The grades are in for HSC students across the state, and the NSW education department supplied the names of those from the northern rivers who came out tops.
Mullumbimby High – Seven students from Mullumbimby High made the distinguished achievers list
Luna Delaney with English Extension 2 and Visual Arts.
Torin Forsyth with Industrial Technology and Modern History.
Tadhg Graeme Cook with Industrial Technology
Oscar Wilson with Mathematics Advanced
Avalon Coulter with Mathematics Standard 2 and Hospitality Examination
Bonnie Martin with Music 1
Kaelan Taeni with Music 1
Byron High – Seven students made the distinguished achievers list
Tess Kennedy with English Advanced, English Extension 1 and Music 1
Max Hochgrebe with English Extension 1 and English Extension 2
Leo Rodd with Music 1, Visual Arts and French Beginners
Ryan Tweedie with Music 1
Spencer Ward with Music 1
Sol-Reya Ible with Visual Arts
Indigo Simpson with Visual Arts
Tweed River High – one distinguished achiever
Bronte Wills with Visual Arts
Kingscliff High – one distinguished achiever
Jackson Clark with Mathematics Standard 2
Banora Point High – one distinguished achiever
Jacqueline Atkinson – Mathematics Advanced
Kadina High – one distinguished achiever
Kye Elliott with Music 1
Ballina Coast High – three distinguished achievers
Maverick Ransom with Drama and Music 1
Ziyah Keil with Music 1
Rocco Aleksovski Pather with Visual Arts
A media spokesperson said, ‘All-round achievers are students who achieved the highest possible band in 10 or more units in their current pattern of study; top achievers in course are students who received one of the highest places in a HSC course or optional exam and also received a result in the highest band; and distinguished achievers are students who achieved the highest band possible for one or more HSC courses or optional exams’.
‘First in course are students who received first place in a HSC course or optional exam and also achieved a result in the highest band possible.’
Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School
In a statement, Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School told The Echo, ‘It is with great pride that we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School Class of 2025’.
Jess Smythe, Senior School Coordinator, said, ‘This graduating cohort has engaged thoughtfully and consistently with both the academic demands of the HSC and the broader developmental journey that sits at the heart of a Steiner education. Throughout their senior years, these students have demonstrated commitment, perseverance and a genuine capacity to meet challenges with purpose and integrity’.
‘The diversity of courses undertaken by the Class of 2025 reflects a wide range of interests, talents and pathways. We are proud to have supported every student to complete their schooling, no matter their unique pathway.
‘We are very pleased to acknowledge the exceptional individual achievements of our students, with one Year 11 student placing first in the state for Modern Hebrew Continuers. This result stands as a testament to what can be achieved through focused effort and strong support. Students received multiple nominations for Best-in-State across Music, Drama, and Design & Technology.
‘Our students excelled in performance and major works subjects, including Drama, Visual Arts, Music, Society and Culture, English Extension 2, and Design & Technology. Students also performed at a high level in French Beginners, Legal Studies, Physics and English Extension 1, and Mathematics Extension 1.
‘Many of the cohort have received early offers for university entrance, with some successfully gaining substantial scholarships. Students will gain access to their first choice of course at universities such as University of Melbourne, Sydney University, RMIT, Griffith and ANU, as well as overseas institutions.
‘Beyond academic results, we recognise the broader measures of success demonstrated by this cohort; true measures of success do not turn on a HSC result. As graduates, the Class of 2025 have developed the capacity to work independently and collaboratively, to listen and communicate effectively, and to approach the future with confidence and optimism. These qualities will serve them as they move into further study, work and life beyond school.
‘The achievements of the Class of 2025 have been made possible through the collective efforts of our school community. We extend our sincere thanks to the teachers and staff for their expertise and care, and to parents and carers for their ongoing support and partnership throughout these years.
‘To our graduating Class of 2025, we offer our warm congratulations and best wishes. We look forward to seeing the contributions you will make as you step into the next chapter of your lives, added Smythe.
Shearwater – Mullumbimby Steiner School
In a statement, Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School, said they are, ‘proud to acknowledge the achievements of our year 12 class of 2025 and to celebrate the commitment and growth shown by all students throughout their final senior years.’
‘Completing Year 12 represents a significant personal achievement, and we commend each and every student for reaching this important milestone.
‘Over 80 per cent of the class completed their HSC certificate, with the remaining students choosing to follow the Shearwater Certificate Program. 60 per cent of the cohort achieved one or more results in the top two bands available across both creative and academic subjects, including English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Music 1, Visual Arts, Society and Culture, Chemistry, Business Studies, Design and Technology, Legal Studies, PDHPE, and Textiles and Design.
‘While approximately 30 per cent of the cohort, including students from the Shearwater Certificate Pathway, have already been accepted into universities via early entry schemes, we are confident that the values of Curiosity and Connection that underpin learning at Shearwater will carry all students confidently towards the many exciting and varied pathways now available to them.
‘Heartfelt thanks go to all members of the school and wider community for their contribution to growing, supporting, and guiding the Year 12 Cohort of 2025.
‘We look forward to staying connected and hearing about the wonderful adventures yet to unfold!’
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