HSC RESULTS CLASS OF 2025
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2 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
This year’s results are testament not only to academic excellence, but also to the perseverance, collaboration and holistic development that we value so deeply as a school community.
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Headmaster’s Message It is with immense pride that I share with you the impressive achievements of our students in the 2025 Higher School Certificate. This year’s results are testament not only to academic excellence, but also to the perseverance, collaboration and holistic development that we value so deeply as a school community. Academic excellence is measured by those who achieve the very highest levels. Of our 118 students, the top ATAR was 99.75. Five students were recognised as All Rounders for achieving in the highest band in ten or more units of study, and there were three top 10 course placements: 4th in Biology; 5th in PDHPE and 10th in Ancient History. Throughout their HSC journey, our students have achieved outstanding success in so many aspects of their studies. The cohort achieved an extraordinary 31 nominations across Dance, Drama, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Music and Visual Arts, and our entire drama cohort was nominated for a Major Work. These results represent countless hours of rehearsal, creativity, and persistence in presenting original work. Equally inspiring is the recognition of our students in programs that value leadership and character. A number of our students have successfully received scholarships in areas such as engineering, mathematics, information technology, education and leadership. Their success underscores our commitment to holistic education; an approach that nurtures academic ability alongside personal growth, service, and leadership. Another significant milestone has been the success in early university offers. Over 91% of students who applied have already received offers. These early offers reflect the confidence universities place in the calibre of our graduates and provide a strong foundation for their transition into tertiary education
into a number of fields from engineering to education, information technology to architecture and construction, and management and commerce to allied health. These student achievements have been made possible through the collective efforts of teachers and families. I extend my sincere gratitude to our teaching and wellbeing teams for the professionalism, deep care, encouragement, and direction they have shown to our students. You have prepared our students well for their next steps in life, equipping them with the confidence and capabilities to excel beyond Grammar. In the pages that follow, we invite you to view reflections from our Class of 2025. These students are representative of the diverse learning and life experiences of our graduating cohort. The 2025 HSC results remind us that success is multifaceted. It is found in heartfelt congratulations from family and friends, the recognition of a university entry or scholarship, the quiet satisfaction of mastering complex learning, and the courage to present one’s own ideas to the world. Above all, it is found in the collective pride we feel as a community. To our students: congratulations. You have made us proud, not only through your achievements but through the character and determination you have shown along the way. To our families: thank you for your unwavering support. Together, with our Grammar staff, we continue to build a school where excellence is fostered, and every individual is encouraged to flourish.
Phil O’Regan Headmaster
4 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
HSC Highlights ATAR 99.75
DUX
4th
31
Biology Ethan Lenton
HSC Major Work nominations
100%
5th
5
OF STUDENTS RECEIVED A BAND 5 OR 6 IN DANCE VISUAL ARTS
PDHPE Ethan Lenton
All Rounders List
100%
10th
91%
Ancient History Cara Reiss
received early offers
100%
OF STUDENTS RECEIVED AN E3 OR E4 IN ENGLISH EXTENSION 1 ENGLISH EXTENSION 2 MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1 MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 2
OF HSC DRAMA COHORT NOMINATED FOR MAJOR WORKS
IN THE STATE FOR
IN THE STATE FOR
IN THE STATE FOR
Ethan Lenton
TOTAL NO. OF
STUDENTS ON THE
OF STUDENTS WHO APPLIED
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Top Achievers Three mentions on the Top Achievers List, placing students in the top 10 in their course in New South Wales.
Ethan Lenton 4th in Biology 5th in PDHPE
Cara Reiss 10th in Ancient History
All Rounders Five students were recognised as All Rounders for achieving in the highest band in ten or more units of study.
