A record 131 NSW students are in celebration mode this week after clinching first, or equal first, in a 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC) course.
With 135 awards being presented to 131 students, from 82 schools across the school sectors, four students also topped more than one course, and 33 students achieved equal first place.
Other HSC Merit Lists including All Round Achievers, Top Achievers and Distinguished Achievers will be published on the NESA website at midday tomorrow.
"Congratulations to every student who has placed first in an HSC course this year. You’ve topped the state in your course, and done it among the largest group of students to attain their HSC – that is truly something to be proud of,” NSW Education Minister and Deputy Premier, Prue Car said.
“These young people are being celebrated for their abilities, hard work and academic excellence. I also want to recognise the individuals who helped these students learn and thrive; thank you to the teachers, families and peers who made these fantastic results possible.”
Offering his congratulations, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the state’s VET students have shown immense knowledge, talent and skill in their vocational studies.
“That puts you – and all our successful VET students – in great position post high school. Most of these students are leaving school with a dual qualification – both the HSC and a nationally recognised VET qualification,” Whan said.
“It is a fantastic base to start on a very rewarding learning and career journey, whether that is through an apprenticeship, training, TAFE or university.”
CEO of the NSW Education Standards Authority Paul Martin said the achievements reflect the hard work of students and the opportunities offered by the HSC.
“First in Course is a wonderful celebration because it gives us the chance to celebrate students who have excelled in such a range of courses - English, Maths, the Arts and the Sciences – as well as vocational studies, Languages and Technologies,” Martin said.
“The diversity of the HSC is a wonderful thing – and allows students to select patterns of study that align with what they are good at, what they are passionate about and what they dream of doing next. The students being celebrated today are proof of that. Congratulations.”