Year 12s results for 2023 showcase equity and excellence

• 53,181 Queensland Year 12 students eagerly checked their final results online today
• 510 students from 150 schools achieved a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in at least one General or General (Extension subject)
• 36,897 Queensland school graduates achieved a Certificate I, II, III, IV or Diploma during 2023, while still at school
• 27,778 Queensland students received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) this year, with 34 achieving the highest possible band result of 99.95

Queensland’s next generation of Year 12 graduates - the class of 2023 - reaped the rewards of their efforts this morning, 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.

The Department of Education also runs programs such as ‘Link and Launch’, to support Year 12 graduates who haven’t yet transitioned to further study, training or work.

Based in 36 schools across Queensland, ‘Link and Launch’ officers work with young people from all schools to navigate the post school options and support them to transition to further study, training or work.

The Department of Education’s Next Step Survey, released mid-November 2023, tracks last year’s 2022 school graduates with just over 37,000 (73%) out of approximately 51,000 Year 12 State, Catholic and Independent schools graduates responding.

Results showed the highest post-school engagement rate since 2008 of 91.3% of Year 12 completers in 2022 (who responded to the Next Step Survey) going on to education, training or employment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 completer outcomes also continued to improve post-COVID, and total engagement in education, training or employment was up 
3 percentage points from 2022, to 79.7% in 2023.

The Department of Education has conducted the Next Step Survey since 2005, to capture initial study and work destinations of Queensland students, some six months post Year 12.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:

 “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.

“Take advantage of the many options available; ranging from departmental websites, guidance officers, online resources, family and friend networks, and various tertiary and other vocational education and training provider supports, to explore the right fit for you.” 

Quotes attributable to Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Chief Executive Officer Ms Jacqueline Wilton:

“Today's 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.

“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.

“VET data shows the extent to which practical qualifications are valued by schools, students and employers. 

“I look forward to recognising and rewarding Queensland’s top academic performers at the QCE Achievement Awards ceremony in February.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) Chief Executive Officer Dr John Griffiths:

"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.

“Whatever your ATAR result, there are many ways to proceed into tertiary study. Should anyone need help in planning their next steps, or understanding how to adjust preferences based on the ATAR they received, they can reach out to QTAC for support. We're here to help."

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

Graduates with questions about their subject results can call the QCAA’s myQCE hotline on 1800 804 991.

For more information visit the Next Step website, www.qld.gov.au/year12completers.

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

Students logged in to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website to reveal their Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATARs) between 8am and 9am.

From 9am, they could see their final subject results and download their official certificates and statements in the Student Portal accessed via the QCAA’s myQCE website.

ENDS

Media contact – Martin Philip 0407 675 008