Sam Corcoran
Benjamin Hofer
Ethan Lenton
Business Studies
Biology
Biology
Scarlett McGregor
Ancient History
English Advanced
Business Studies
Chemistry
English Advanced
English Advanced
Mathematics Advanced
English Advanced
English Advanced
English Extension 1
History Extension
Mathematics Extension 1
Enterprise Computing
PDHPE
Legal Studies
Legal Studies
PDHPE
Mathematics Advanced
Year 11 accelerant in:
Studies of Religion 1
PDHPE
Mathematics Advanced
PDHPE
Year 11 accelerant in:
Mathematics Extension 1
Year 11 accelerant in:
Studies of Religion 1
Studies of Religion 1
Studies of Religion 1
Cara Reiss
Mathematics Standard 2 Mathematics Standard 2
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HSC Showcase Nominations OnSTAGE
CALLBACK
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
MAJOR STUDY PERFORMANCE AND CORE PERFORMANCE
DRAMA
DANCE
Phoenix Beazley, Isaac Eddy, Archie Hunter, Hugo Okamoto, Will Palasty and Darcy Strode
Darcy Strode (SELECTED) and Lily Tisdell
INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
Jack de Leon, Isabella Kurtini and Phoebe Rizoski GROUP PERFORMANCE Suitsmen
Phoenix Beazley, Isabella Kurtini, Hugo Okamoto, Will Palasty and Darcy Strode GROUP PERFORMANCE Science for Dummies
Darcy Strode and Lily Tisdell
Ruby Amoroso, Jack de Leon, Isaac Eddy, Archie Hunter and Phoebe Rizoski
Science for Dummies
Suitsmen
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ENCORE
MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Phoenix Beazley, Isaac Eddy and Elana Sydenham Phoenix Beazley
ARTEXPRESS SHAPE VISUAL ARTS
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Mahli Farrell (SELECTED) and Phoebe Rizoski (SELECTED)
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Oliver Horne and Emma Weber Lex Sclavos
Oliver Horne
Phoebe Rizoski
Mahli Farrell
Lex Sclavos
8 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
From the Head of Senior College The Class of 2025 has shown remarkable dedication throughout their HSC journey. They have balanced demanding study schedules, assessments, and revision while managing challenges, personal commitments, and cocurricular activities. Their resilience was evident in the way they stayed focused, supported one another, and continued striving. From early mornings to late-night study sessions, they pushed through with determination and maturity. This year has required commitment, sacrifice, and hard work, and every student should feel proud of how far they have come. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for the incredible opportunities ahead. We are so incredibly proud of our Year 12 graduates. Janine Comber Head of Senior College
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The 2025 HSC results remind us that success is multifaceted. It is found in the heartfelt congratulations from family and friends, the recognition of a university entry or scholarship, the quiet satisfaction of mastering complex learning, and the courage to present one’s own ideas to the world.
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Leading with resilience, growing through service By Lachlan King
Reflecting on my time at Grammar, some of the things I am most proud of are being given the opportunity to be Head Prefect in 2025, going on the international exchange to Ireland, and taking part in the Cambodia Service Program. Each of these experiences pushed me to grow in different ways, whether it was learning to lead and support my peers, adapting to a completely new environment overseas, or gaining perspective on how fortunate we are through hands-on service. Together, these experiences helped me become more openminded, resilient, and aware of the impact even small actions can have.
A key skill that I developed during my time at Grammar was my public speaking capability and becoming more confident in my abilities to address large groups of people. Through countless public speaking and debating competitions, the school laid the foundations for me to be comfortable and confident. One of my favourite memories was winning the ISA Boys Division 2 trophy for football in the 2023/24 season. Collectively, the coaching staff and players all worked tremendously hard to put ourselves in contention, and to win the entire competition is something I will always be proud of.
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When I think about the things I will miss the most about Grammar, it would have to be the sense of community, culture and people. The school fosters an incredible environment, allowing everyone to thrive and feel welcomed. I believe that teachers are a major part of an individual’s schooling journey, and we are so fortunate to have an exceptional staffing team who support each student uniquely to strive for excellence. My Grammar experience has come with a few ups and downs; I recall a challenging time in my early days at the school, relocating from Singapore and joining midway through Year 4. It was daunting, but I managed to push through by stepping out of my comfort zone and introducing myself to a range of new people, forming friendships. This contributed to my personal growth as it reaffirmed that taking risks and being open to new experiences can lead to meaningful connections and greater confidence in unfamiliar situations. Next year, I hope to be attending St Andrew’s College located on the Sydney University campus and be attending the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) or the University of Sydney to study either commerce and business or a degree in sports medicine and management.
