Year 12s Results Showcase Equity And Excellence

Queensland’s next generation of Year 12 graduates - the class of 2023 - reaped the rewards of their efforts last week, fittingly using technology to check their Senior secondary education results.

Ninety-four per cent of all Queensland Year 12 graduates achieved a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) or a QCIA (Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement) in 2023.

Of these, 27,778 students also received an ATAR, with 34 achieving the highest possible band result of 99.95 - having studied a combination of Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Literature and Biology.

The schooling system in Queensland is designed to prepare all students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, for various future education and career goals, not only through university, but through TAFE and other training organisations and through paid work – as well as combinations of all of these.

Queensland’s participation in vocational education and training qualifications, compared across all of Australia, remains particularly strong, with 36,897 Queensland school graduates achieving a Certificate I, II, III, IV or Diploma during 2023, while still at school.

Education Minister Grace Grace said, “In our fourth year under the new QCE system, I’d like to congratulate all teachers, principals, families, and carers who have supported all of our amazing Year 12 students during the 2023 school year, right across Queensland.

“Congratulations on some outstanding results and I remind all students of the wide range of possibilities and pathways to still achieve your dream, no matter what result you achieved.”

Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Chief Executive Officer Ms Jacqueline Wilton said the results confirm that young Queenslanders are graduating from school with the skills and qualifications to pursue opportunities in further education, training, and the workplace.

“Subject results tell us that schools are supporting students to perform at an exceptionally high academic level with 1429 achieving straight A grades,” Ms Wilton said.

“And 510 graduates from 150 schools achieved a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in at least one General subject or General (Extension) subject.

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) Chief Executive Officer Dr John Griffiths added, "Senior year is filled with many experiences and emotions and is different for each student - but hold on to the memories you've made and celebrate what you have accomplished.

“It's important to remember that your ATAR result doesn't define you; view it as a milestone, opening the door to a world of opportunity in tertiary study and beyond. Your journey has just begun and there are many pathways to achieve your goals and grow your future.”

Fast facts

• 53,181 students graduated (received a Senior Education Profile)

• 48,948 students (92%) achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education

• 1,193 students (2%) received Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement

• 27,778 students received an ATAR

• 34 students received an ATAR of 99.95

• 1,429 students from 222 schools will receive a Certificate of Academic Commendation for ‘A’ grades in at least six General subjects

• 510 students from 150 schools achieved a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in at least one General subject or General (Extension) subject

• 36,897 students achieved a VET Certificate I, II, III, IV or Diploma qualification

• 1,316 students studied a university subject while still at school