17 December 2025
Seven students from schools across the North Shore have been recognised as the top of their subjects following the release of the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) merit list. The prestigious merit awards are granted to students who achieve first place in a HSC course or optional examination and secure a result in the highest band possible.
North Sydney Boys High School had multiple students feature on the list. Justin Liu achieved first place in German Extension, while Jiaao Jay Chen topped the state in Physics. The selective school was ranked as the top HSC school in the state last year.
North Sydney Girls High School also recorded exceptional results, with both Emily Phi and Valery Lin achieving equal first place in English Advanced. This performance maintains the school’s high standard, following the success of two students who topped their subjects in 2024.
Wenona School again featured among the state’s elite, with Jessica Ellis ranking first in Visual Arts. A Wenona student previously held the top honour in Modern History last year.
Yao Xiao from St Aloysius College secured first place in NSW for English Extension 2, marking a consecutive year that a student from the college has been among the top performers in English subjects.
The 2025 recipients were honoured at an official ceremony held at the University of New South Wales, Kensington.