2021 HSC’s high achievers ‘on top of the world’ as Year 12 results and ATARs released

The Class of 2021 are reacting to their HSC scores and ATAR with shock and gratitude after being rewarded for their hard work and perseverance.

The state’s highest achieving students are reacting to the release of their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank with joy, thanking their dedicated teachers as they find out their fate of what university course they got into.

Students were sent their HSC results earlier at 6am on Thursday, ending the nerve-racking wait following an exam period delayed by Covid.

A total of 54,841 NSW students were eligible for an ATAR this year.

This year 34 male students received the perfect ATAR of 99.95 compared to 14 female students.

Diana Vlahos from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College in Kensington who was first in Biology. Picture: Richard Dobson

Isobel Kinnear from The Illawarra Grammar School at Wollongong West who attained first in Dance. Picture: Richard Dobson

Billy Bourdaniotis from St Spyridon College Maroubra was one of those students who took out the highest ATAR of 99.95, effectively topping the state in the HSC.

Greek student Billy Bourdaniotis from St Spyridon College Maroubra topped the state with a 99.95 ATAR.

There was a chorus of applause from family and friends on social media as the Greek student celebrated his achievement.

He is the first student to ever have received 99.95 at the Sydney college.

“I am still in shock … I have many people to thank for being role models and mentors to me especially my teachers, my Year Adviser and Head of College,” he told Greek City Times.

Overall, girls had a higher median ATAR of 71.80 and the median ATAR for boys was 68.70.

17.1 per cent of students received an ATAR of 90.00 or above, 34.2 per cent received an ATAR of at least 80.00 and 50.7 per cent received an ATAR of at least 70.00.

Tiffany Morris of Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton scored a 95.1 ATAR and was named on the distinguished achievers list for this year.

“(I’m) so very humbled today by Tiffany’s HSC results. Our daughter is so self-disciplined and confident in such a retiring way that she is loved and respect by everyone,” her father John Morris wrote on Facebook.

“Way better than I ever scored. There goes any hope of me using the line again, ‘daddy knows better!’.”

Tiffany Morris from Clancy Catholic College was a distinguished achiever and received an ATAR of 95.1 this year.

Maronite College of the Holy Family student, Celine Mousse speaks at a press conference in Parramatta to discuss the release of the 2021 HSC results and ATAR. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dylan Robinson

Serenna di Bello from Pymble Ladies’ College was ecstatic after taking out First in Course in the state for Food Technology.

“I felt like I was on top of the world – that my perseverance through my personal and our collective challenges over the last two years was rewarded.”

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell holds a press conference in Parramatta to discuss the release of the 2021 HSC results and ATAR. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dylan Robinson

High achieving students were also quick to praise their teachers for getting them through the year and helping them achieve top results.

Year 11 accelerant student Max Leo from St Pius X College in Chatswood was awarded First in State for Mathematics Advanced along with a small handful of other students this year.

Max Leo from St Pius X College Chatswood topped the state for Mathematics Advanced in 2021.

“I was shocked to come first but everything came together for me on exam day,” he said.

“I have been really fortunate to have great classmates and friends who push and encourage me.

“(I) really appreciate all the great teachers I have had at St Pius X but have to single out Mr Kennedy who made this result possible.”

Therese Briganti from International Grammar School Sydney topped the state in not just one but two languages in the HSC.

Ms Briganti was one of only eight students in NSW to achieve first place in two courses, that being Chinese Continuers and French Beginners.

“I had amazing teachers to support me, especially in lockdown,” she said.

Therese Briganti from International Grammar School Sydney was one of only eight students that topped the state in two courses this year.

“It was hard to stay motivated, but my teachers put in a huge effort to keep us motivated and working hard, which obviously paid off.”

Universities Admissions Centre General Manager of Marketing and Engagement Kim Paino said students said there were other avenues for those who did not get the mark they wanted.

“Be proud of what you’ve achieved,” she said.

“If your ATAR isn’t exactly what you hoped, there are plenty of options so make sure you tap into all the amazing resources available to you.”

The HSC results came through earlier than expected for Ian Burton from Xavier College in Albury at 5.42pm.

He scored excellent results of 48/50 in Extensions Mathematics, in Chemistry 96/100, 92/100 in English Advanced and 98 in Advanced Mathematics and 92/100 in Modern History and 49/50 Science Extension.

“My parents were very happy, it came through earlier than I expected. I just told them and then went back to bed.”