Media release: Another Great HSC Year for Catholic Education

Catholic Schools NSW is proud to acknowledge the achievements of Catholic school students across NSW following the release of the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. Stand out achievements include:

• 44 Catholic schools in the Top 150 schools in NSW, with ten (10) Catholic schools entering the Top 150. Casimir Catholic College, Marrickville, rose 83 places, moving from 228 to 145, marking one of the most significant improvements in the State’s history.
• 5,389 Catholic school students were acknowledged as Distinguished Achievers (DA), with a DA rate of 11.7 per cent.
• The DA rate for Catholic non-systemic schools has increased from 17.8% to 19.1%, continuing a ten-year trend of an improving DA rate.
• Catholic school students achieved 23 First in Course (FIC) awards, 173 Top Achiever awards, and 232 students were recognised as All Rounders.
• Catholic schools demonstrated strong performance in Vocational Education and Training (VET), with four (4) First in Course awards across four (4) VET examination courses. The DA rate in VET subjects increased from 2.7 per cent in 2020 to 4.3 per cent in 2025. 

Catholic schools also recorded the highest rate of students meeting the HSC minimum standards across all sectors, reflecting the sector’s commitment to both equity and excellence, no student left behind, no student held back. 

Catholic Schools NSW congratulates every student who undertook the HSC and recognises the perseverance, commitment and resilience shown throughout their schooling journey. It acknowledges the critical role of teachers and parents in teaching and nurturing all our students.

Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, congratulated students, teachers and families across the state. 

“Today’s results mark the successful completion of schooling for thousands of young people. Catholic schools continue to provide students with a world-class end-of-schooling credential, underpinned by strong academic standards, high expectations and a commitment to supporting every student to succeed,” Mr McInerney said. 

“I thank our teachers, school leaders and support staff for their extraordinary commitment to student learning. Their work over many years has shaped these outcomes and helped students reach their potential.

“I congratulate every student who completed the HSC this year. Whether moving into the labour market, university, training, employment or other pathways, these students leave school equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to contribute confidently to their communities.”