TENS of thousands of students around Victoria received their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results Thursday morning, showcasing the hard work of many local students.

This year, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) exams ran from October 7 (language and performance exams), however majority of students had their first exam (English) on October 29, with the final exam subject on November 20.

Results released on Thursday included VCE study scores and other outcomes for students who do not receive an ATAR, including those studying the VCE Vocational Major or choosing not to sit VCE exams.

This year, the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) released the ATAR to 47,461 students who have completed the VCE.

The overall VCE completion rate in Victoria was 97.4 per cent and 4.7 per cent more (2222) students received an ATAR this year than last year, with 41 students achieving the highest possible rank of 99.95, up from 39 last year.

The average ATAR for this year’s cohort is 69.52, a slight increase from 2023 (69.41).

The Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAC) 2024 Dux was awarded to school co-captain, Sarah Richardson who received a score of 97.8.

Sarah said her ATAR goal this year was 96, hoping to beat the score of her sister, the 2023 THAC Dux, Katie Richardson.

“(Katie) was very happy for me,” she said.

“I was up at 6am – my results came in at 6.55am on my computer.

“I was a bit shocked, I didn’t think it would be that score, so I was very happy.

“I got a 42 (raw score out of 50) for Methods which definitely shocked me – that was my favourite subject this year.”

Next year, Sarah hopes to attend Monash University to study Medicine or a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne.

When asked what her biggest advice was for next year’s VCE students, she said not to stress too much about one bad score, as there is always time for redemption.

Monivae College’s 2024 Dux went to Millie Kruger, who received a score of 87.05.

“It was a bit of a shock – I wasn’t expecting to get Dux with my score, but I was super happy and very surprised,” Millie said.

“I got a 44 (raw score out of 50) in Religion and Society which was my goal – I had Lia Mailes as my teacher, she’s absolutely lovely and has been super helpful.”

Millie said she is planning to study Medical Imaging next year at Deakin University in Geelong.

“I wasn’t too concerned with what my score would be, I was hoping to get in the high 80s but I just thought as long as I could get into my course I’d be happy,” she said.

Monivae principal, Jonathan Rowe said “we wholeheartedly congratulate Millie on this achievement.”

“Not only has Millie shown excellence and diligence in her studies, but she has also shone in her role as House Captain, encouraging and supporting younger students,” he said.

“She is a wonderful leader and I’m sure will carry the Monivae spirit into her future.

“It is important to remember that ATAR is only a part of the overall educational journey for our young people. “Whilst this number is helpful for those whose pathway is into a University course, we know it is only one way that success is measured.

“I am confident that all the Class of 2024 graduates will find their pathway in the world carrying the MSC ethos, of care and love for others, with them.” Mr Rowe added.

Baimbridge College’s Dux went to school co-captain, Victor Samuel (score withheld), who said he opened his results right on 7am Thursday morning.

“I’m hoping to go to university next year and study Biomedicine … or Pharmaceutics,” he said.

Good Shepherd College’s 2024 Dux, Milly Thomas (73.20), on the other hand said she wasn’t too concerned to open her results straight away on Thursday.

“I only signed up (to the VCAA website) this (Thursday) morning,” she laughed.

“I’m hoping to have a gap year next year ... then head to the Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus (Geelong) to study Exercise and Sports Science.”

VCE students made the most of their study options, with 23,861 different combinations of VCE subjects used in ATAR calculations this year, and 39 per cent of students picking a combination of subjects unique to them.

The most popular combination of subjects, chosen by 350 students, comprised of English, Biology, Health and Human Development, General Mathematics, and Psychology.

The same combination came out on top last year, when it was used in 283 ATAR calculations.

Year 12 students across the state will now make the choice to go to university, TAFE, start an apprenticeship or traineeship, start working or take some time off.