Sydney Catholic Schools are celebrating a remarkable year of academic success as the Class of 2025 delivers some of the strongest Higher School Certificate (HSC) results in the system’s history. Nearly 4,500 students from the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) network completed their HSC exams, collectively achieving an impressive 2,875 Distinguished Achievers listings, 43 Top Achievers, and 53 All Rounders.
Five schools within the system ranked among the top 100 high schools in New South Wales according to The Sydney Morning Herald HSC rankings, with an additional 12 schools making it into the top 150. Notably, eight students received HSC First in Course honours, with Bethany College Hurstville standing out by securing five of these accolades, placing it second only to Sydney Grammar in the state ranking for First in Course achievements.
Record-Breaking Band 6 Results
This year marked a significant milestone with Band 6 outcomes reaching their highest in five years. The total number of top band results set a new record, highlighting the academic excellence across the SCS network. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer and De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah celebrated their first HSC cohorts after expanding to Year 12, with Our Lady of Mercy recording an exceptional 28.4 percent Band 6/E4 rate—more than double the NSW state average of 12.4 percent.
In the realm of Creative and Performing Arts, as well as Vocational Education and Training (VET), Sydney Catholic Schools students excelled, receiving a record 321 nominations across HSC Showcases and earning 1,989 nationally recognized VET Certificate II and III qualifications.
Leadership and Vision
Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, praised the Class of 2025 for their dedication and achievements. “These HSC results are a powerful reflection of the perseverance, ambition, and commitment demonstrated by students across Sydney Catholic Schools,” she stated. “They underscore the high expectations students hold for themselves, supported by teachers who combine academic rigour with care, guidance, and a deep understanding of each learner.”
Ms. Cronin emphasized the holistic approach of Catholic education, aiming to form the whole person. “Success takes many forms, and this year’s results reflect the rich diversity of pathways our students have pursued, grounded in strong learning foundations and a sense of purpose,” she added. “We hope our graduates leave not only with knowledge and skills but with confidence, character, and a readiness to serve and lead in the wider world.”
Highlights and Achievements
Top Performing Schools
- Brigidine College Randwick – 53
- Marist Catholic College North Shore – 69
- St Clare’s College Waverley – 77
- Bethany College Hurstville – 80
- Marist Catholic College Penshurst – 99
First in Course Honours
- Claire Naschenweng (Entertainment Industry Examination)
- Allanah Touma (Business Services Examination)
- Emma Hardy (Dance)
- Charlotte D’Arcy (Design and Technology)
- Isabella Quilkey (Design and Technology)
- Catherine Smith (Industrial Technology)
- Nikitha Shaiju (Studies of Religion I)
- Andrew Mogan (Italian Beginners)
Distinguished Achievers and All Rounders
- Bethany College Hurstville and Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights – 184 Distinguished Achievers
- Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights – Nine All Rounders
- Marist Catholic College North Shore – Five All Rounders
Creative and Performing Arts Excellence
Students garnered 181 nominations across CALLBACK, OnSTAGE, ENCORE, ARTEXPRESS, and Young Writers, with 21 inclusions. In Technology and Applied Studies, there were 139 nominations across SHAPE, InTech, and TexStyle, with five inclusions.
Looking Ahead
The achievements of the Class of 2025 set a high benchmark for future cohorts. As Sydney Catholic Schools continue to foster environments of academic excellence and holistic development, the community anticipates the positive contributions these graduates will make in their future endeavors.
With a focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to take on leadership roles, Sydney Catholic Schools remain committed to their mission of providing quality education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.
