PLC Armidale has again emerged as the highest-performing school in Armidale and the New England North West region following the release of the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.
From ATARs released to the College, 46 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 85, with 27 per cent above 90 and 19 per cent above 95.
Joint Dux Amelie Van der Werf recorded the highest ATAR in the region (99.1) with fellow Joint Dux Nevada Guiance recording 98.1. Other notable College ATARS above 90 include Arlie Bragg (98.25), Emily Blake (96), Khushi Aila (95.05), Daisy Sheedy (93.15) and Tautiko Lay (91.75).
College Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor said the results reflected a consistent approach to learning.
“The Class of 2025 worked steadily across a wide range of subjects and pathways, and these results reflect that sustained effort,” Mrs Taylor said.
PLC Armidale was ranked 69th in NSW on The Daily Telegraph list of high-performing schools, based on the proportion of Band 6 results achieved, making it the leading school in the New England North West.
While its academically efficacious size of 26 Year 12 students did not meet the minimum cohort size for inclusion on The Sydney Morning Herald list, its calculated success rate using the Herald’s metric was 22.4 per cent—significantly above the NSW median of 5.47 per cent and within the state’s top 100 schools.
Head of Senior School Mrs Kate Clynch said the cohort achieved success across both academic and creative disciplines.
“Students demonstrated commitment across extension subjects, performance courses and vocational pathways,” Mrs Clynch said.
“These results are also a credit to the dedication and skill of our teaching staff and Director of Studies, Ms Julie Flanagan.”
More than half the cohort (54 per cent) were named NSW Distinguished Achievers, with 34 Band 6 results recorded. Arlie Bragg was also declared an Allrounder Distinguished Achiever – achieving Band 6 in every one of her subjects.
Several students also received HSC Showcase selections and nominations, including Art Express (Visual Arts), OnStage (Drama), Encore (Music) and Shape (Design and Technology).
PLC Armidale – 2025 HSC Snapshot
- 46% ATARs above 85
- 27% ATARs above 90
- 19% ATARs above 95
- Top ATAR: 99.1
- 69th in NSW (Daily Telegraph)
- Highest-ranked school in New England North West
- 54% NSW Distinguished Achievers
- 34 Band 6 results
- 63% of results in Bands 5 and 6