Lithgow High School principal Ann Caro has credited the school’s tuition program with increased academic success, which saw students return some fantastic HSC results this week. 

Subject results were released on Thursday, with Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) to be released on Friday morning, December 14. 

The tuition program makes the library a centre for senior study, available throughout the day and after school. 

Ms Caro said the tuition program had been used by Year 11 and 12 students more than 11,000 times in 2018 – an average of 65 times per student. That represented a 45 per cent rise in the use of the program by students.

“Tuition has built a culture in students around consistent study and revision,” she said. 

She paid tribute to the staff who helped support the students through their senior years, contributing to their ability to complete tasks on time and support revision. 

Students in Year 12 received 14 Band 6 results (the highest possible result), up from nine last year. 

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Ms Caro said she was most pleased by the increase in the numbers of Band 5 results (the second highest), which were up by 12 per cent to 74. 

When Ms Caro arrived at the school in 2014, she said there were 20 Band 5 achieved in the year group. She said there was “no doubt” that the introduction of tuition and additional support services for the students had paid off. 

“I’m really thrilled with the consistent trend upwards,” she said. 

“A lot of students had early entry [to university courses] but this is validation for all the hard work they put in and the staff put in.

“A huge congratulations to all the students for all their hard work.”

La Salle Academy principal Joyce Smith said she was very pleased with the results from the school’s students this year. 

"Our students did very well and we are very proud of them," she said. 

"Out of 35 students, a total of 22 per cent got in the band five and six achievement which is very exciting.”

"Our students have enjoyed continual high successes every year and we are extremely proud,” Mrs Smith said. 

Watch out for more on La Salle’s results coming soon. 

Of course, for some students the HSC results were not make-or-break. 

Ms Caro congratulated those who had been granted early entry and offered apprenticeships. 

“This recognises our students’ abilities and dedication,” she said. 

“It is great to see we are producing well rounded students that are sought by institutes and employers.”

Ms Caro said there were less students falling into the lower bands. 

“We recognise that not everyone will be able to achieve a Band 6, it’s about helping students reach their particular potential,” she said.