Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) is celebrating its strongest HSC results to date, reflecting a strong culture of academia, sustained academic improvement and a long-term commitment to high expectations where students are supported to achieve their personal best and fulfil their potential.

In the Sydney Morning Herald school rankings, SMGS recorded a rise of 25 places from its 2024 result and is now ranked 153rd in the state. This consolidates the School’s position in the top 20 per cent of all schools undertaking the HSC and demonstrates these outcomes are not one-off results.

“These results reflect a culture that has been deliberately built over time,” Head of Teaching and Learning, Paul Horvath, said.

“Our focus has been on high quality teaching, strong academic foundations and ensuring every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve their personal best.”

“The results demonstrate the impact of long term, strategic curriculum development. This level of improvement does not happen overnight. It is the result of consistent investment in teaching practice, curriculum coherence, subject choice and a shared commitment to academic excellence across the school,” Director of Curriculum and Academic Operations, Dr Darryl Nelson, said.

Principal of SMGS, Dr Andrew Bell, said the results reflect the strength of the school’s community and shared purpose.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the way they have embraced challenge, opportunity and growth. These outcomes are not just about excellent results but about young people developing confidence, capability and a love of learning that will serve them well beyond school.”

Record Band 6 Results

The 2025 HSC cohort achieved a record number of Band 6 results for SMGS, demonstrating both depth and breadth of academic achievement.

40 per cent of students received at least one Band 6 result (29 Band 6 results);

82 per cent of students achieved results in the Top 2 Bands;

70 per cent of 2-unit subjects studied achieved Band 6 results;

Top-performing school in the Snowy Monaro and Riverina regions.

Band 6 results were achieved across a diverse range of subjects, including Mathematics Advanced and Chemistry, alongside creative, technical and applied disciplines such as Design and Technology, Music 1 and Visual Arts.

“We are particularly proud of the breadth of these results,” Mr Horvath said. “They show that academic excellence can be achieved across science, humanities and creative pathways when students are given the right support and opportunities.”

Dux of the School

SMGS also congratulates William Broe, Dux of the School for 2025, on an outstanding HSC result.

William achieved Band 6 results in Chemistry, English Advanced, Legal Studies, Mathematics Standard 2 and Modern History.

He also served as Academic Captain in 2025 and was a member of the senior debate team, which was crowned National Virtual Debating Champions.

Innovation and Creative Excellence

In 2025, two thirds of the Design and Technology class was nominated for consideration of the prestigious SHAPE Showcase, which recognises outstanding HSC major works in creative and design learning across NSW. Aiden Moore was selected to exhibit his work at a state-wide level, becoming the first student from SMGS to achieve this recognition.

“These accomplishments sit alongside the many quieter successes that occur every day in classrooms, studios and workshops,” Mr Horvath said.

“Not every success makes headlines, but together they reflect a deeply embedded culture of learning.”

Future Pathways and Post School Outcomes

Strong academic outcomes at Snowy Mountains Grammar School are matched by a clear focus on future pathways, with graduates supported to pursue a wide range of post school options aligned to their strengths and interests.

Graduates are progressing into fields including science, engineering, biotechnology, computer science and aviation, alongside arts, law, education, communications, politics and economics. Pathways also extend into specialist areas such as marine biology, paramedicine, product design, wildlife conservation, visual arts and visual communication.

“Our goal is not just strong HSC results, but ensuring students leave us well prepared for the pathways ahead,” Mr Horvath said. “These outcomes demonstrate that students can pursue highly academic, creative and applied futures when they are supported to make informed and confident choices.”

A cohort united by connection and purpose

Alongside strong academic outcomes, the Class of 2025 was marked by connection, shared purpose and a commitment to growth. Students supported one another and worked towards common goals, creating a positive and respectful cohort culture.

Head of Year, Emma Smith, said the group was united in working together.

“For this cohort, that meant showing kindness, supporting one another and taking responsibility for the culture they wanted to create.”

A Strong End to the Year

The year concluded strongly. In 2025, Snowy Mountains Grammar School secured four national championships across Snowsports and Mountain Biking, while the senior debate team was crowned National Virtual Debating Champions, reflecting achievement across academic, sporting and co-curricular programs.