Top Schools For English - HSC 2023 Results

In this blog, we'll explore the top 20 public and private schools for their English Advanced and Extension success rates, and discuss whether you need to get into these schools to do well.

Top 20 schools with the best English advanced graduates 

English Advanced and English Extension are difficult courses that require academic rigour to be completed successfully. On average, 14% of English Advanced students get a band 6 and 41% get band E4 in English extension as the top band. Certain schools have blitzed the English syllabi, with the top one having an outstanding 68.7% success rate for their English units! Following is the top 20 schools ranked by the success rate in their English studies. 

Success rate is defined by the percentage of students who studied English who achieved a band 6 or E4, the highest achievement band, out of all the students in that cohort. For example, a success rate of 10% in a cohort of 150 students means 15 students have achieved the top performance band. Following is a list of the top success rates of different public and private schools. It is important to note that the cohort size is not included, and further research can be undertaken at the school’s respective websites. 

HSC 2023: English (advanced & Extension) top success rates by Public & Private schools

  1. North Sydney Boys (68.7%)
  2. Killarney Heights (68.2%)
  3. Alpha Omega Senior College (66.7%)
  4. Kambala (66.7%)
  5. Brigidine College Randwick (57.8%)
  6. Reddam House (55%)
  7. St John Bosco College (53.3%)
  8. James Ruse (52.6%)
  9. St Aloysius' College (51.9%)
  10. St Catherine's (50.8%)
  11. SCEGGS Darlinghurst (50.3%)
  12. Al Noori Muslim School (50.0%)
  13. North Sydney Girls (49.8%)
  14. Baulkham Hills (49.6%)
  15. Northern Beaches SC Balgowlah Boys (48.5%)
  16. Abbotsleigh (48.4%)
  17. Cranbrook (47.8%)
  18. Ascham (45.5%)
  19. Ravenswood (45.0%)
  20. SHORE - Sydney Church of England Grammar (43.5%)


HSC 2023: English (advanced & Extension) top success rates by Private schools

  1. Alpha Omega Senior College  (66.7%)
  2. Kambala (66.7%)
  3. Brigidine College Randwick (57.8%)
  4. Reddam House (55%)
  5. St John Bosco College (53.3%)
  6. St Aloysius College (51.9%)
  7. St Catherines (50.8%)
  8. SCEGGS Darlinghurst (50.3%)
  9. Al Noori Muslim School (50.0%)
  10. Abbotsleigh (48.4%)
  11. Cranbrook (47.8%)
  12. Ascham (45.5%)
  13. Ravenswood (45.0%)
  14. SHORE - Sydney Church of England Grammar (43.5%)
  15. Sydney Grammar (43.0%)
  16. Kincoppal - Rose Bay of the Sacred Heart (42.9%)
  17. St Clare's College (42.9%)
  18. Loreto Kirribilli (42.4%)
  19. St Vincent's College (41.9%)
  20. Meriden (41.2%)

Do I need to attend a high-ranking school to do well in the HSC?

A common question among students and parents alike is whether attending a high-ranking school is necessary to achieve a good mark in the HSC. The answer is multifaceted, encompassing factors such as the concept of scaling, cohort strength, and the morale-boosting effect of being surrounded by academically minded peers.

Firstly, it's essential to understand the concept of scaling, which is employed to account for variations in difficulty among subjects. Scaling adjusts raw examination marks to ensure fairness across different subjects. For instance, subjects perceived as more challenging, like Physics or Advanced Mathematics, may be scaled up to reflect this difficulty, while subjects perceived as less challenging may be scaled down. Consequently, a student's final HSC mark isn't solely determined by their performance relative to peers in their school but is also influenced by scaling adjustments.

Moreover, the strength of one's cohort can significantly impact individual performances in the HSC. Attending a high-ranking school often means being surrounded by peers who are academically motivated and high-achieving. This environment fosters healthy competition and provides students with opportunities for collaboration and support. A stronger cohort can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, pushing students to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Additionally, peer interactions within a strong cohort can facilitate the exchange of ideas, study techniques, and resources, enhancing overall learning outcomes.

Furthermore, the morale-boosting effect of being alongside similarly academically minded individuals cannot be understated. High-achieving schools tend to create a culture that values academic success and celebrates intellectual curiosity. Being part of such a community instils a sense of belonging and confidence in students, especially during challenging times. When faced with academic setbacks or obstacles, students can draw strength from their peers and teachers, knowing they are not alone in their journey. This collective support network cultivates resilience and perseverance, essential qualities for navigating the demands of the HSC and beyond.

In conclusion, while attending a high-ranking school can offer certain advantages in terms of cohort strength and academic culture, it is not the sole determinant of HSC success. Understanding the nuances of scaling, leveraging the benefits of a strong cohort, and harnessing the morale-boosting effects of academic communities are crucial factors that contribute to achieving a good mark in the NSW HSC. Ultimately, dedication, hard work, and effective study strategies play pivotal roles in realizing one's academic goals, regardless of school ranking!

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