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We are so fortunate to have an exceptional staffing team who support each student uniquely to strive for excellence Lachlan King
Central Coast Grammar School has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, especially when facing challenges. Whether it’s in the classroom, sporting field or in leadership roles, I have learned that success isn’t about natural talent, it is about the conscious effort you invest and how you respond when things don’t go as expected.
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Charcoal, captaincy and chasing new horizons By Phoebe Rizoski
My proudest achievements while at school include participating in the Young English Speaking Competition in 2022, the 2024 Max Potential Program, and being selected as a lead in the Senior School Production of Singin’ in the Rain in 2025. Most of all, becoming both the Football and Sustainability Captain for 2025 has been a highlight. Each of these opportunities has given me an outlet to express myself and explore my unique areas of interest.
During my time at Grammar I have developed capabilities in many areas. I have particularly enjoyed developing my skills in art, specifically charcoal drawing. I was introduced to charcoal drawing in Year 9 when I drew a pocket watch, which sparked my intrigue. It led me to create a charcoal jewellery box in Year 11, and I am using charcoal as my medium in my Visual Arts major body of work for the HSC. I have enjoyed developing my skills and discovering how charcoal can help me achieve a hyper-realistic effect in my work.
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When I think about my biggest highlights during my time here, attending the Performing Arts Tour in 2023 comes to mind. My first time in England, I was thrilled to see the beautiful sights and make new memories. We watched countless West End shows (my favourite was The Crucible) and went on a ghost bus tour. A different but equally amazing highlight was travelling to Cairns for an Art Camp. We swam in the Great Barrier Reef and immersed ourselves in Indigenous artistic practices. Learning to weave was my favourite activity. I wove a bag and some beautiful earrings! I will miss the kind teachers who have supported me throughout my journey. They have been there for me during difficult times and encouraged my educational growth. I will especially miss Mrs Reed, Miss Sonter and Mrs Tebbs, who have all played a fundamental role in supporting me through Year 12. I am very grateful to have had such a strong support system, and I will miss it. Until last year, I struggled with overcommitting myself to too many areas. I used to participate in as many opportunities as I could, putting my all into each of them. I have learned to better prioritise, allowing me to focus on my subjects more intensely and achieve a healthy balance.
Next year I hope to be accepted into the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to study a Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture. I look forward to finding a balance between study, casual employment, time with family and a continued pursuit of personal interests like basket weaving. Looking to the future, I would like to work as an interior architect, travel the world and continue drawing in my spare time. Central Coast Grammar School has helped me realise the importance of pursuing things I am genuinely interested in; showing me that the opportunities are endless when I couple my interests with equal measures of effort.
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Each of these opportunities has given me an outlet to express myself and explore my unique areas of interest. Phoebe Rizoski
14 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
From Cambodia to cricket: memories that last a lifetime By Jamie Ansell
My proudest achievement at Grammar was completing the Cambodia Service Program. It was an amazing experience with many memories, from making new friends, experiencing the culture, and putting time and effort into a project that will substantially change the lives of others less fortunate. The houses were incredible, the hands-on work, communicating and working together as a team really inspired everyone to push to their limits. Despite the heat and lack of construction knowledge and experience, we all came together to build something really special which I hope the community in Cambodia will benefit from for years to come.
I believe the opportunities I have received at Grammar have helped shape who I am and have given me a better understanding of what my future will look like. This includes everything from the subject choices that help you find your passion, to the different friends, peers and teachers who help you become a stronger, better person. All this has helped me to develop vital skills, not just for academics, but also to become an active member of the wider community.
