The 2024 VCE results are in, offering valuable insights into the performance of Victorian schools and the achievements of thousands of students. With metrics like the percentage of study scores above 40, median study scores, and the number of VCE Baccalaureates awarded, we can better understand the strengths of individual schools and how students are achieving academic excellence.
This year’s results also reflect the growing diversity of academic pathways, with programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the VCE Vocational Major (VM) further enriching educational outcomes. Let’s explore the highlights, rankings, and key statistics from the 2024 VCE results.
Key 2024 VCE Statistics
Before diving into school-specific rankings, here’s a snapshot of the overall performance in 2024:
- 61,998 students completed the VCE with a completion rate of 97.4%.
- 258,529 study scores were issued, with 22,795 scores (8.8%) above 40.
- 688 students achieved the maximum study score of 50.
- 3,160 students were awarded the VCE Baccalaureate, reflecting their pursuit of higher-level mathematics and a language in their studies.
- The median ATAR was 76.55, and 7.1% of students achieved an ATAR above 90.
These figures highlight not only the rigour of the VCE but also the dedication of students and schools across Victoria.
Understanding Rankings and Metrics
When analysing school rankings, two primary metrics are considered:
- Percentage of Study Scores Above 40: This indicates the proportion of students achieving exceptional results in their subjects, showcasing the academic strength of a school.
- Median Study Score: This represents the midpoint score achieved by students in a school, offering a snapshot of overall academic performance.
For example, schools with a high percentage of 40+ study scores and a strong median score consistently rank among the best. A median study score of 37, as seen at Ballarat Clarendon College, signifies that half of the students achieved study scores above 37—an outstanding achievement.
What is the VCE Baccalaureate?
The VCE Baccalaureate is a prestigious accolade recognising students who undertake a rigorous and balanced program of study. By including higher-level mathematics and a language, students not only challenge themselves academically but also position themselves for success in competitive university programs.
Why It Matters
Achieving the VCE Baccalaureate demonstrates:
- Academic Versatility: Balancing STEM and language studies fosters a broad skill set.
- University Readiness: Many competitive university courses value the analytical and linguistic skills developed through this program.
- Recognition: The appellation "VCE Baccalaureate" on a student’s certificate highlights their commitment to excellence.
Eligibility Requirements
- Complete a Unit 3–4 sequence in English, Literature, or English Language (study score of 30 or higher) or EAL (study score of 33 or higher).
- Complete a Unit 3–4 sequence in Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
- Complete a Unit 3–4 sequence in a VCE Language.
- Complete at least two additional Unit 3–4 sequences.
This year, 3,160 students earned the VCE Baccalaureate, representing the dedication required to achieve this honour.
Top 10 Performing Schools for VCE in 2024
Here are the top-performing schools based on the percentage of study scores above 40:
| Rank | School | % of 40+ Study Scores | Median Study Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ballarat Clarendon College | 34.7% | 37 | Ballarat, VIC |
| 2 | Huntingtower School | 31.7% | 37 | Mount Waverley, VIC |
| 3 | Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School | 31.1% | 37 | Melbourne CBD, VIC |
| 4 | Mount Scopus Memorial College | 30.8% | 37 | Burwood, VIC |
| 5 | St Catherine’s School | 30.8% | 36 | Toorak, VIC |
| 6 | Ruyton Girls’ School | 30.2% | 37 | Kew, VIC |
| 7 | Haileybury Girls College | 29.9% | 36 | Keysborough, VIC |
| 8 | Bialik College | 29.7% | 36 | Hawthorn, VIC |
| 9 | Melbourne Girls Grammar | 28.7% | 36 | South Yarra, VIC |
| 10 | Melbourne High School | 28.5% | 36 | South Yarra, VIC |
Private & Catholic Schools: Standout Performances and Notable Mentions
Victoria’s private and Catholic schools consistently dominate VCE rankings. This year, they showcased excellence across several key metrics, including the number of students awarded the VCE Baccalaureate.
Key Performers
| School | % of 40+ Study Scores | Median VCE Score | Baccalaureates Awarded | % of Cohort Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Catherine’s School | 30.8% | 36 | 28 | 21.2% |
| Haileybury Girls College | 29.9% | 36 | 53 | 12.2% |
| Melbourne Girls Grammar | 28.7% | 36 | 26 | 10.5% |
| Melbourne Boys Grammar | 28% | 36 | 51 | 13% |
| Trinity Grammar School | 26.3% | 36 | 38 | 12.7% |
| Haileybury College | 26.3% | 36 | 47 | 8.2% |
| St Kevin’s College | 23.7% | 35 | 31 | 8.2% |
| Scotch College | 22.6% | 34 | 87 | 19.9% |
| Methodist Ladies College (MLC) | 22.5% | 34 | 26 | 6.6% |
| Camberwell Grammar School | 21.3% | 34 | 62 | 18.7% |
| Lauriston Girls School | 20.3% | 35 | 16 | 10.5% |
| Caulfield Grammar (Wheelers Hill) | 17.2% | 33 | 30 | 9.8% |
| Wesley College | 8.9% | 32 | 9 | 5% |
The Impact of IB on Rankings
Many Victorian schools offering both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and VCE, such as Wesley College, Lauriston Girls’ School, and Methodist Ladies' College (MLC), see their VCE rankings impacted because a significant proportion of their top-performing students opt for the IB program. When combined, the results from both curriculums offer a fuller picture of the academic excellence achieved by these institutions.
For example:
- Wesley College reported a combined median ATAR of 83.85 for its 2024 cohort, with IB students achieving a median IB ATAR of 90.45. Additionally:
- 32.5% of Wesley students achieved ATARs of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% of the state.
