Local students celebrate VCE results

STUDENTS from across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast awoke with nerves and plenty of excitement this morning (Thursday, December 11) to find out their VCE results.

The Geelong College was thrilled to share 164 members of their Year 12 cohort completed their VCE.

Four students achieved Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATARs) above 99, and 27.3 per cent of the class of 2025 scored more than 90, placing more than a quarter of its students in the top 10 per cent of the state.

The median ATAR was 82.65, while students also earned four perfect study scores of 50 — two in General Maths and two in Psychology.

Dux of the college Joseph Afford achieved a near perfect 99.8.

He said he was happily surprised when he opened his results this morning.

“I wasn’t expecting to score that high.

“Good preparation, lots of practice exams and knowing I could ask teachers for help were all important.

“Some friendly competition with my friends and staying busy with tennis and other things helped keep me productive.”

Joseph intends to study engineering, most likely at Monash University next year.

Geelong Lutheran College recorded the strongest Year 12 results in its history.

This year’s results included the school’s highest-ever ATAR, first perfect study score, most ATARs over 90 and higher average and median ATAR than in 2024.

This year’s Dux was Joy Im, who attained an ATAR of 99.65. Among Joy’s results were six study scores over 40, including a perfect Study Score of 50 in History: Revolutions.

“I was surprised mostly when I saw my ATAR. I was very happy with my German and History study scores,” she said.

She will be undertaking a Navy Officer Training year in 2026 before starting with ADFA, studying a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Politics.

St Joseph’s College in Geelong had 21 students achieve an ATAR of over 90 and 50 per cent of pupils achieved over 70.

The college Dux was Brodie Elphinstone with an ATAR of 99.15.

Brodie’s results were: English Language (35), Maths Methods (47), Specialist Maths (36), Physics (47), Systems Engineering (45) and General Maths (44).

The school’s highest study score went to Year 10 student Jack Graspas who scored a perfect 50 in General Maths.

College principal Tony Paatsch said this result was reflective of student commitment, excellent teaching and support from our families.

“The college congratulates each of our VCE students, we are very proud of your performance.”

Hattie Ingle was Dux at Sacred Heart College, scoring 99.60.

Grace Connolly (97.70) and Matilda Derbyshire (97.50) were other very high achievers.

At Surf Coast Secondary College, Tyson Smith achieved Dux status with a 98.1 score.

Amelia Sexton, Lilah Crothers, Paige Evans and Lylah Jones all had an ATAR of over 90.

This year’s VCE students achieved the school’s highest results ever, with an average study score of 29.46

College principal Shane Elevato said he was incredibly proud of the students.

“Their achievements reflect not only their dedication and resilience, but also our school-wide commitment to quality teaching and learning.

“With a strong focus on effective pedagogies and maintaining high expectations for every student, we are seeing the impact of a shared belief in excellence.

“It’s an outstanding achievement by the entire Year 12 cohort and our team of talented teachers.”