131 students from NSW’s largest ever HSC cohort are celebrating today as they are set to be awarded for achieving first, or equal first, in a 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC) course.

Their successes come from across the full breadth of HSC course offerings including in English and Maths, as well as Science, Creative Arts, Technologies and Vocational Studies.

Students and their families will gather at a ceremony in Sydney today, travelling from all corners of the state, with award recipients hailing from Cessnock, Lismore, Forbes, Fairfield, Newcastle, Riverstone, Wollongong, Baulkham Hills and Blacktown.

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.

The breadth of achievement is a testament to the students’ diverse passions, discipline and skills, the world-class NSW Curriculum – and of course the teachers who have supported such outstanding results.

All 79,484 students who completed at least one HSC course this year will receive their results by SMS, email and online from 6am tomorrow.

The community can view the First in Course celebrations online via the NESA website from 11am today.

Other HSC Merit Lists including All Round Achievers, Top Achievers and Distinguished Achievers will be published on the NESA website at midday tomorrow.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

"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.

“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.

“Congratulations to every student from the Class of 2024 who went into the HSC with the desire to do their best and show what they know.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“Congratulations to all the incredible students being celebrated today – and particularly to those who have topped one of the VET courses.

“You have shown immense knowledge, talent and skill in your 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.

“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:

“Today is a great celebration of young people, their teachers and families – who come from across the state, with different passions, interests and from diverse backgrounds.

“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.

“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.”