Achievements in recent years, particularly in the HSC (Higher School Certificate), have attested to the school's success in academic areas.
- outstanding HSC results, ranking Willoughby Girls High School among the top schools in the state
- high percentages of students scoring 90 or more on the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
- on average each year, 90% of students gaining entry to university and 10% to other tertiary institutions of which 40% are early entry offers.
- many students recognised on the HSC Merit List for attaining course placements in the state
- impressive standards on national literacy and numeracy measures (NAPLAN) and state science measures (ESSA)
- extension classes for selected students throughout the junior years in English, mathematics, science, history and geography, and the full range of extension courses offered in the senior school
- excellent results in local, state and national competitions and awards, with many opportunities for gifted and talented students
2024 Highlights
In 2024, 171 students sat their HSC at Willoughby Girls High School and gained 211 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers list, achieving the highest band possible in an HSC course. Of the students who requested an ATAR, 49 students (32.88%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Eight students were on the All Rounders list, these students achieved a result in the highest band in at least 10 course units. These students were:
- Nicole C
- Lauren C
- Sophie F
- Lucy F
- Geumryang G
- Ying G
- Madeleine R-C
- Rose S
Seven students were Top Achievers in their subjects:
- Lauren C – Business Studies
- Lucy F – Society and Culture
- Imogen M – Hospitality Examination (Kitchen Operations and Cookery)
- Sophia N – Modern History
- Sophia N – History Extension
- Katya T – History Extension
- Mia T – Society and Culture
The Society and Culture Association has PIP Awards. Out of the 11 High Distinctions given out in the state, Matilda B was awarded the High Distinction. Of the 10 Distinction Awards, three Distinctions were awarded to Diantha A, Stela L-K, and Madeleine R-C.
For Music, Grace S had her Music 2 Elective Musicology project selected for Encore.
For Visual Arts, seven students: Sophia A, Eleanor H, Ella MW, Pani T, Mia T and Chloe Y received nominations for Artexpress. Five were selected for exhibition. Also four students; Sophia A, Jinling B, Sophie F and Pani T, were selected for exhibition in Smart Expressions, the Willoughby City Council’s HSC Majors Works
2023 Highlights
In 2023 163 students sat their HSC at Willoughby Girls and gained 195 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers list, with the achievement of the highest band possible in an HSC Course. Of the students who requested an ATAR, 47 students (28.83%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Seven students were on the All Rounders list, meaning they achieved a result in the highest band in at least 10 course units. These students are: Annabelle A, Sophie C, Sofia E, Anousha G, Lucia H, Yubin H and Arabella T.
Three students were Top Achievers in their subjects:
- Annabelle A – English Standard
- Bonnie M – English Standard
- Annabelle W – English Standard
For Textiles and Design, two students received a nomination for Texstyle and one student’s major work was exhibited at the Texstyle.
For Visual Art, two students were nominated and exhibited in Art Express. Two students were also exhibited in Smart Expressions, Willoughby City Councils’ HSC VA Major Works exhibition.
For Music, there were five performance nominations for Encore, four in Music 1 and one in Music 2/Music Extension.
For Science Extension, Chloe L had her Science Extension report published in the Department of Education’s Journal for Science Extension.
In Society and Culture, four students received a High Distinction Award for their Personal Interest Project – Lilli C, Sara K, Sarah M and Emilie T.
2022 Highlights
In 2022 132 Year 12 students sat their HSC at Willoughby Girls and gained 144 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers list, with the achievement of the highest band possible in an HSC Course. Of the students who requested an ATAR, 42 students (29%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Congratulations to the 2022 Dux, Gemma F who attained the highest ATAR.
Five students were on the All Rounders list, meaning they achieved a result in the highest band in at least 10 course units.These girls are: Gemma F, Natalia F, Madeline H, Annabel L and Jessica O.
