Public high schools across the Newcastle district are being recognised for their academic excellence, following strong results in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
In fact, five local educational institutions were among 45, across NSW, to be acknowledged for improving student outcomes.
It includes Finigan School of Distance Education, Hunter River High, Hunter Sports High, Lake Macquarie High and Maitland High.
Letters jointly written by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar were sent to each one to congratulate them.
The recognition follows an extensive review of 452 schools that support about 40,000 Year 12 students annually.
And, they were selected based on sustained improvement over seven years, an increase in pupils achieving top HSC bands, and overall progress across all performance levels.
Among those acknowledged, Hunter Sports High was applauded for the second consecutive time.
At Maitland High, the achievement has been welcomed as a reflection of the wider school community’s efforts.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to inspiring excellence and supporting every student to strive for their best and succeed,” a spokesperson said.
“It highlights the hard work of our students and teachers, together with the support of families and the wider school community.”
Across the state, schools credited their success to targeted strategies tailored to their pupils.
This was alongside a strong focus on explicit teaching, high expectations and student wellbeing.
Ms Car said the outcome highlighted the impact of quality teaching in the classroom.
“These results show what can be achieved when teachers can focus their time and expertise in the classroom, providing high-impact teaching for their students,” she stated.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence… and we will continue to challenge our students to reach their full potential.
“This commitment is backed by the largest school building program in our state’s history, more teachers in the classrooms and more opportunities for high potential and gifted pupils.”
Mr Dizdar admitted the results echoed the broader vision for public education across NSW.
“These HSC results show exactly what our Plan for NSW Public Education is all about – excellent teaching and high expectations for every student,” he said.
“This is public education at its best: lifting outcomes and delivering on the promise of opportunity for every child in every community.
“And, these schools are proof that great teaching changes lives.”
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