Twenty two secondary schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) have celebrated another year of exceptional HSC results, after the Class of 2025 received their ATAR results in November.
Among the 2025 cohort, 20 students were recognised as NSW All-Rounders – achieving the highest possible band (Band 6) in 10 or more course units. Schools with All-Rounders were: Catherine McAuley Westmead, Cerdon College Merrylands, Nagle College Blacktown, Parramatta Marist High School, Delany College Granville, St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas, St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill and St Andrew’s College Marayong.
Fifteen schools recorded an increase in Band 6 (a mark between 90 and 100) results compared with 2024, with many demonstrating notable improvements across multiple performance indicators.
St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas, Image: supplied
Four students topped the state in their subjects, earning HSC First–in–Course Honours:
- English Standard: Mankirat Kaur, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables
- Mathematics Standard 1: Nicholas McKewen, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill
- Studies of Religion I: Emily Gonzalez, Catherine McAuley Westmead
- PDHPE: Nishika Talusani, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park
“It’s very surreal, I was not expecting this at all, but I’m very proud of myself,” said Nishika, who placed first in PDHPE, the sixth most popular course in the state.
Caroline Chisholm College Principal Tania Cairns congratulated Nishika on her dedication and highlighted the positive learning relationship she shared with her teacher.
“I am extremely proud of Nishika’s result which is testament to her positive learning relationship with her teacher, Mrs Caroline McElroy, and her exceptional work ethic, proving that young women of Sydney’s west are empowered to excel,” Tania said.
Nicholas, first in Mathematics Standard, said he and his family were elated with the result which he attributes to the support provided by the school.
From left to right, Emily Gonzalez (Catherine McAuley, Westmead), Mankirat Kaur (Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables), CSPD CEO Jack de Groot, Nicholas McKewen (Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill) and Nishika Talusani (Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park). Image: CSPD/Stuart Matters
“I really wanted to pay back my teacher Mrs Jennifer Wakeling for all the hard work she has put in with me through the years, she was an absolute mammoth part of this result,” he said.
Emily, who topped the State in Studies of Religion I, marks the second year in a row that a CSPD student has achieved First-in-Course in this subject.
“I was lucky enough to have two amazing teachers, Mr Nguyen and Ms Pasion, whose passion for learning kept me motivated throughout the HSC,” Emily said.
Mankirat achieved first in English Standard, which is also the largest HSC subject, undertaken by more than 33,400 students statewide.
“I was so overwhelmed with emotions, I was extremely excited to share the news with my family and to see their reactions,” she said.
“My teachers became my support system throughout my two years at Santa Sophia, and I dedicate this success to them.”
Santa Sophia College, Gables, Image: supplied
Among the many post-school pathways being considered by these high-achieving students, Mankirat is in the selection process to become a commercial pilot with Qantas, while Emily hopes to study occupational therapy at the University of Sydney or ACU.
CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot congratulated the Class of 2025 on their outstanding results.
“I am extremely proud of the achievements of our students across Western Sydney Catholic Schools,” he said. “It is wonderful to see so many First-in-Course honours and consistent excellence across our schools. These results reflect the dedication of our hardworking students and the expert teachers who support them through best-practice, evidence-based teaching.”
The Class of 2025 continues the tradition of academic excellence across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, highlighting both remarkable individual achievements and the strong support of their school communities.
Sabrina De La Motte is the Social Media Officer for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2026 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