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There is a broad variety of sports on offer and I have participated in cricket, football, and rugby, each of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Cricket was especially rewarding as it is a sport I have always been passionate about. I enjoyed the opportunity to play alongside my friends. The coaching across all of these sports was world class and further enriched my experience at the school. Looking back, my highlights all stem from the friendships I have gained over the years, in particular, the memories we created at Years 7 and 8 camps and being with my mates in Year 9 Geography. These highlights will stay with me forever.
I will miss the special moments that were created along my journey and the mates I have made along the way. I will also miss the motivation given by teachers. The community in this school is rare and something we will all miss. As far as challenges are concerned, I found the hours of study and sometimes simply having to show-up every day difficult at times. Although it may be tough, I believe this is how we as individuals find our motivation to keep driving forward. Some days are better than others, but the bad days are how we find growth as people. As for the future, Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) has influenced me to become a sports scientist working with the human body and next year I plan to study Exercise and Sports Science, while working to travel around the world when university is completed.
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The houses were incredible, the hands-on work, communicating and working together as a team really inspired everyone to push to their limits. Jamie Ansell
16 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
Dreaming big: from Grammar to the global stage By Darcy Strode
During my time as a student at Grammar, I have been fortunate to study in an environment that prioritises effort and success. This environment has created a drive in me to achieve not only academically but also creatively; to become the most well-rounded student I can be. I am most proud of my performance as Kathy Seldon in the Senior Musical Production, Singin’ in the Rain. As a performing arts student in a school filled to the brim with creative talent, obtaining a lead position provided confirmation of my hard work and dedication to the arts. Undertaking this while also managing my Year 12 workload taught me resilience, time management and determination.
An unexpected area of interest I found during my time at the school is performance poetry, which spawned from an English unit in Year 8 and continued all the way to Year 12. From performing for the first time with a Year 9 cohort, to performing at the International Women’s Day Breakfast in Year 12, I am appreciative of the opportunities the school has provided for such a niche area of literature. As a Year 12 student, I have written and recorded a 15-minute performance poem titled Momenta as a part of my major work for English Extension Two.
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Grammar has set up my desire for consistent success through instilling goals such as resilience, perseverance and determination. Darcy Strode
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Amongst the endless opportunities the school provides, one of the highlights was the 2023 Performing Arts Tour to London. Fifty students and ten teachers travelled to London for professional level training at Danceworks London, Thomas Page Dance studios and Pineapple Studios, some of the most sought after training a dancer can get. We also attended several West End shows, the highlights being Les Miserables and 42nd Street. It was one of the best trips I have ever been on, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the great organisation from both Mr Fleming and Mrs Koch. My friends and I still smile every time we think of our experience together overseas and are immensely grateful. As an aspiring musical theatre performer, my hope for next year is to travel internationally to obtain my diploma of musical theatre. I have already been accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for June 2026 and received a $50,000 scholarship to attend. I am planning to move to New York next year and am still in the audition process for other
European and Australian schools. I am truly grateful to Central Coast Grammar School and my performing arts teachers, Mrs Koch, Mrs Whittle, and Mr Fleming, for providing me with their expertise and constant support. I will miss all my amazing Year 12 teachers. I have learnt something valuable from every single one of them. My true dream is to become a working musical theatre performer, which I intend to train for and achieve through hard work and consistency. Grammar has set up my desire for consistent success through instilling goals such as resilience, perseverance and determination. I am thankful to the school that, in addition to my love for theatre, I love learning and have other passions for English, poetry and Sociology which I want to learn more about in the future.
18 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
Building futures on and off the field By Ethan Lenton
My proudest achievements at Grammar are mostly found in team events and the moments where I was able to share in success with peers and support the school community. Some of the most notable were our Grand Final wins in both the Opens Heads of Independent CoEducational Schools (HICES) debating and Division 2 football competitions, as well as being promoted into Division 1 for football and captaining the team. As a group, building four houses in Cambodia is also one of my proudest and most fulfilling moments; being able to help a less fortunate community as part of my Grammar education was priceless. Through my schooling I have been supported
to strive for excellence in all pursuits. Grammar has consistently promoted this growth mindset and encouraged me to be my best in all areas, academic, cocurricular and as a member of the community. I have also developed a deep conviction to study medicine, encouraged by many of my teachers. I was privileged to be a member of the Cambodia Service Program. It was the most influential, fulfilling experience and highlighted what holistic growth at Grammar is about. To be able to make tangible impacts in lives overseas was truly rewarding. Beyond that, it led to personal growth and experiences that have been foundational as I enter adulthood.