- 13.2% of students achieved ATARs of 95 or above, placing them in the top 5%.
- Lauriston Girls’ School announced a combined median ATAR of 90.15. The standout results include:
- 7% of students achieving an ATAR of 99 or above.
- 14% of students achieving an ATAR of 98 or above.
- 51% of students achieving an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10%.
- 79% of students achieving an ATAR of 80 or above.
- Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) achieved exceptional combined results, with a median ATAR of 88.58. Key highlights include:
- 2 students achieving the top ATAR of 99.95.
- 24 students achieving ATARs of 99 or above.
- 117 students achieving ATARs of 90 or above, representing a significant portion of the cohort.
These figures demonstrate the strength of dual-curriculum schools, which achieve academic success across multiple pathways while broadening educational opportunities for their students. They also highlight the impact of these combined results on school rankings, where standalone VCE data may not reflect the true extent of their achievements.
Additionally, programs like the VCE Vocational Major (VM) further diversify educational opportunities, offering students hands-on, career-focused pathways that enrich the overall academic landscape but do not contribute to traditional ATAR-based rankings.
Schools Achieving Top ATAR Scores in 2024
Beyond VCE study scores, ATAR results offer another measure of academic success across Victoria. In 2024, many schools demonstrated exceptional performance, with impressive percentages of students achieving ATARs above 90 and 99, as well as perfect ATAR scores of 99.95.
This section highlights schools whose students excelled in achieving these benchmarks, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence.
Schools with the Highest Percentage of ATARs Above 90
The following schools led the state in the proportion of students achieving ATARs of 90 or above:
| School | % ATAR 90+ | Median ATAR |
|---|---|---|
| Mac.Robertson Girls' High School | 73.10% | 95.53 |
| Presbyterian Ladies' College | 70.00% | 94.8 |
| Nossal High School | 66.99% | 93.6 |
| Huntingtower School | 66.00% | 93.55 |
| Fintona Girls School | 66.00% | 93.63 |
| Korowa Anglican Girls' School | 58.00% | 92.6 |
| Ruyton Girls' School | 58.00% | 92.1 |
| Bialik College | 56.00% | 91.25 |
| Melbourne Grammar School | 55.00% | 91.4 |
| Suzanne Cory High School | 55.00% | 91.0 |
The standout performer in this category is Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, where 73.1% of students achieved an ATAR above 90, with a remarkable median ATAR of 95.53.
Schools with the Highest Percentage of ATARs Above 99
Achieving an ATAR above 99 places students in the top 1% of the state. The following schools excelled in this category:
Top Schools by Percentage of Students Achieving a 99+ ATAR
| Rank | School | % ATAR 99+ | Median ATAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presbyterian Ladies' College | 15.00% | 94.8 |
| 2 | Camberwell Grammar School | 15.00% | 90.85 |
| 3 | Trinity Grammar School | 15.00% | 89.85 |
| 4 | Fintona Girls' School | 14.00% | 93.63 |
| 5 | Mac.Robertson Girls' High School | 12.70% | 95.53 |
| 6 | Huntingtower School | 11.00% | 93.55 |
| 7 | Melbourne Grammar School | 11.00% | 91 |
| 8 | Haileybury College | 10.00% | 91 |
| 9 | Tintern Grammar | 10.00% | 86.95 |
| 10 | Bialik College | 9.00% | 91.25 |
Notable highlights include Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Camberwell Grammar School, and Trinity Grammar School, where 15% of students achieved an ATAR above 99. Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School also stood out with 12.7% of students achieving this exceptional result.
Schools with the Most Perfect ATAR Scores
In 2024, 41 students across Victoria achieved the coveted perfect ATAR of 99.95, representing the top 0.05% of all students. These students were spread across several high-performing schools:
- Scotch College: 10 perfect scores
- Haileybury College: 6 perfect scores
- Melbourne High School: 4 perfect scores
- Trinity Grammar School: 4 perfect scores
- Melbourne Grammar School: 3 perfect scores
- Camberwell Grammar School: 3 perfect scores
- Brighton Grammar School: 2 perfect scores
- Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School: 1 perfect score
- Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC): 1 perfect score
- Ruyton Girls' School: 1 perfect score
- McKinnon Secondary College: 1 perfect score
- Yarra Valley Grammar: 1 perfect score
Key Observations
- Top Performers: Mac.Robertson Girls' High School maintained its exceptional reputation with the highest percentage of students achieving both 90+ ATARs.
- Broad Excellence: Schools like Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Camberwell Grammar and Trinity Grammar showcased consistency and excellence, ranking atop the 99% Category, with 15% of students achieving above a 99 ATAR.
- Regional Success: Ballarat Clarendon College’s regional success in VCE rankings remains noteworthy, highlighting the strength of regional education.
- Perfect Scores: Scotch College led with the highest number of perfect ATAR scores, followed by Haileybury College, showcasing strong individual performances, but noting both colleges had a relatively high number of students in the 2024 cohort.
This data highlights the depth of academic achievement across Victoria’s schools, with consistent standouts across multiple performance metrics.
Conclusion
The 2024 VCE results underline the excellence of Victorian schools, particularly in private and Catholic education. From top-performing schools like Ballarat Clarendon College to standout baccalaureate achievers such as Scotch College and St Catherine’s School, the diversity in academic pathways demonstrates the strength of Victoria’s education system.
Whether you’re looking at VCE rankings, IB options, or vocational pathways, these results reflect more than just numbers—they highlight the potential for every student to succeed. For tailored support, explore Learnmate’s VCE tutoring services and start preparing for your best results today.
