In Victoria, English always contributes to your ATAR. VTAC includes your highest English study in your ‘primary four’ subjects, adds your next three best studies, then (if taken) 10% of a fifth and sixth. This is why improving English can meaningfully lift your aggregate and final ATAR.
Every VCE student in Victoria knows that English is compulsory, but many aren't sure exactly how it contributes to their ATAR. Does it matter which English subject you choose? How much weight does English carry in your final score? And what happens if English isn’t your strongest subject? Let’s break it down clearly so you can understand how important English is in your ATAR calculation.
Why English is Compulsory
very VCE student in Victoria knows that English is compulsory, but many aren't sure exactly how it contributes to their ATAR. Does it matter which English subject you choose? How much weight does English carry in your final score? And what happens if English isn’t your strongest subject? Let’s break it down clearly so you can understand how important English is in your ATAR calculation.
In Victoria, you must complete at least one English subject to receive an ATAR. This includes English, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Literature, or English Language. The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) uses your English score as part of the calculation for your ATAR.
This rule exists because strong literacy skills are essential for success in university courses and many careers. The ability to read, write, and argue effectively is a skill that extends far beyond school. It’s also a prerequisite for receiving an ATAR at all—no English, no ATAR.
How Your ATAR is Calculated
Your ATAR is based on an aggregate score, which VTAC calculates by adding together your scaled study scores. The aggregate includes:
- Your best English subject
- Your next three best subjects
- 10% of your fifth and sixth subjects (if you have them)
Because English is always part of your ‘primary four’, it can’t be bumped out—even by higher scores in other subjects. This means English always counts. Even if you are a maths whiz or a science star, you cannot drop English out of your top four subjects.
Case Study 1: Daniel, the Maths Lover
Daniel took Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. His strongest subjects were maths and physics, but his English score wasn’t his highest.
When VTAC calculated his ATAR, his English result was automatically included in his top four. Even though his maths results were much higher, one of them was pushed into the fifth or sixth subject category and only counted for 10%.
Daniel realised that a stronger English score could have boosted his ATAR more than a small improvement in physics.
Takeaway: Do not ignore English, even if it’s not your favourite subject. It always carries weight.
Case Study 2: Priya, the Balanced Student
Priya studied English, Psychology, Business Management, Health and Human Development, and Further Mathematics. She worked hard across all her subjects, consistently scoring in the high 30s.
Because English counted in her top four, and her other subjects were solid, her ATAR was competitive. Priya’s balanced approach paid off, ensuring that no one subject dragged her aggregate score down.
Takeaway: Consistency across all subjects, especially English, helps create a strong and stable ATAR.
Case Study 3: Luca, the Future Arts Student
Luca loved reading and writing. He studied Literature, English Language, History Revolutions, and Drama. His strongest scores came from Literature and History, but English Language was slightly lower.
When his ATAR was calculated, VTAC automatically included his best English subject, Literature. His passion for English worked in his favour, and his high score in Literature anchored his aggregate, boosting his chances of getting into his dream Arts degree.
Takeaway: If English is your strength, it can become a powerful subject to lift your ATAR.
What About Scaling?
Some students worry about scaling, especially when it comes to English subjects. For example, English and English as an Additional Language can scale slightly up or down depending on the year. Literature and English Language might scale differently, as they tend to attract students who perform well overall.
Key takeaway: scaling helps compare subjects fairly across the state, but performance matters most. The best strategy is to choose the English subject you enjoy and can sustain effort in all year—and then aim to perform strongly.
Tips for Maximising Your English Contribution
- Do not neglect English: It always counts, so ensure you put in consistent effort.
- Choose the English that suits you: Literature if you love close analysis, English Language if you enjoy linguistics, or mainstream English if you prefer a balanced approach.
- Balance your workload: Don’t pour all your energy into your top subjects and neglect English.
- Practice under timed conditions: This prepares you for the pace of the exam.
- Seek feedback: Your teachers can help you sharpen your writing style and argument skills.
- Study timetable: Use a weekly study timetable to spread reading, drafting and feedback across the term.
Final Thought
English is more than just another subject; it is the anchor of your ATAR. Whether it’s your strongest subject or one you find challenging, your English score will always be a part of the calculation. The smartest approach is to give it the attention it deserves. With steady practice and a clear strategy, English can help you reach the ATAR you are aiming for and open the door to your preferred university course. If you’d like to model different subject combinations and see how English influences your aggregate, try our VCE ATAR Calculator.
FAQs
Yes. You must complete at least one English study to receive an ATAR in Victoria.
Yes. VTAC always includes your best English study in your ‘primary four’ for VCE.
English, English Language, Literature, or English as an Additional Language (EAL) all qualify.
Yes. VTAC always includes your highest English study in the primary four. If you take a second English (e.g., Literature or English Language), it can still count—either in your primary four if it’s among your next three best scaled scores, or as a 10% increment if it ends up as your fifth or sixth study.
It’s one of your four main scaled study scores in the aggregate and cannot be replaced by another subject.
About the author
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