VCE 2021: See who blitzed their studies after horror year
The 2021 VCE duxes have been announced. Check out our extensive list of all the state’s top scorers.
South East
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Thousands of VCE students can finally exhale after receiving their results early Thursday morning.
Individual Australian Tertiary Admission Rank and study scores, earned after 13 years of schooling, are now available online for more than 45,000 Year 12s.
The results showed 39 students achieved an ATAR of 99.95, the highest possible rank.
Of these students, 28 were boys and 11 were girls.
The average ATAR score was 69.26.
The girls’ average was 70.6, while boys averaged 67.62.
Some of Melbourne’s top schools received their strongest results ever on Thursday, despite being the first cohort ever to undertake their entire VCE studies amid lockdowns and unprecedented restrictions.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Haileybury achieved a new VCE record with eight students receiving the highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
Adding to the school’s achievements, 51 per cent of all students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10 per cent across the country.
Haileybury chief executive and principal Derek Scott said he was “incredibly proud” after the students endured the “most unusual and unexpected circumstances”.
“They have dealt with disruption and the switch to and from virtual online learning,” he said.
“They’ve endured separation from their school peers and unpredictability about exactly how their senior studies and exams would take shape.
“They continued to work incredibly hard and stayed positive and focused on their future.”
Haileybury recorded a median ATAR of 90 and 37 per cent of Haileybury Girls College study scores were 40 and above.
Methodist Ladies’ College celebrated three perfect scores on Thursday morning.
Principal Diana Vernon said 25 students received perfect study scores of 50 across 12 subjects, half of them in English
Almost half of its Year 12 students, 46 per cent, recorded an ATAR above 90.
Ms Vernon said she was exceptionally proud of the students’ results, saying they had “risen to every challenge and delivered exceptional outcomes” in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“For two tough but rewarding years, these world-ready and resilient young women have displayed tenacity, grit and confidence in pursuing their goals.”
Lauriston Girls School in Armadale was also home to a student with a perfect score, achieved by its dux, Belinda Huang.
Four others - Isabella Moffat, Zara Arnold, Victoria Li and Shuwen Yang achieved scores on or above 99.
Its median student score was 91.7, and almost 60 per cent of its VCE students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Bialik College dux Tye Samuels received a ranking of 99.85.
Casey Grammar School dux Alexia Gherghiceanu, achieved an ATAR of 97.55, and was also a recipient of the Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award this year.
Alexia plans to study a double degree in nursing and midwifery prior to undertaking a post-graduate Bachelor of Medicine and would like to specialise in either obstetrics or paediatrics.
Fintona Girls School students also blitzed 2021 with more than half achieving an ATAR of 95 or higher.
The Balwyn school’s media ATAR was 95.85 and the Dux, who will be announced later today received 99.95.
Principal Rachael Falloon said she was “absolutely delighted” by the results.
“(The Class of 2021) embraced every opportunity no matter the challenge and should be so very proud of all that they have achieved in their studies and in their leadership of others,’ she said.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College - Kimberley Fiorentino is dux with an ATAR of 97.9.
She said seeking support was one of the secrets to her success.
“But you need to put in effort and consistently apply yourself”.
PLC dux, Zara Boubouras, achieved an ATAR score of 99.9.
St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar - Natalie Eu is the top performing female student with an ATAR of 99.9 and Ryan Xie had the highest ATAR among the male students with 97.2The school was also celebrating four perfect study scores of 50 in English, Further Maths, Legal Studies and Physics
Toorak College, was also congratulating their Class of 2021 after 19 per cent of students achieved ATARs over 95.
The Mount Eliza school also had 32 per cent of students receive ATARs above 90 placing them in the top ten per cent of the state.
However, the standout for the school, was the cohort’s overall performance of a median ATAR of 85.
A third of the class has already secured early offers to some of Australia’s top universities.
“We are extremely proud of our students’ achievements in what has been an incredibly challenging year,” principal Kristy Kendall said.
“These young women are not just ready to take on the world, the world is calling to them.”
