In this blog, we break down the top 10 performing schools in NSW based on their HSC 2024 outcomes. The rankings are drawn from the percentage of exams with a Band 6 result—a mark of 90 or above—as well as the number of Band 6s, total exams sat, student numbers, and school type. These metrics paint a detailed picture of the schools leading the academic charge this year.
HSC 2024 Overview
In 2024, a record-breaking 69,962 students completed their HSC in New South Wales—the largest cohort in the state’s history!
Here’s a snapshot of how they performed:
- The average ATAR in 2024 was 71.55, slightly higher than the 70.33 average recorded in 2023. According to UAC, this remains close to the long-term state average of approximately 70.00.
- Approximately 17.8% of students—around 12,800 individuals—achieved an ATAR above 90.
- 35.5% of students earned an ATAR above 80, highlighting strong performance across a broad segment of the cohort.
- A total of 19,591 students achieved at least one Band 6 result, earning them a place on the Distinguished Achievers List—making this year’s honour roll the largest in HSC history.
Band Performance Breakdown:
- 12% of all HSC exam results were awarded a Band 6 (scores between 90 and 100)—the highest performance band.
- 74% of all results fell within the top three bands (Band 4, 5 or 6), reflecting a strong overall standard across subjects and schools. This figure is higher than the equivalent percentage in 2023.
Top-End Achievement:
A total of 51 students achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95 in 2024. Of these, 42 were male and 9 were female.
Historically, between 40 and 50 students in NSW attain a 99.95 ATAR each year—placing them in the top 0.05% of all HSC candidates. The Sydney Morning Herald typically publishes a list of students who achieve this result, along with their schools.
Distinguished Achievers (DAs)—students who score 90 or above in a course—remain a key benchmark for academic success in the HSC. Schools are often ranked by the percentage of exam entries that achieve DA status, providing a useful lens through which to compare performance across different student populations and school types.
Some general statewide trends from 2024 include:
- A continued strong performance from government selective schools, particularly those located in metropolitan areas.
- Non-government schools with rigorous academic programs and smaller cohorts also featured prominently.
- The overall distribution of Distinguished Achievers remained consistent, with top-performing schools seeing more than 60% of their exam entries achieving DA results—well above the state average.
How Are HSC Scores Used to Rank Schools?
School rankings for the HSC are largely based on one key metric: the percentage of exam entries that result in a Distinguished Achiever (DA) score—a mark of 90 or above. This provides a way to measure how well a school is able to produce high-level results from its students.
Here’s how the core metrics are used in creating HSC school rankings:
- Exams with DA (%):
- This figure represents the proportion of all exams sat at a school that achieved a score of 90 or above. A higher percentage suggests that strong performance is widespread, rather than limited to a few top students. In 2024, the top schools reported DA rates above 60%, significantly exceeding the statewide average.
- Number of Distinguished Achievers (DA):
- While the percentage is useful for comparing schools of different sizes, the total number of DAs also provides insight—particularly for schools with large student cohorts. A high number of DAs demonstrates consistent performance across a broad subject base.
- Exams Sat and # of Students:
- These figures give important context. A small school with a high DA percentage may have a more selective intake or more personalised support, while larger schools delivering similar results reflect scalability and breadth of excellence.
- School Category:
- Whether a school is selective, non-selective, government or non-government helps further explain differences in performance, intake, and resources.
Together, these statistics help form an objective view of academic success across NSW schools. While rankings provide a snapshot, they should always be considered alongside other factors—like school culture, subject offerings, and student wellbeing.
Top 10 Performing Schools in the 2024 HSC
The following table outlines the top 10 schools in NSW based on 2024 HSC outcomes. Schools are ranked according to the percentage of exam entries that achieved a Distinguished Achiever (DA) result, alongside key context including cohort size, total exams sat, and school category.
Top 10 School Analysis
1. North Sydney Boys High School
Leading the state in 2024 with 64.9% of exams resulting in a DA, this selective government school has demonstrated exceptional academic consistency. A smaller cohort of 151 students achieved a remarkable 564 DAs.
2. James Ruse Agricultural High School
A long-standing HSC powerhouse, James Ruse recorded a 62.9% DA rate across 1029 exams. Known for its focus on science and mathematics, this selective school continues to uphold its elite academic reputation.
3. Sydney Grammar School
With the highest number of DAs (667) among the top 10, this prestigious non-government school achieved a 56.4% DA rate.
4. Normanhurst Boys High School
Another strong performer from the selective sector, Normanhurst Boys achieved a 55% DA rate with 433 DAs from 133 students, showcasing excellent outcomes in a balanced and competitive environment.
