Each year, the Higher School Certificate (HSC) results shine a spotlight on Sydney’s top-performing schools, and 2024 was no exception. From selective powerhouses to comprehensive schools making impressive gains, the results reveal not only which schools are achieving academic excellence but also which ones are on the rise.

The latest analysis from Better Education shows that while selective schools continue to dominate the top spots, several comprehensive schools are punching well above their weight, with average marks that rival some of the city’s most competitive institutions.

These results highlight the diversity of Sydney’s educational landscape, proving that high achievement can be found across a wide variety of school types and settings.

Sydney’s Top HSC Schools Revealed – Plus the Biggest Improvers

Sydney’s public schools have plenty to celebrate when it comes to HSC success. North Sydney Boys came out on top, beating academic powerhouse James Ruse Agricultural High, followed closely by Sydney Grammar and Normanhurst Boys.

But it’s not just selective schools making headlines. Several of Sydney’s comprehensive schools are proving they can match some of the state’s best. Hornsby Girls, North Sydney Girls and Baulkham Hill High School all recorded strong results across subjects such as English, maths, physics, chemistry and modern history.

There are also inspiring stories of growth and improvement. Doonside High was named Sydney’s most improved public school, lifting its combined HSC average by almost 11 points since 2019 to above 70. Other schools making impressive gains include Marrickville High, Plumpton High, Endeavour Sports High and Ashfield Boys. Endeavour Sports High has also doubled its enrolments in the past decade while improving academically, showing that growth and achievement can go hand in hand.

For parents and families, the message is clear: outstanding education outcomes are happening across both selective and comprehensive schools. With public schools delivering results equal to those of long-established academic institutions, there are high-quality opportunities available across Sydney.

While the HSC is only one measure of student success, these results highlight the dedication of teachers and students across Sydney’s public schools. With selective schools continuing to excel and comprehensive schools showing remarkable progress, the future is bright for students striving to reach their goals.

To see the full list of rankings, visit Better Education, or see the list of most improved public schools.

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