Dux and School Captain, Amy Uren, led the way with an ATAR of 99.1
Woodleigh School dux Bella Gosling achieved an ATAR of 99.35, including a perfect study score in Literature while Jack Shalekoff also excelled, scoring 98.3.
More than 20 per cent of students at the Langwarrin South campus had study scores of 90 or higher and the school’s median ATAR was 77.45.
Principal David Baker said the school could not’t be prouder of the Class of 2021.
“An ATAR does not tell the whole story of any Woodleigh student,” he said.
“And, given the diverse abilities and aspirations of our students, it is wonderful to see those whose paths require a high ATAR will achieve this, and so much more along the way.”
Ringwood’s Yarra Valley Grammar recorded a median student ATAR score of 86.9, the highest for a group of year 12s in its history.
Its dux was Thomas McIntosh, who scored 99.85, and 67 per cent of its Year 12 students received an ATAR of 80 or above.
“The emphasis in the VCE at our School has always been on achieving personal best and we are delighted with our VCE results this year and we wish the Class of 2021 all the best with their future endeavours,” principal Dr Mark Merry said.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Vermont Secondary College was also home to a perfect score, with Mitchell Cann acing his studies with a 99.95.
Mitchell said his “head was spinning” when he saw his results online this morning, hoping he’d get an ATAR score of 98 or above.
“I was thinking, is this even real?” he said.
“I knew I’d do well, but not this well, and I’m pretty chuffed with my result.”
Mitchell said he’d spent most of the last two years “in his room 24/7” studying and sleeping due to Covid-19, with morning walks his only respite.
He paid tribute to his teachers and school staff who kept him motivated through the pandemic.
“The teachers have been amazing through the whole Covid thing,” he said.
Mitchell said he was hoping to study Medicine at Monash University or the University of Melbourne, and planned to celebrate results with his friends and family tonight and on Friday.
The school also had more than 50 of its 199 students achieve an ATAR above 90, and four of them recorded 99 or more.
Principal Tony Jacobs commended its students on their “fantastic” results with “so much of the last two years in your VCE being remote learning”.
Mr Jacobs was particularly proud that almost 85 per cent of its 199-student group recorded an ATAR score above 60.
Auburn High School had its highest ever dux of the school this year at 99.75, Dohun Yun
Berwick College celebrated eight students who achieved ATAR’s above 90 including dux Jasmine Colbert who achieved an ATAR of 96.65.
Box Hill High School dux, Joy Kim, achieved an ATAR score of 99.85.
Ms Kim, 18, said she had worked hard to achieve good results but had been shocked to receive such a high score – which included a perfect 50 for chemistry.
Canterbury Girls Secondary College dux, Leonie Lac, received a ranking of 99.85.
Frankston High School Senior Campus principal Helen Wilson said Year 12 graduates were ready to face any challenge that life presents after shining in their VCE exams.
The school’s 2021 cohort of about 300 students showed a steeled resilience to achieve “remarkable success” in a challenging year in which 15 per cent achieved an ATAR of 90 or more, and 57 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 70.
A total of 12 students achieved an ATAR of 95 or more.
“We said to them at their celebration day that they will go down in history for completing Year 12 in a pandemic,” Ms Wilson said.
In Croydon, Melba College crowned Hser Tin as it 2021 dux, after she recorded an ATAR of 87. She hopes to study Education at Monash University.
Mount Waverley Secondary College dux Rachel Tan, 17, achieved a perfect score of 99.95.
She has been dux of her year level every year since Year 7 and did not think she could achieve perfection in Year 12.
“It doesn’t feel real. I have been working every day, so I have been really busy and have not been thinking About the ATAR,” Rachel said.
“I was hoping for over 99 and this was out of the question. I didn’t think anything this high. I was shaking when I opened the results page and I checked the results page about 50 times.
“It has been a tough two years and I have had amazing teachers, and thanks to the support of my parents and friends I have been able to do this. I am over the moon.”
Narre Warren South P-12 College Melissa Kara, who achieved 95.4, said she was didn’t feel as though it was real when she received checked her results at 6.50am.
