Almost 60,000 Queensland Year 12 students have received their final results, with just over half of them, about 31,000, receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) on Thursday. This marks a significant milestone in their academic journey, as these results often determine their future educational and career paths.
Among the high achievers, 37 students graduated with top results, achieving ATARs of 99.95. Impressively, 25 percent of this group received a rank of 90 or above. According to data from the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), there has been a slight increase in the number of Year 12 students receiving an ATAR compared to last year.
Understanding the ATAR System
The ATAR is a crucial component of the Australian education system, serving as a percentile ranking that reflects a student’s academic performance relative to their peers. It plays a significant role in university admissions, making these results a pivotal moment for students across Queensland.
Of the total cohort, 93.4 percent received a Queensland Certificate of Education, while 1,192 students earned a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement. These achievements underscore the dedication and hard work of students and educators alike.
Voices of Success: Student Experiences
QTAC CEO Chris Veraa described the release of results as a “huge milestone” for Year 12 students, highlighting the culmination of their efforts. He encouraged graduates to pursue studies or careers that they are passionate about, emphasizing the importance of satisfaction in one’s professional life.
“Really, what matters is satisfaction and doing a career that you love. We really encourage people to use that ATAR as a way of exploring your options and seeing what works best for you.” — Chris Veraa, QTAC CEO
Among those who excelled is Doris Wei, who achieved a top mark and expressed excitement over her accomplishment. A student at Mansfield State High School in Brisbane, Wei studied double maths, literature, chemistry, physics, and French. She attributed her success to hard work and the support of her peers.
“I don’t think I would be there today without those people in my life actually. A lot of them are really inspiring and they have a lot of unique interests and that, in turn, pushes me to want to work harder and do cool things just like them as well.” — Doris Wei
Similarly, Saathvika Maturu from Brisbane Girls Grammar School also achieved an ATAR of 99.95. She described the experience as “surreal” and expressed gratitude for her teachers’ support. Maturu, who aspires to study medicine, is still considering her university options but hopes to remain in Queensland.
Early Entry and Stress Reduction
On the Sunshine Coast, Baringa State Secondary College celebrated its first full cohort of graduating students. Principal Matt Samson noted the excitement of the day and highlighted the benefits of early entry offers to university, which helped alleviate stress for many students.
“They still want to know their ATAR result because they have worked really hard and that’s sort of … going to give credibility to all of the hard work that they’ve done. But they feel more relaxed because they already know they have an offer going to the university that they want to go.” — Matt Samson, Principal of Baringa State Secondary College
James Barwick, a student at Baringa, had already secured a spot at Queensland University of Technology for engineering. Despite this, he experienced a nerve-racking morning awaiting his ATAR release, which ultimately proved rewarding with a score of 93.3.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Advice
QTAC’s Chris Veraa reassured graduates who did not achieve their desired ATAR that there are numerous pathways into university or TAFE. He encouraged students to reach out to QTAC for guidance on their next steps.
“Queensland graduates should be incredibly proud of their achievements, and I want to thank all the parents, teachers, principals, and school staff who have supported them along the way.” — John-Paul Langbroek, Education Minister
As Queensland celebrates these academic achievements, the focus now shifts to the future. With school attendance rising to the highest level since 2021 at 87.3 percent, the state’s educational landscape appears promising. The next chapter for these graduates involves exploring opportunities and forging paths that align with their passions and ambitions.
