MONDAY was not an average day for students across the state as they woke up to their final results for both the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

This year, 49,581 students graduated with their VCE - a completion rate of 98 per cent, while another 15,163 students graduated with their VCAL - six per cent more than last year.

After two long years of COVID-19 lockdowns and learning from home, this has been an exhausting year for students across the country as they returned to the expectations of classroom learning, homework, exams and co-curricular commitments.

Locally, students excelled with their Australian Tertiary Admission Rankings (ATAR) results, with each school announcing their Dux - the highest achieving student - on Monday morning.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College announced the title of Dux for 2022 went to Jack Lewis who scored an ATAR of 95.6.

Jack said he was feeling “pretty good” now that the anticipation was over and he was looking forward to a well-deserved break.

“It’s good to just get it all over with,” he said.

“I was a little bit nervous about it but not too nervous because while it does matter, it is what it is.”

Other leading students at The Hamilton and Alexandra College included School Proxima Accessit (2nd), Lachlan Tonissen who scored 93.6, Prefect and Music Captain, Ned Walker who received 92.85, Warrnambool boarder Sylvia Page, who scored 92.35, and School Prefect, Ellie Lehmann with 90.65.

Baimbridge College Dux was awarded to Ella Thomson who said she was “shocked” when she opened her results and saw an ATAR score of 92.25.

“I am so relieved,” she said.

“I was stressed (Monday) morning, I had my licence test, so I didn’t look and everyone was texting me but I said ‘I’m not looking just yet’.

“I am so very happy.”

Good Shepherd College Dux was awarded to Jacob Rentsch for his ATAR score of 76.15, which he said made him “pretty happy” as the hours of studying had paid off.

“I was a little bit nervous that it wasn’t going to be what I wanted but I knew I had plans either way, so it wasn’t going to be the end of the world,” he said.

Monivae College principal, Jonathan Rowe, said their Dux was awarded to Zoe Wooldridge who received an ATAR score of 94.4, with all students performing to a high standard.

“For the whole cohorts score to be above the state average, which was higher than in recent years, is testament to the resilience we have modelled and instilled in our students,” he said.

“These results complement the many other positive outcomes from the high number of early university offers to apprenticeships, traineeships and students entering the workforce. 

“Student wellbeing is always our priority - happy students learn well and achieve their goals.

“We congratulate all graduating students, from those who received their ATAR score, to the many who have moved into their chosen pathway by way of an apprenticeship or traineeship or made a start in the workforce.”

Mr Rowe said that although it can feel like a year of work is summarised into that one number, the ATAR is not the be-all and end-all.

“I remind all our students that an ATAR is not a score for life, it doesn’t measure your character, your kindness or humility,” he said.

“There are so many pathways that lead to opportunities to follow passions and achieve in whatever you decide.” 

The Hamilton and Alexandra College acting principal, Kristen Waldron, said the Class of 2022 had excelled academically, with more than 50 per cent of students receiving early offers to their university of choice.

“Our students set themselves high personal goals and rose to the challenge of the VCE,” she said.

“The Hamilton and Alexandra College is a non-selective school and we work in partnership with students to uncover their strengths and passions.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2022. They are well-rounded, compassionate respectful young adults, who are ready for their confident future.

“The achievements of our students are a reflection of the incredible work of our College partnership between our dedicated teachers, parents and students.”

Future plans for the local 2022 Dux varied from student to student, with some planning to jump right into further study while others said they wanted to take some time to see the world.

“I’ll probably go on a gap year next year and travel overseas,” Jack said. 

“I might go to Europe - I feel like Italy would be cool to see.”

Jacob agreed a gap year was a good idea after spending such a long time devoted to his studies, with university on the cards after that. 

“I’m working with Mum and Dad for the next year on the farm and then hopefully the year after I’ll go to Adelaide for an engineering course of some kind,” he said.

“All the courses I’ve picked - the first year is kind of general and then you get to choose where to specialise in particular areas.”

Ella said she had her sights set on studying within the healthcare sector and was looking forward to going to university next year.

“I hope to do nursing and midwifery at Geelong Deakin, that would be nice,” she said.

While for some Monday was filled with excitement and relief, The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority chief executive, Stephen Gniel, said it was important to remind all students that their results do not define them or their future.

“Finishing school is an exciting time and your VCE or VCAL qualification will unlock many pathways now available to you,” she said.

“It’s also natural to feel a little overwhelmed, so reach out to your family, teachers and friends for support and seek out all the information you can as you plan your next step.

“While your results reflect your hard work, they don’t define you.

“Feel proud of what you’ve achieved and remember, there are many post-school pathways and opportunities to achieve your goals.”