“It did not feel real,” the 18-year-old from Narre Warren said.
Melissa’s best result was 46 in further maths, a result which she achieved in Year 11.
Next year, Melissa hopes to study at biomedicine at Monash or Melbourne.
St Helena Secondary College Senior School dux Teagan Elkington had “done an amazing job” after scoring 98.15, her principal said.
Williamstown High School has delivered its highest ever result, with Julian McIntyre achieving a perfect score of 99.95.
Julian’s high score topped his brother Daniil’s 2019 score of 99.9.
Julian studied English, specialist maths and French and a university extension program this year having completed Year 12 maths methods and physics in 2020.
“My family is thrilled. The principal called and congratulated me this morning and the school is definitely on the up-and-up thanks to a really good team of teachers. I also had an English tutor who helped me immensely by allowing me to sharpen my writing.”
“Williamstown High School is tracking very well for academic success. A few years ago, the top score was 95 or 96 and nice as it is to have the personal achievements, it’s very good to have gone through the state school system.”
Wyndham Secondary College dux Ihsan Mohideen Imran scored 99.35, and his principal Amanda Mullins said: “We’re so proud of him”.
“Again through a difficult school year through Covid our students have done exceptionally and we are extremely proud of them,” she said.
“Twenty-five students in the year 12 cohort scored into the 90s.
“We’re in an area not known for being as privileged as some others, but these results show when our students are dedicated they can do fantastically.”
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Shepparton Christian College dux, Samuel Hall, achieved an ATAR score of 89.
Notre Dame College Shepparton dux Abby Smyth received a near perfect score of 99.55 - one of four students from the school to receive an ATAR in the 90s alongside Pippa Bullen (97.00), Olivia Kenna (93.10) and Rachel Fisher (90.80).
Emily Archer (89.50) and Xavier Hutchinson (88.90) were also named as high achievers by the school.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College announced Halil IsGuder as its Dux for 2021.
Halil is visiting family in Geelong at the moment and received a call from executive principal Barbara O’Brien to congratulate him on Wednesday morning.
Amie Forster had the second highest score of any year 12 student at the school.
Ella Kerlin has been named Rochester Secondary College’s Dux for 2021.
She is now hoping to study physiotherapy at La Trobe University. Her efforts included a study score of 45 in physical education.
Jorden Stockman, Keely Parker, Shreya Gosai, and Jayvier Horkings also achieved outstanding results.
Echuca College duxRory Van De Zand received an ARAT of 97.9 while Caitlyn Bulmer, Bailey Steele and Gabriel Gallimore were also high achieving students at the school in northern Victoria.
St Joseph’s College Echuca celebrated a fantastic VCE result after six students received an ATAR of 90 or more.
Archer Ritchie was named the dux after receiving a score of 94.25.
Connor Turner Claire Byrne, Darcy Elliott, Trey Smith and Georgia Allitt were the other students in the 90s.
The school also recorded 16 study scores of 40 or above.
Rochester Secondary College - Ella Kerlin is Dux for 2021.
She is now hoping to study physiotherapy at La Trobe University. Her efforts included a study score of 45 in physical education.
Jorden Stockman, Keely Parker, Shreya Gosai, and Jayvier Horkings also achieved outstanding results.
Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo announced Toby Costigan as the dux of its year 12 cohort.
“Congratulations Toby and fellow top students Deanna Duane and Maya Flood on their excellent VCE results,” the school said in a social media post.
“Among other outstanding collective and individual performances, two students received perfect study scores of 50 – congratulations Amelie Ryan (Food Studies) and Kier Feeney (Geography).”
Girton Grammar School, Bendigo enjoyed a tremendous result in this year’s results with four students receiving an ATAR above 99.
They included Tai Hindson, Eliza O’Sullivan, Benjamin Greiving and Austin Haywood.
“Our Year 12 students have made us particularly proud this year, and like all students have shown resilience and persistence in difficult circumstances,” Head of Girton Grammar School Dr Clayton Massey said.
