Full list of 2021 NAPLAN results for all Southern Highlands primary and secondary schools

Three schools in the Southern Highlands were ranked in the state’s top 100 schools for NAPLAN results, while others stunned with “outstanding results”.

The first NAPLAN test since the Covid pandemic has produced positive results at schools across the Southern Highlands, with most schools improving on their previous scores.

The best performing primary and secondary schools were Gib Gate and Frensham in Mittagong, which were both ranked in the top 100 schools in NSW for NAPLAN results.

All classes at the independent sister schools achieved consistently high results which improved on the pre-pandemic results.

Students at Frensham School in Mittagong performed very well in the 2021 NAPLAN test.

Head of Frensham Schools, Sarah McGarry, said the schools were “very pleased” with the scores attained by the primary and secondary students in the face of disruption and uncertainty.

“We recognise that these results are only one measure of a student’s growth in learning, and we are proud of the efforts of students and teachers in continuing to engage so positively with learning, both on campus and during periods of remote learning,” she said.

Ms McGarry said the laudable scores were the result of hard work and collaboration.

“Our consistent results are a reflection of the outstanding professionalism of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students and the commitment and support of our families and broader community.”

However, success wasn’t limited to independent schools.

Mittagong Public School returned some very impressive scores, ranking at above average for the majority of the Year 3 and Year 5 categories.

The Year 3 Mittagong Public students returned above average results in four categories, and scored well above average in grammar. Meanwhile, the Year 5 students achieved above average results in three categories.

Mittagong Public School principal Aloma Stewart said her school’s NAPLAN results were a reflection of agile and dedicated teachers.

Mittagong Public School principal, Aloma Stewart, said the “outstanding” NAPLAN results were a reflection of the students’ hard work and the continuing efforts of teachers during a difficult period.

“It’s a really nice reflection on the work that the staff does, both individually and collectively,” she said.

“We’ve got a really good team and they’re working really hard to make sure our students have continuity of learning during some significantly challenging years.”

Mittagong Public School is being showcased as a positive example by the Department of Education due to their efforts during the pandemic.

Ms Stewart said the school is delighted to be recognised for their continuing efforts to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

“We’re trying to not just support our kids who need more help, but extend those kids – if you look at those Year 3 NAPLAN results – that we know are growing and achieving,” she said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the results of St Paul’s International School in Moss Vale, which experienced a fall of 25 points from its previous school total.

The 2021 results for the Year 7 students at St Paul’s were a massive 55 points lower than the previous results, but the drop was mitigated by an increase in the Year 9 results.

Despite the large decline, St Paul’s was still ranked in the top 100 NSW schools for NAPLAN results after achieving an average score just behind Frensham.

Interestingly, many students at St Paul’s were unable to return home for two years due to the pandemic and many were only reunited with their families at the end of last year after these tests.

Students at St Paul's International College at Moss Vale achieved remarkable results, despite being separated from their families by the pandemic. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Breaking it down by class, Year 9 students at every second school in the Southern Highlands improved on the previous class scores – demonstrating the resilience of students and the agility of teachers.

Year 7 classes in the Highlands similarly produced higher results than the previous cohort, with the exception of St Paul’s.

However, fluctuations were much more pronounced in local public schools, regardless of whether they are public or private.

Seven out of the 15 primary schools saw falls in the NAPLAN scores of their Year 3 students, including a drop of more than 23 points for students at the independent Oxley College and a drop of 19 points for Berrima Public School.

Students at coeducational boarding school Tudor House saw a decline in NAPLAN results.

Only four of the primary schools experienced a decrease in Year 5 scores, the largest of which were the Robertson Public School drop of more than 75 points and the St Michael‘s Catholic Primary School fall of 68 points.

The only local primary school to experience falls in both Year 3 and Year 5 classes was The King’s School Tudor House, the only preparatory boarding school in Australia. The Year 3 class results were just over 4 points lower than the previous cohort, while the Year 5 class results saw a fall of more than 46 points.

Regardless of where the schools ranked, all students should be commended for their efforts in an unprecedented year of disruption.