The results of the 2024 South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) have been released, bringing joy, pride, and celebration to many schools across the state. Each year, the release of these scores significantly influences students’ future educational and career pathways, and this year was no different.
At Blackfriars Priory School, Principal David Ruggiero proudly announced, “27% of eligible students had achieved an ATAR of 90 or above and 87% of all grades were in the A and B band.” He also emphasized the importance of the results beyond mere numbers, stating, “Success can’t be measured by numbers alone; it is found in your resilience, your progress and the impact you’ve had on others.” Among the school's highest achievers, Matthew Jones emerged as the Dux with an impressive ATAR of 98.85, closely followed by Dominic Canil at 98.55.
Meanwhile, Pembroke School highlighted the achievements of its students with all Year 12 students completing their SACE. Principal Mark Staker expressed pride over the 509 A grades awarded and reported 33 Merits. James Le topped the school with the highest ATAR of 99.95, earning seven Merits and even high distinctions through university studies, including the coveted Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award.
The enthusiasm was palpable at Trinity College, where James Skelton, achieving 99.80 ATAR, was celebrated as the Dux. He is among 33 students who received the prestigious Governor of South Australia commendation. The school reported 369 A grades and 99% of eligible students earning their SACE.
The scene was not without challenges. At one private girls' school, some students experienced distress as they received incorrect ATAR scores initially. Following this, many students had their scores amended, providing them renewed hope after the notable disappointment.
Across the state, around 16,000 Year 12 students received their results this year, leading to emotional reactions, many captured on video, described dramatically as “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!” from thrilled students realizing the fruits of their labor.
Port Lincoln High School reported 89 students completing their SACE, with four achieving ATAR scores above 90. Their remarkable efforts were underscored by two students earning A+ grades.
While the numbers reflect significant achievements, the stories behind these statistics reveal the hard work and perseverance required to reach these heights. The cohort at Pembroke battled not only the demands of academic rigor but also the disruptions brought by the pandemic. Climbing such heights under these circumstances has made their triumphs even more commendable.
Many educational institutions eagerly anticipate the outcomes of International Baccalaureate (IB) results, which were set to be released soon after the SACE results. These combined outcomes will provide schools with a complete picture of their students' academic performances within various curriculum frameworks.
Students and faculty alike agree on the fundamental takeaway stemming from these results: success can take many forms and often involves endurance, kindness, and the willingness to embrace opportunities. For many students, the next step involves venturing onto paths of higher education, apprenticeships, or other pursuits as they prepare to enter the larger world.
For them, the possibilities are vast as they carry their hard-earned achievements with them. Consolidated by supportive families and dedicated teachers, the 2024 SACE results mark not just numbers, but stories of resilience, ambition, and the promise of future successes.