Marist College, Bendigo named Abbey Evans as its dux after she received an ATAR of 96.25.
Abbey now plans to enrol in a combined commerce/biomedical science degree at Monash University.
Connor McGowan, who plans to study science and engineering, had the second highest score with 94.25.
Mildura Senior College had three students recording scores in the 90s including Lila Rouse, Riley Osbourne and Daniel Comitti.
Wodonga Senior Secondary College - Michael Grohmann is dux, with an ATAR of 92.
“Hopefully I’ll be off to the university in Canberra next year, I got early entry so I’ll probably head there early February,” he said.
Mr Grohmann is studying a science and physics at the Australian National University next year.
Horsham College - Jacob Casey is dux with an ATAR of 96.85.
The college achieved the best VCE results in its history – but for principal Rob Pyers, the school’s success was also be measured in the pathways it provided for students.
The school had an average study score of 31, with 25 per cent of students achieving an ATAR of more than 80.
“For a school our size in regional Victoria, that’s a fantastic result,” Mr Pyers said.
Ballarat Grammar - James O’Sullivan is dux with an ATAR of 99.55.
Loreto College, Ballarat - Mia Mulheron is dux with an ATAR of 99.55.
Damascus College, Ballarat - Mia Lepair is dux with an ATAR of 98.2
Ballarat High School - James Sharp is dux with an ATAR of 92.9 achieved across biology, chemistry, further maths, maths methods, English and psychology.
James wants to study medicine or biomedical science and get into the medical profession, hopefully to be a doctor.
Principal Gary Palmer said: “I give my congratulations to James – this is a great reward for his hard work and perseverance for the last two years.”
Ballarat Clarendon College - Dux Jackson Dun achieved an ATAR of 99.95, including a perfect score of 50 in further mathematics last year and two 50s this year in English language and chemistry.
“I treated every SAC like an exam,” he said.
“I think that kept my knowledge of the content pretty consistent throughout, so I was ready by the time exams came.
“I’ve always been into maths and science. Around Year 10 I started focusing more and seeing how well I could do.
“It’s not really about getting into a specific course or getting a scholarship; I just want to see how well I can do.”
Jackson said he was interested in doing a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University.
Overall, 83 per cent of Clarendon students achieved a university entrance score above 80, and 15 per cent achieved above 98.
Forty-eight students attained an ATAR above 95 and 11 achieved above 99.
Three St Patrick’s College, Ballarat students recorded ATAR scores of 99 or higher in their VCE results.
Jack Sheehan led the way with a score of 99.85, followed by Connor Gaffney at 99.8 and Hugh Ollerenshaw with 99.35.
In all, 29 students recorded ATAR scores higher than 80, including 11 students who achieved 90 or above.
St Augustine’s College in Kyabram was proud to announce school captain Greta Sullivan as its Dux for year 12.
After achieving an ATAR of 94.05, Greta hopes to pursue law and global studies.
Meanwhile, Kyabram’s second local school Kyabram P-12 College named Jamieson McKenzie as its Dux for this year.
Jamieson chose not to reveal her ATAR.
Mt Clear College’s dux is Yuri Hoashi who recorded an ATAR of 98.15
Newhaven College student Holly van der Plight finished in the top 1 per cent of the state with an ATAR score of 99.1.
She received a perfect study score in Environmental Science.
Lyra Hackett was among the highest achievers for the Phillip Island cohort and received an ATAR of 97.7.
Sebastopol’s Phoenix College’s dux is Isolde Kieni-Judd who recorded an ATAR of 94.1
Seymour College dux is Phrynne Grant with an ATAR of 99.05.
The school congratulated all its VCE and VCAL students for passing their courses.
Other highlights included seven students receiving study scores in the 40s.
Wonthaggi Secondary College dux Finn Gleeson received a ranking of 94.45. He will be studying civil engineering and architectural design at Monash University next year.
Principal Ross Bramley said the graduates showed “admirable resilience and dedication to their studies”.
Woodman’s Hill Secondary College dux is Veronica McCarthy with an ATAR of 94.9