ATAR Morning Brings Big Wins, Big Emotions, and New Beginnings Across Victoria
It’s been a huge morning across Victoria as thousands of Year 12 students woke up to refresh their phones, open their result portals, and finally see the ATAR scores and VCE results they’ve been waiting for. The whole state has basically been holding its breath since sunrise, and the stories coming out already show just how diverse and emotional this moment can be.
One of the standout celebrations came from Mount Waverley Secondary College, where Jadon Tu was named dux with an impressive 99.85. He admitted the biggest feeling was pure relief, knowing he’d never have to think about ATAR again. His teachers and family were thanked warmly, and his school’s senior leadership reminded everyone how far this cohort has come after starting high school during the Covid years.
Across Victoria, similar stories of pride rolled in. Hazel Glen College saw its study scores jump, with principal Anthony Stockwell crediting their lift to a renewed focus on consistency and excellence. Mentone Grammar celebrated three students who soared above 99, including Naima Luthra, who managed the rare feat of balancing elite-level tennis with top-tier academics. She’s now heading to the US to play college tennis, proving that passion and discipline really can work hand in hand.
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Private schools such as Strathcona Girls Grammar, Lowther Hall, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak and Brighton Grammar released equally strong results, showcasing perfect study scores, high medians, and dozens of students scoring in the 90s. Some duxes hit the coveted 99.95 mark, while others spoke about teamwork, resilience, and the friendships that carried them through the stressful final year.
But the most powerful story of the morning came from a different path altogether. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Bundle-Bell became the first in his family to complete Year 12 after finishing the VCE Vocational Major at Braybrook Secondary College. Two years ago, he was considering dropping out, convinced that traditional study wasn’t for him. The hands-on program gave him a way to learn by doing, and it clicked. His work experience at an Aboriginal organisation sparked a love for horticulture, and now he’s set to begin a horticulture apprenticeship next year. He said he felt proud—properly proud—for sticking it out, and that sense of achievement shows just how meaningful alternative education pathways can be.
Acting Education Minister Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated the entire cohort, reminding students that whatever their results, this is only the start of their next chapter—whether that’s university, TAFE, work, apprenticeships, or taking a well-earned break.
Of course, the morning wasn’t without hiccups. A technical issue meant some students were mistakenly told they were eligible for an equity scheme at the University of Melbourne. VTAC and the university quickly clarified the error and are working with those affected, ensuring no incorrect offers were made.
Still, the day has overwhelmingly been about achievement, relief, surprise, and hope. For many students, it’s the end of a long road. For others, like Ethan, it’s the beginning of a brand-new one.
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