This morning Queensland’s Year 12 graduates of 2021 jumped online to find out their subject results and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Minister for Education Grace Grace congratulated the 51,709 young people in the class of 2021 on their efforts during an exceptional year.
“Despite the disruptions to schooling caused by COVID-19, the great news is 93.5 per cent of students achieved a QCE or a QCIA (Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement),” she said.
“27,277 of these students also received an ATAR, with 32 placed in the highest possible band of 99.95.
“These 32 students did so with a combination of 14 different subjects including Mathematical Methods, Biology, Economics, Engineering, Literature and four languages.”
QTAC Chief Executive Officer Dr John Griffiths said it was once again pleasing to see students qualifying for their ATAR with a range of general subjects, applied subjects and VET qualifications.
“This reinforces the broad education system that we have in Queensland and the range of opportunities available to students,” Dr Griffiths said.
“I congratulate all students that have achieved an ATAR but remind students that in addition to the ATAR there are a range of other options for accessing post school education.”
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) chief executive officer Chris Rider said it had been another year of outstanding achievement by Queensland students.
“Certificates of Academic Commendation will be sent to 1157 graduates who received ‘A’ grades in six subjects,” Mr Rider said.
“There are also certificates for the 317 students who achieved the highest result in at least one General subject.
“Further QCE Achievement Award winners, including Queensland’s overall highest achiever, will be announced in February.”
Ms Grace said secondary schooling in Queensland continued to provide valued pathways for all students whether that was to university, TAFE or other training or paid work.
“This is our second year under the new QCE system, and we can again thank our teachers and principals for supporting students to achieve their goals.
“And Queensland still leads the country in vocational education and training qualifications with nearly 34,000 graduates achieving a Certificate I, II, III or IV while at school.”
Ms Grace said graduates who may not be satisfied with their results still have options.
“There’s no need to be disheartened,” she said.
“Anyone whose results aren’t what they hoped for can explore alternative ways to enter university and training courses.”
Ms Grace said the annual Next Step Survey had also been finalised, with almost 50,000 Year 12 students from 2020 included from Queensland state, Catholic and Independent schools.
“The survey has shown that 90 per cent of our 2020 Year 12 graduates are successfully engaged in education, training or employment six months after leaving school.
“This is a great result, showing that overall Queensland high school graduates are aiming high and taking steps to secure successful futures for themselves.
“It is especially pleasing given the impact of the COVID-19 health pandemic over the last year and a half.
“This rate of engagement is significantly higher than the 80.5 per cent rate achieved last year (2019 graduates), and our highest rate since 2008.
“It’s clear that record breaking investment from the Palaszczuk Labor Government is paying off.”