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Another highlight was the prefect service, a moment to reflect on my 13 years of schooling at Grammar, a surreal experience after seeing so many cohorts before me partake in this tradition. The community for me is what makes Grammar so special. I can still walk through the Junior School and talk to some of my teachers there. I can still say ‘hi’ and reminisce about lessons from my younger high school years. Community also means I experienced the support of the whole school and genuinely feel as if everyone is encouraging each other’s success. Some challenges did arise. In those moments, I was still able to strive for excellence through the support of staff and peers. It taught me both about myself, and that true growth and leadership is born from fulfilling any role to the fullest, even if it was not as you had imagined. Next year I hope to be studying a Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). I also hope to live on campus and grow personally as well as academically through this time. Grammar has had the biggest impact on my development. I have grown up and spent over two thirds of my life here. From teachers to coaches to executive staff to fellow students; each has left me with a part of themselves that I admire and seek to emulate. Grammar has encouraged me in my strengths and aspirations. I hope I can take this legacy beyond the Grammar community and into a field like medicine, reflecting the holistic individual and member of society Grammar strives to develop.
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Grammar has consistently promoted this growth mindset and encouraged me to be my best in all areas academic, cocurricular and as a member of the community. Ethan Lenton
20 | Central Coast Grammar School | 2025 HSC Results
Leading in STEM, shaping tomorrow’s healthcare By Ruby Curtis
I am proud of my role as Innovation and STEM Captain. Through this I have been directly involved in new and continuing initiatives for the school. I helped organise two STEM breakfasts with Mr Cameron, both of which had a turnout of over 100 people. Seeing these come together successfully was a proud moment for me. During Year 11 I participated in the Max Potential Leadership Program. This program pushed me out of my comfort zone, talking to new people, as well as generating and executing new ideas. Our showcase day for
the program was a gratifying day for me when I pitched my community service idea to a diverse audience. But the highlight was being asked to be a guest speaker at the Rotary Club. From Year 7, I have developed my love for everything science. I became fascinated by anatomy and physiology, basing both my major work and my career aspirations on this. I have also been exposed to the work of designing and creating. Since choosing Design and Technology as an elective in Year 9, designing has become a passion of mine
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and I would love to specialise in design as a biomedical engineer when I leave school. I have been incredibly fortunate to design and build a motorised anatomy aid for my Design and Technology major work. Through this I have been able to explore biomedical engineering, learning about human anatomy in depth and working with medical equipment I hope to one day design. This would not have been possible without the resources provided by the school and the time and effort my teacher, Miss Sonter, puts in to ensure every project reaches its full potential. It has been the most amazing experience for me to go from an idea, to a physical, working product in the area I would like to work. Another interest is ancient history which began in Year 7 when we studied ancient Egypt and Rome. I now take Ancient History for the HSC and have a bookcase full of books discussing everything from 18th Dynasty Egypt to Genghis Khan! Once I leave school, I will miss the guidance of my teachers who have been extremely supportive. They have always been there when I have needed assistance and have gone out of their way to help. For that, I thank them so much. It makes such an impact.
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I have been incredibly fortunate to design and build a motorised anatomy aid for my Design and Technology major work. Ruby Curtis
Next year I would love to be studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sydney or the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). I am hoping to complete work experience with the biomedical engineering company Biotronik. This has been organised by careers advisor, Mrs Henshaw, and will allow me to accompany a biomedical engineer into pacemaker surgery. I am extremely excited for this. I have always wanted to work in surgery and see this opportunity as a stepping stone into hopefully working for Cochlear Limited one day.
Arundel Road, Erina Heights NSW 2260, Australia T +61 2 4367 6766 ccgs.nsw.edu.au info@ccgs.nsw.edu.au