What were NSW's top performing schools in 2023?

View the results of NSW's top-ranked schools based on 2023's HSC results.

Published 16 December 2023  •   •  7 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Akshay Chauhan / Unsplash

KIS Summary:

  • Overview of the HSC 2023 ATAR results, and how many students achieved the perfect 99.95 ATAR in NSW
  • Ranks top 10 schools based on the 2023 HSC ATAR result.

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This year there have been a few changes to school performances in both the private and public sectors — most notably the rise in private schools against government selective schools. In 2018, 8 of the top 10 ranked schools were government-run fully selective institutions. This year half of the top 10 are privately run schools. Let us break down the 2023 ATAR results and help you decide which school to attend.

Table of Content:


Overview of 2023 HSC ATAR Results

  • In 2023's HSC, 49 students received the highest possible ATAR of 99.95 including 12 female graduates and 37 male graduates.
  • The median ATAR in NSW and ACT was slightly lower than in 2022, with an average score of 71.05.
  • More than 17 per cent of NSW and ACT students received a score of higher than 90.00 while 35 per cent scored at least 80.00 and 51.8 scored more than 70.00.

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What were the Top 10 Schools in NSW?

Schools in NSW are ranked by calculating success rates, the ratio of band 6 or E4 results – marks of 90 and above – compared to the number of students who sat exams.

1. North Sydney Boys High School

  • Seven students achieved the top ATAR of 99.95.
  • 24 students achieved 99.85 and above.
  • 16 students achieved state ranks.
  • Success rate of 69%

2. James Ruse Agricultural High School

  • Seven students achieved the top ATAR of 99.95
  • 26 students achieved state ranks.
  • Success rate of 60%

3. Baulkham Hills High School

  • 13 students achieved state ranks.
  • Success rate of 55.8%

4. North Sydney Girls High School

  • 3 students achieved state ranks.
  • Success rate of 54.7%

5. Reddam House

  • 10% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 40% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 60% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate of 54.2%

6. St Aloysius' College

  • 13% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 49% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 68% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate of 52.5%

7. Sydney Grammar School

  • 26.7% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 58.8% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 80.2% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate of 52.3%

8. Abbotsleigh

  • 7 students achieved state ranks.
  • 13% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 45% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 65% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate of 45.7%

9. Knox Grammar

  • 39 students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 157 students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 246 students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate 45.6%

10. Meriden School

  • 11% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
  • 38% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above, placing them in the top 5% of the state.
  • 63% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
  • Success rate of 44.4%

Conclusion

Congratulations to the class of 2023, and if you are preparing for your HSCs in 2024, all the best! If you're looking for some additional support to achieve your dream ATAR, get a tutor from KIS Academics!

For more study tips and resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:

HSC ATAR Results 2024 – Top NSW Schools Rankings & Statistics – Complete Breakdown of Band 6/E4 Success Rates & State Ranks - HSC ATAR Results 2024 NSW Top 10 Schools Revealed - HSC ATAR Results 2024 Statistics & School Rankings NSW
View the results of NSW’s top-ranked schools based on 2024’s HSC results.
HSC: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the HSC and ATAR - How is ATAR calculated from HSC - How many Units of HSC are Counted towards ATAR (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
What is the HSC? How to get your ATAR from the HSC? What is scaling? Whether you’re a student, parent, or tutor, the Higher School Certificate in New South Wales can get confusing. So let us break it down for you.
Do HSC Internal Ranks Affect Your ATAR - Internal Assessments Determine 50% of your HSC Marks - Internal HSC Assessment Rankings Impact on Final HSC ATAR Results | KIS Academics
Worried your school marks will drag down your ATAR? Learn how internal ranks affect your HSC results, how scaling works, and why your final exam still matters. We break down the myths and give you clarity!

FAQs

Which is the Best school?

  • There is no such thing as the "best" school. Some schools might have more resources than others, but ultimately your ATAR is up to your efforts.
  • Going to a top school does not guarantee that you will get a good ATAR; you still have to put in the effort to study!

Where can I find more information about ATAR results?

  • The NSW government website
  • For more HSC study guides, check this out.

How do I choose the best school for me?

Consider factors like how far away the school is from you, school fees, the facilities the school has to support your passions and interests etc.

Talk to your parents, friends, teachers, and perhaps students from the schools you're interested in too! Make a pros and cons list and make your decision then!

How hard is it to get a 99.95 ATAR?

Only the top 0.05% of students get the perfect ATAR of 99.95, so it is definitely difficult, but not impossible. Find out how this KIS Academics tutor achieved this feat in this article.


Want more personalised guidance from past HSC high achievers? Check out our lineup of expert tutors from KIS Academics with an average ATAR of 99.50 to unlock your academic potential.

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