One student placed in the top ten of their subjects:
· Jessica O – Society and Culture
In Visual Arts, Aleah D-S and Yue Wen Z achieved nomination for Art Express and were selected for exhibition.
In Music 2 and Music Extension, Abbey T was nominated for Encore.
Willoughby Girls High School achieved six awards for Society and Culture Personal Interest Projects:
- Two students achieved High Distinctions – Madeline H, Rhiannon D
- Four students achieved Distinctions – Mikayla F, Casey J, Nicole W, Sophie A.
55 students received direct early offers from the Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers program. 12 students received early offers directly from UTS and 41 students took part in the UAC School Recommendations Scheme.
2021 Highlights
In 2021 155 Year 12 students sat their HSC at Willoughby Girls and gained 178 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers Honour Roll for scoring 90 or more in a course. Our school was ranked 1st among all comprehensive public schools in NSW. Of the 155 students who requested an ATAR, 44 students (28%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Congratulations to the 2021 Dux, Karina Kuang who attained the highest ATAR with 99.9, followed closely by 99.4, scored by Stephanie Busuki.
Four students were ‘all rounders”, meaning they scored a mark of 90 or more in all their five top subjects. These girls are: Grace Bu, Stephanie Busuki, Karina Kuang and Jennifer Wang.
Four Students placed in the top ten of their subjects:
· Karina Kuang – 1st in State in Advanced Mathematics
· Karina Kuang – Japanese Beginners
· Tabasum Dehsabzi – Society & Culture
· Yu Na Chung – Society & Culture
· Christy Leung – Retail Services Examination
In addition, Stephanie Basuki received HSC showcase nominations for her major work in TexStyle – Textiles & Design.
Willoughby Girls High School achieved nine awards for Society and Culture Personal Interest Projects:
- Five students achieved High Distinctions – Yu Na Chung, Grace Bu, Jade Yee-Smith, Kushi Leggo and crystal Wan.
- Four students achieved Distinctions – India-Rose de Caires, Keira Bingham, Tabsasum Dehsabsi and Katya Ivkovic
83% received direct University offers, and 34% of these were made prior to the January main round of offers.
2020 Highlights
In 2020 138 Year 12 students sat their HSC at Willoughby Girls and gained 171 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers Honour Roll for scoring 90 or more in a course. Our school was ranked 2nd among all comprehensive public schools in NSW. Of the 135 students who requested an ATAR, 43 students (32%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
Congratulations to the 2020 Dux, Rachel Zhao who attained the highest ATAR with 99.3, followed closely by 99.2, scored by Aela Morrison.
Nine students were ‘all rounders”, meaning they scored a mark of 90 or more in all their five top subjects. These girls are: Madeleine Fenning, Heidi Finlayson, Ruby Kopsiaftis, Holly Lu, Aela Morrison, Penny (Peiyi) Rong, Philippa Taylor, Chloe Wilson and Rachel Zhao.
Three girls placed in the top ten of their subjects:
Ella Carnegie – Hospitality
Madeleine Fenning – Design and Technology
Heidi Finlayson – Society and Culture
In addition, several students received HSC showcase nominations for their major works:
ArtExpress – Visual Art show-case - Ella Carnegie, Phyllis Chan, Emma Francis, Haoyi Han, Melanie Hirunsook, Madeleine Page
TexStyle – Textiles and Design show-case - Ruby Kopsiaftis, Philippa Taylor
Shape – Design and Technology show-case - Madeleine Fenning
Encore – Music showcase - Anika Chan
Willoughby Girls High School achieved nine awards for Society and Culture Personal Interest Projects:
- Three students achieved High Distinctions – Michelle Foerderer, Madison Wilson and Sophie Ridley
- Six students achieved Distinctions – Stephany Lu, Heidi Finlayson, Allegra Nash, Lucy Matthews, Savanah Kopsias and Lucinda Devereaux
90% received direct University offers, and 46% of these were made prior to the January main round of offers.