Students, teachers and families across NSW are celebrating today, as Higher School Certificate (HSC) results land for students across the state this morning, including a record 69,962 attaining their HSC and another 9522 who have completed at least one HSC course.

The Class of 2024 are the largest cohort in NSW and Australian history, with 57,205 students eligible to receive an ATAR, and 18,430, or a quarter of students completing a VET course.

This year’s graduates have bright futures ahead, with 12 per cent of all course results in the top band, 42 per cent in the top two bands, and 74 per cent in the top three bands.

Yesterday, 131 students were recognised for achieving first place in their HSC course, while another 19,460 students have been recognised in Merit Lists today.

Some 1457 students have also featured on the All-round Achievers list, achieving results in the top band across 10 units of study, while 779 students were placed on the Top Achievers list for earning one or more of the top places, and a result in the highest band.

An impressive 19,591 students received at least one band six and have been recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list – making this year the largest HSC honour roll in NSW history.

Visit the NESA website to view the 2024 HSC Merit Lists from 12pm today: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/awards-and-events/hsc-merit-lists

Government school students are also celebrating today as they mark the final day of Term 4, with teachers and school staff also set to put their pens down for a well-earned Christmas break at the end of the week.

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

“Congratulations to all our students from the Class of 2024 who have worked hard to complete their HSC. It is fantastic to see hard work helping students to reach their full potential.

“Reaching the end of your schooling journey takes grit and dedication, and every student deserves to feel proud of their efforts and everything they have achieved.

“Whether you are moving into the workforce, furthering your education, going into a traineeship or joining TAFE, I wish all our students the very best as they take their next steps forward.”

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

“Congratulations to all students who have sat an HSC course and exam this year.

“I wish you all the best for whatever comes next, whether that is taking on a VET course, university, taking a gap year or heading straight into the workforce.

“Today is also a really important day for teachers, principals and support staff who guided HSC students along the way. Thank you to all staff in schools and TAFE who have worked with year 12 students.

“Thank you also to the parents, carers, families and friends who supported young people through such a momentous time.

“I am sure many communities across the state are celebrating the achievements of students today."

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO Paul Martin said:

“What an exciting milestone for the HSC Class of 2024.

“Today can bring with it a range of emotions and reactions – so I am reminding all young people now leaving school – this is only the beginning.

“There are many pathways to achieve your goals. And goals change over time.

“Continue learning and finding ways to feed your passions and interests.”