Almost half of all the high-achieving HSC students in 2020 attended public schools with James Ruse Agricultural High School dominating the All Round Achievers list.

Of the 1,409 All Round Achievers - students who received the highest band possible in at least 10 units – 669 or 47% attended a public school.

James Ruse High School topped the list with 79 students, but Baulkham Hills High came close behind with 72.

Other high-achieving schools include North Sydney Boys (43), North Sydney Girls (36), Normanhurst Boys (35), Hornsby Girls (33), Sydney Boys (35), Sydney Girls (31) and Fort Street (24).

Among those honoured was Sariena Ye, who yesterday celebrated coming first in the state in both chemistry and physics: the first person to do so since 2003 and the first female student to do so in 27 years.

Today she also learned she received the highest possible ATAR of 99.95; backing up her first places with a third in extension two mathematics, ninth in extension one mathematics and 11th in advanced English.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Class of 2020 had shown perseverance all year, and this year’s results were evidence their hard work had paid off.

“Despite all the hurdles, the Class of 2020 has performed on par with what we would expect in a normal year, which is an incredible achievement,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The Class of 2020 has displayed a tremendous sense of unity and resilience this year, and all students should be proud of what they have achieved.”

In other results released today more than 17,500 students across all sectors received at least one band six to be granted the ‘Distinguished Achievers Award’.