The wait is over for around 77,000 students, who receive their HSC results today.

In the 50^th year of the HSC a record number of students achieved the highest possible results.

Key facts:

• A record 1378 students scored a top band result in 10 or more HSC units and are on the BOSTES All Rounders merit list, and overall there were a record 37,781 top bands awarded.
• A record 55,961 students are eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and for university entry.
• 1619 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the highest ever number, achieve their HSC, with 825 eligible for an ATAR.
• Around 11% of this year’s HSC results are in the top performance band and more than 69% are in the top three bands.
• The distribution of results across performance bands has remained consistent over the past 6 years.

BOSTES President Tom Alegounarias said, “The 2016 results represent the dedication and hard work of a record number of students achieving outstanding results.

“Becoming an All-Rounder shows a breadth of ability and consistency of effort that deserves special recognition. It is a truly outstanding feat to have excelled across so many courses.

“I congratulate all 2016 students who received their results today. Getting your HSC is a real achievement that is recognised around the world. They should all feel proud.

“I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours – work, university, TAFE or a gap year.”

““For students who didn’t get the results they hoped for, there are plenty of other options available. You may have to be flexible, but make sure you get advice about all the opportunities open to you,” he said.

“The HSC’s enduring popularity and the consistency in results year on year underpin its world-class reputation for rigorous academic standards,” Mr Alegounarias said.

Yesterday,the Education Minister Adrian Piccoli awarded 124 students who achieved first place in a HSC course with a certificate at the First in Course ceremony. A list of recipients is available on the BOSTES website.

Three additional merit lists recognising outstanding HSC achievement will be published on the BOSTES website at 12 noon today.

HSC results are sent to students via SMS and email from the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) from 6am Thursday 15 December.

Eligible students can download their certificate and other HSC credentials from 21 December with their HSC certificate arriving by post from 20 January 2017.

ATAR results will be released tomorrow by the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

Students with questions about their results can call the HSC Inquiry Centre on 1300 138 323.

MEDIA CONTACT: MICHAEL CHARLTON 0477 362 546