HSC, ATAR results 2023 LIVE updates: NSW Year 12 students receive end of year results

If you had told Akshara Reddy Yadem two years ago she would top HSC Ancient History, the St George Girls High School graduate would have been incredibly surprised: for the first few weeks of Year 11, she wasn’t even enrolled in the subject.

But, after realising she wasn’t fond of PDHPE, Akshara thought history might be more her style. The decision paid off.

St George Girls High student Akshara Reddy Yadem topped Ancient History in the 2023 HSC. Credit:

“I really loved the content we were studying, and my teachers were just so great, taking time out of their day to provide resources and extra meetings,” she said, attributing her first in course award to her dedicated teachers and supportive friends and family.

This morning, she was shocked to discover she had also finished Year 12 with an ATAR of 99.4.“It was definitely a lot more than I was expecting,” Akshara said.

She now has plans to study a combined law degree.

Education reporter Christopher Harris has just pointed this out:

It appears as if most students were keen to discover what ATAR they had been given.

According to the Universities Admissions Centre, 48,658 NSW students have accessed their ATAR this morning. And 3100 applicants have already changed their preferences for university study.

Year 12 wasn’t always easy for Nuha Khaleal and Zahra Fouladi.

Zahra struggled with biology, while extension maths was occasionally too much for Nuha to cope with.

“I just had to persist, even if I got a bad mark,” Nuha says.

That persistence has paid off for the pair, who are both 17, live in Merrylands and attend Alpha Omega College in Auburn. Zahra received an ATAR of 98.95, while Nuha received a 99.8.

Zahra Fouladi (left) and Nuha Khaleal (right) celebrate their ATARs at Alpha Omega Senior College in Auburn this morning.

Both want to pursue medicine – whether that happens next year or the year after, they’re just relieved to have the HSC out of the way. Eventually, both would like to work as doctors in Western Sydney.

“I’ve always just had this instinct that I want to help people, and I found the body fascinating,” Zahra says. “Combining those things … it’s the best way I can give back to my community.”

Alpha Omega deputy principal Wesam Krayem says their achievements are the result of the hard work the pair put into their studies this year.

“Although they had the brains, they put in the hard work too,” he says. “In the last two years i’ve seen both these girls grow … we’re really proud of everyone.”

Knox student Jacob Johnstone placed first in English extension 1 and legal studies, and received a perfect ATAR of 99.95.

“Honestly, I didn’t really know what to feel. It is such an odd thing. I was just filled with profound gratitude,” he said. “I owe it all to my teachers and my family. The teachers did a great job, they helped me every step of the way.

“I am grateful and so humbled. I never thought I would get anywhere near this.”

Jacob Johnstone (far left) and Orlando Douglas-Giles (far right) at the HSC first in course ceremony yesterday.Credit: Louise Kennerley

He would like to study a combined law and arts degree, at either the University of NSW or the University of Sydney.

The student who topped the state in English extension 2, Orlando Douglas-Giles, said he was very satisfied with his ATAR and HSC results.

“I went really well, I am really happy with my ATAR,” he said.

He is still weighing up what he would like to study at university.

“I would like to get into arts-law at UNSW which I am pretty sure I can do with my ATAR,” he said.

Zoila Owais was on a video call with her best friend when her ATAR result came through earlier than she anticipated.

Baulkham Hills High School student Zoila Owais

“It always helps if you’ve got friends along the way who pull you back down to earth,” she said, also crediting her parents for dealing with her “temper tantrums” and elevated stress levels.

The Baulkham Hills High School student received a 99.10, but isn’t sure what quite sure what she wants to do with the high score. Leading her considerations is a double degree in actuarial studies and commerce at the University of NSW.

Zoila’s mother, Khyzran Arshi, was with her in the kitchen of their Kellyville home when she received the news. She said the eldest of her three daughters was an inspiration.

“I don’t know how to put my feelings into words,” she said. “I did expect Zoila to do well to be honest … but it’s such an unpredictable thing, getting your ATAR.”

Makanaka Mutyiri, 18, from Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange was never quite sure what ATAR she would get.

Kinross Wolaroi School student Makanaka Mutyiri.

“My dream goal has always been to get above 95 and throughout the year I didn’t think I would quite get there,” she said.

She hopes to study electrical engineering, but she is not quite sure which university she would like to attend.

Fellow classmate Shubhang Nagar, 17 received a mark of 99.10.

“It opens up a lot of avenues for me. I am thinking about medicine,” he said. “Ideally it would be University of NSW.”

Shubhang Nagar from Kinross Wolaroi School.

His success was thanks to a balanced approach to study, he said.

“Making sure you take little steps every day and balancing academics with a life outside. I played cricket, it allows you to get outdoor activity, it helps you clear your mind, and you’re in a team environment, you build new relationships.”

Looking at her list of subjects – which included drama, society and culture and Spanish beginners – Turramurra High School’s Kiana Levy said some of her teachers had concerns.

“I had teachers telling me that if I wasn’t doing as many extension subjects I wouldn’t do as well, but in the end I did subjects I was really passionate about and hoped it would show,” the 17-year-old said.

Kiana Levy (centre) with fellow first in course recipients Angie Wang and Orlando Douglas-Giles yesterday.Credit: Louise Kennerley

Her gut was right. After learning earlier this week that her film criticism project has earned her the state’s top mark in drama, Kiana woke up today to receive 10 units of band six results and an ATAR of 99.25.

“You’ve got to play to your talents,” she said. “I really like writing and the state is really competitive with [drama] performances, so I wanted to do a review project.”

Kiana will enrol in a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at UTS.

But, first, she has some play dates with her eight-year-old brother to catch up on.

“I promised him, once I finish the HSC, I am all yours. He’s been very patient, and I can’t wait to spend more time with him.”

And coming back to a student we caught up with at 5.45am this morning when she opened her HSC marks.

Willoughby Girls High student Roslyn de Lara, 17, was very happy with her ATAR – 92.05.

Roslyn de Lara from Willoughby Girls High was delighted with her results this morning.Credit: Louise Kennerley

“I feel very accomplished right now. It feels like all of the hard work we put in through the year has paid off,” she said. “My mum was overjoyed, and I am very happy with where I am. I feel very satisfied.”

She is going to spend the rest of the day celebrating with a friend by having lunch.

Earlier this morning, Roslyn told us she was a little bit terrified of opening her marks this morning.

“I am on the bridge of fear and excitement. … Just also the pressure and expectations, and you try to meet those, that’s where the terror slips in,” she said.

She logged on just after 6am and looked at her computer screen in silence for a moment as she took it all in.