5. Reddam House
The top-ranked non-government co-educational school, Reddam House posted a 54.9% DA rate. With a focus on academic support and personalised learning, it’s a standout among independent schools.
6. Baulkham Hills High School
With the largest cohort in the top 10 (202 students) and 1221 exams sat, Baulkham Hills achieved a 54.1% DA rate. This selective school combines high academic standards with strong community engagement.
7. Hornsby Girls High School
Hornsby Girls remains one of the top-performing all-girls selective schools in the state, earning a 52% DA rate. Its supportive academic culture and focus on holistic education contribute to its ongoing success.
8. North Sydney Girls High School
This academically selective school maintained strong results with a 50.1% DA rate. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, North Sydney Girls continues to thrive across disciplines.
9. Sydney Boys High School
A selective public school with a broad co-curricular program, Sydney Boys earned a 49.4% DA rate across 1223 exams, showing consistent strength across a large and diverse student body.
10. Abbotsleigh
Rounding out the top 10, Abbotsleigh is the highest-ranked non-government girls’ school in the state. With 514 DAs from 175 students, it demonstrates both academic strength and a supportive learning environment.
Top 10 Government Selecting Performing Schools in the 2024 HSC
Top 10 Non-Government Performing Schools in the 2024 HSC
Comparing 2024 HSC Results to 2023: What’s Changed?
Looking at the 2024 HSC results in comparison to 2023 offers insight into how school performance, student achievement, and overall trends have evolved. While the top end of the rankings has remained largely consistent, there are a few key shifts worth noting.
Key Observations:
- Selective Schools Remain Dominant
- Just like in 2023, selective government schools occupied the majority of the top 10 positions in 2024. North Sydney Boys High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School continue to lead the rankings, swapping positions slightly but maintaining similar DA percentages (both above 60%).
- Independent Schools Holding Strong
- Schools like Sydney Grammar, Reddam House, and Abbotsleigh held their places among the state’s top performers. Sydney Grammar’s continued high number of DA results (667 in 2024) is especially notable given its large subject range and cohort size.
- Cohort Sizes Increasing
- Some top schools saw slightly larger student cohorts in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting possible increased enrolment or more students sitting a broader range of subjects. Baulkham Hills High School and Sydney Boys High School, for example, had over 1,200 exam entries each.
- DA Percentages Holding Steady
- Across the board, Distinguished Achiever (DA) percentages remained relatively stable compared to 2023. This consistency suggests that high standards of teaching and learning have been maintained across multiple school types.
- Movement Just Outside the Top 10
- While the top schools remained largely unchanged, there was more fluctuation in schools ranked 11–20. This reflects the competitive nature of the HSC and the impact of changing student cohorts year to year.
The comparison between 2023 and 2024 shows a system that values consistency, high expectations, and academic growth—across both selective and non-selective environments. It also highlights that while school rankings are useful, they’re not static. Each year brings a fresh cohort of students, and with them, new challenges and successes.
Why the HSC Results Matter Beyond the Rankings
While much attention is given to school rankings and percentages, the HSC is about more than just academic statistics—it’s a pivotal moment in a student’s educational journey. The 2024 HSC results represent not only the culmination of 13 years of schooling but also the beginning of countless future pathways.
For Students
HSC results play a central role in determining each student's ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), which is used for entry into university courses across Australia. For many students, these results open the door to future study, scholarships, and career opportunities. But just as importantly, they reflect personal growth, resilience, and hard work.
For Schools
A school’s HSC performance is often seen as a reflection of its teaching quality, academic culture, and student support systems. High results can enhance reputation and drive enrolment, but many schools also use this data to evaluate and improve their programs year-on-year.
For Families and Communities
Families use HSC outcomes to help guide decisions about school choice and support for their children’s education. At a broader level, communities often take pride in strong-performing local schools, which contribute to the area’s educational identity.
For the Education System
On a state-wide scale, HSC results inform education policy, resource allocation, and curriculum development. They help decision-makers identify trends, strengths, and areas needing support.
While top-performing schools often receive the most attention, every HSC result tells a story of effort, ambition, and personal achievement. Whether a student plans to enter university, vocational education, or the workforce, their HSC experience is a foundational step toward what comes next.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 HSC results offer a valuable snapshot of academic excellence across New South Wales. From selective government schools to independent standouts, the data reflects not just top scores, but the dedication of students, teachers, and entire school communities.
While rankings provide insight, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Each student’s HSC journey is unique—and success can be measured in many ways, not just by numbers. As this cohort steps into university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or work, their results mark both an ending and a beginning.
Ultimately, the HSC is about more than exams—it's about learning how to think, adapt, and grow. And in that sense, the Class of 2024 has already achieved something remarkable.
