NSW public school students shine in HSC

Some parents in NSW will be having a good look at why they’re sending their children to expensive private schools after the release of HSC results for the state this year.

NSW public education has dominated the First in Course list in the HSC with 73 of the 129 courses topped by students attending public schools.

"This is a very proud day for the students who achieved a First in Course result, as well as for their families, teachers and school communities," The Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott said.

"But all students who have completed the HSC have succeeded in a world-class education system and now have the experience and skills to follow their dreams."

Mr Scott said it was pleasing that students from outside the metropolitan areas topped the state in various courses.

"We have First in Course students in regional areas from Griffith to Mullumbimby and Nowra," he said.

"This shows the Education Department is delivering on its commitment to quality education and learning opportunities regardless of where our students live."

Sydney Boys High School was the most successful public school securing eight First in Course positions, followed by Fort Street High School with six.

Three public school students topped two courses: Ziyuan Li, North Sydney Boys High (Music 2 and Music Extension); Julian Van Gerwen, Fort Street High School (Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1); and Angela Zha, Fort Street High School (German Continuers and German Extension).

Department of Education language schools excelled, with 25 language first places to students who studied through the NSW School of Languages or the Saturday School of Community Languages, which operates in a number of public schools.