short breaks to avoid burnout.

Write for the Markers

Match syllabus verbs in your responses. For English, always include quote, technique, effect, and a tie-back to the question.

Show Method in Maths and Sciences

Marks are awarded for process as well as answers. Always include steps, assumptions, and units.

Manage Major Works and Practicals

Turn rubrics into checklists. Schedule peer reviews for structure, depth, and polish.

Protect Exam Week Performance

Get 7.5–8.5 hours of sleep. Use caffeine strategically. Create a last-minute “pitfalls and reminders” sheet.

Reset After Each Exam

Take 20 minutes to debrief, then close that subject mentally. Avoid overanalysing—protect focus for the next paper.

Quick FAQs

How many students passed the HSC in 2024?
70,012 students were awarded the HSC in 2024.

Where can I see official data?
NESA publishes facts and figures with participation, performance bands, and course completions.

How are school rankings calculated?
NSW rankings are based on the proportion of Band 6 results. Victoria’s rankings focus on median study scores and scores above 40. National lists vary depending on methodology.