2021 for young people facing their HSC amidst constant lockdowns and learning challenges was far from normal, or easy, but yesterday the wait to find out results of their dedication and commitment was over for 76,000 students including those from the Northern Rivers. Yes, the HSC Class of 2021 finally received their Higher School Certificate results.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this is a momentous day for school leavers, who have achieved outstanding results on par with previous years.

“The Class of 2021 should feel so proud of what they have achieved today, succeeding despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Everything our latest graduates have accomplished over the past two years will hold them in good stead for their next chapter, whether they are looking to go to

university or start training or work.

This year, despite the challenges, results across the performance bands remained consistent with previous years, including the number of students who achieved in the highest bands.

 1,476 students were recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 786 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.

Northern Rivers high achievers to note are:

Grace Frances Ashford from Southern Cross School of Distance Education, a local Ballina institution, receiving first in course for Indonesian Beginners across the state.

All-Round achievers Anjali Dutton and Madeleine Warner from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Melissa Meier from McAuley Catholic College, Emma Shoobridge from Murwillumbah High School, Natalie Boudaher, Theresa Bui and Angelina Kinda from Trinity Catholic College.

For 7th place in the state in English Extension our congratulations go to Antony Zafiropoulos from Trinity Grammar School, 20th place in the state for Mathematics Standard 2 we congratulate Anjali Dutton from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, 2nd place for PD/H/PE in NSW our congratulations go to Jamai O'Malley from Xavier Catholic College, Ballina and 5th for Primary Industries Examination goes to AbbeyJones from Tenterfield High School, in Society and Culture.

5th in the state was taken by Lalika Joya Blaser from Byron Bay High School and in Tourism, Travel and Events Examination, Kellie Lever from the North Coast Institute - Ballina Campus came 2nd in NSW.

17,820 students received at least one band six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.

54, 847 students were eligible for an ATAR to go on to further study if they so wish with 99% of students achieving the HSC minimum standard across the state.

Of the courses which were studied: 

46% completed English Standard, 36% English Advanced, 12% English Studies, 3% English as an Additional Language/Dialect and 3% English Life Skills.

84% completed a Mathematics course, 47% completed a Science course and 27% completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course 

Meanwhile, 8% completed a Language course and 3% completed a Life Skills course 

Indicating the hard work that the Class of 2021 put into their HSC, 12% of all course results were in the top band (Band 6 or E4), 41% in the top two bands, and 70% in the top three bands. 

97% of course results were at or above the Minimum Standard Expected (at least Band 2 or E2) , these percentages are consistent with previous years. 

139 students achieved First in a Course 

There were 1,476 All-round Achievers, who were on the Distinguished Achievers List for at least 10 units of study. 

“To see students come out of the HSC with the results they worked so hard for is fantastic. I also want to remind students that if you didn’t receive the results you wanted, there are still countless pathways available to help you achieve your goals,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Thank you to our incredible school staff and communities, including exam staff, families and friends, who supported our HSC students this year and helped to keep our schools and exams safe. 

“In particular, thank you to our dedicated and resourceful teachers who kept HSC students learning, motivated and engaged throughout the lockdown period. 

“I know these results are just as meaningful to those who supported our students as they are to the young people who have achieved them.

“Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 and all the best for your futures.”

Visit the NESA website to view the 2021 HSC Merit Lists.