‘Remarkable results’: The schools with top VCE scores

December 11, 2025 — 1:33pm

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Richmond High School is celebrating after the school’s class of 2025 scored a median VCE study score of 30 for the first time since the school reopened in 2018.

Twins Ari and Alexi Psaltopoulos from Richmond High School scored twin ATARS of 87 in the 2025 VCE.

The inner-east school’s principal, Andrea Thompson, said she was delighted with the performance of Richmond’s first female dux, Maddie Wild, who scored a near-perfect ATAR of 99.65.

Thompson also pointed to the scores of twins Ari and Alexi Psaltopoulos, who received twin ATARs of 87.

The school’s overall average ATAR was 77, and across the state it was 69.

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“We also had perfect scores of 50 in chemistry and general maths, which reinforce the calibre of our school’s academic offerings across the board,” Thompson said.

“Our remarkable results in STEM reflect a preparedness of Richmond High School students to tackle tomorrow’s scientific and technological challenges.”

More than half of the year 12 cohort at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak received an ATAR above 90, and there were seven perfect study scores across six subjects.

There were two duces of the school: Bethany Leung and Stephanie Leon, who both received an outstanding 99.25.

“Academic excellence represents just one facet of a Loreto Toorak education,” principal Angela O’Dwyer said.

“The school’s mission is to nurture both intellectual curiosity and compassionate leadership in every student. We celebrate the diverse individual achievements of all students.”

The combined median ATAR was 90.3 for the school, while the median study score is 36.

Up to 30 per cent of the cohort received an ATAR of 95 and above, while more than 12 per cent received a rank of 98 or more.

Sowmya Ghimire from Hume Central Secondary College.

And in Melbourne’s north, Hume Central Secondary College student Sowmya Ghimire was voted by her peers as most likely to change the world.

The year 12 student, known for her confidence, strong work ethic and thoughtful nature, according to her fellow students, is also among the top academic performers among her peers. She achieved an ATAR of 92.4.

Sowmya said she was proud of her results and had plans for her future that could involve education.

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Over at Scotch College, three boys achieved the maximum ATAR of 99.95 and are recognised as the duces of the college for 2025: Tommy Chu, Witter Onggara, and Matthew Kriesner.

Ten Scotch boys attained an ATAR of 99.90 or higher, and in total 36 students achieved 99 or above.

There were also 14 perfect study scores of 50 across 11 VCE subjects at the school. Principal Dr Scott Marsh said the results reflected their diligence and resilience.

“Our students are not only scholars but also athletes, musicians, leaders, and contributors to the wider community,” he said.

In Brighton, girls’ school Firbank has five students who achieved an ATAR of more than 99, with the class of 2025 recording a median ATAR of 86.02.

Firbank Grammar School dux Martha Ickeringill.

Dux of the school was Martha Ickeringill, who achieved an impressive 99.85 and three perfect scores in English, health and human development, and revolutions history. Close on her heels was YuanYuan Li who received an ATAR of 99.65, and a perfect study score of 50 in chemistry.

Other perfect study scores were achieved in general mathematics and business management.

Firbank principal Jenny Williams said the result was exceptional. “They have collectively collaborated with peers and teachers,” she said.

Down the road at Brighton Grammar, school captain Charlie Sabin was named dux of the class of 2025, recording an ATAR of 99.95.

Brighton Grammar’s school captain Charlie Sabin was named dux of the class of 2025.

A keen actor, musician, vocalist and hockey player, Sabin received a perfect study score of 50 in literature.

“We have enjoyed the challenge, taken risks, loved one another and trusted that those beside us will support us no matter what,” he said.

Sabin was one of four students at the bayside school to record a study score of 50: one in psychology, one in English, one in chemistry and one in general mathematics.

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Ten of the school’s 174 year 12 students received an ATAR of 99 or above.

Headmaster Ross Featherston congratulated the students and said the impressive results were a tribute to them striking the right balance between study and other pursuits, such as sport and music.

Strathcona Girls Grammar’s Amanda Un said she always had her eye on the top ATAR. But she admits she wasn’t sure she would get there.

Un needn’t have worried. Her hard work was rewarded with a perfect ATAR of 99.95 – making her the school’s dux.

“I was shocked when I saw my result. It took me a minute to really process what it was saying,” she said.

Strathcona Girls Grammar dux Amanda Un with principal Lorna Beegan.

Six other students at the girls’ Baptist school received an ATAR above 99.

Principal Lorna Beegan congratulated the students and stressed that their ATAR was “just one moment in your much larger story of progress and possibility”.

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Bridie Smith is an education reporter at The Age. A former desk editor, she has also reported on science and consumer affairs.Connect via Twitter, Facebook or email.

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