How Victorian students achieved top results in VCE

Chaplin, who has always enjoyed STEM subjects, is most proud of his result in English, which he admits is a demanding task to study, unlike mathematics. He set himself the goal of writing one article a week to generate more interest in the subject.

Her hopes of scoring well were then dashed when she nearly fainted during the exam and was later diagnosed with a temporary health condition to which stress had also contributed. “I was devastated to think I was going to put in all that effort all year just to have it fall apart.”

Thursday’s results were shocking and moved his family to tears of joy. The trick in 12th grade, he said, is to stay consistent and keep up with extracurricular activities such as taekwondo, playing music and debating.

“It’s about being strategic and effective rather than just trying to achieve success through pure effort,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication, but underneath that, you need to know effective ways to study because of course you can’t burn out.”

Ruyton Girls’ School pupil Olivia Williams was stunned with her perfect score of 99.95. He is the only student in the 2025 VCE honors role to achieve four perfect scores in the 50s in biology, chemistry, English and French. He also scored 41 points in his specialization mathematics and 45 points in drama in 2024.

“I received a lot of support throughout the year,” Williams said. “I think it’s really important to have a strong community with my fellow students and teachers. It really came down to the late-night study sessions with my friends, the support after tough SACs; it really helped you overcome obstacles throughout the year.”

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He is one of 90 students who achieved a 99.9 ATAR to qualify for the University of Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship, which provides fully fees-paid, guaranteed entry to coveted postgraduate programs and a $5000 stipend.

Westbourne Grammar School student Advika Anoop, 18, who hopes to study medicine, said she was pleased with her 99.9 score.

“There was a wide range of emotions as I processed this, but I knew I would get this score thanks to the hard work I put in this year,” he said.

The Point Cook student said receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship was a huge relief. “This is something I really know I have a plan for,” he said.

“I think the most important thing for me was not to doubt myself. There were many moments of ups and downs. During my downs, it was important to maintain the feeling that I could achieve what I wanted to achieve and not to let any setbacks demoralize me. It is important to never doubt yourself.”

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