BREAKING: In an unprecedented achievement, Cranbourne West Secondary College has topped the state of Victoria with the highest median VCE score of 39, despite not having any Year 12 students. This remarkable feat underscores the school’s commitment to academic excellence and dynamic extracurricular activities, including cheerleading and figure skating.
Opened just two years ago in Melbourne’s southeast, Cranbourne West has reported that 40.5% of its VCE study scores reached 40 or above, demonstrating exceptional performance among its student body. Principal Rob Duncan revealed that a total of 131 study scores were achieved, with over 100 students participating in Unit 3 and 4 subjects. Of these students, 25 were only in Year 10.
Duncan emphasized that the success is attributed to students’ hard work, dedication, and robust support from staff. “We have after-school, online, weekend, and holiday classes leading up to exams,” he stated.
Among the high achievers is Anusha Dalyia Raj, a 17-year-old student who scored 45 in psychology and aspires to study biomedicine at Monash University. She balances her academic commitments with her passions for figure skating and cheerleading, stating, “My psychology teacher was really good and gave us lots of practice exams.”
Fellow student Olivia Prasad, 16, also excelled, achieving scores of 40 in business management and 42 in health and human development. Olivia credits her success to diligent study habits and the extensive support from her teachers, who marked over 500 practice exams.
Working diligently alongside his studies, Farhad Jan Ali, a 17-year-old student from Clyde North, scored 41 in business management while juggling a part-time job. “Working keeps me motivated,” he shared, aspiring to become an entrepreneur in the fashion industry.
Cranbourne West also fosters a diverse learning environment, with over 2,000 pupils from 82 language backgrounds. Duncan remarked, “We are developing a really strong learning culture since Year 7.”
The school’s achievements come as significant competition arises from other institutions. Clyde Secondary College, which offers grades 7 to 10 and opened in 2022, also recorded a median score of 39, with 44.4% of its scores reaching 40 or above.
While private schools like Ballarat Clarendon College and Mac.Roberston Girls’ High School reported median scores of 37, with only 35% and 34.7% respectively achieving study scores of 40 or above, the performance of Cranbourne West and Clyde Secondary highlights a shift in academic excellence among state schools.
Looking ahead, Cranbourne West is preparing for its first Year 12 cohort next year, aiming to continue its legacy of high achievement. As Duncan stated, “We will assist them to achieve their desired post-school destination, be it university, an apprenticeship, or TAFE. All pathways are valued.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as these schools redefine educational excellence in Victoria, inspiring students across the state.
