Knox Grammar School students have achieved exceptional results in the 2024 Higher School Certificate, with an unprecedented seven Knox students scoring the top ATAR of 99.95, 42 students achieving an ATAR of 99+, 146 students achieving 95+ and 215 students attaining an ATAR of 90+. The median ATAR was an outstanding 92.3.
The top performing Knox students who each scored an ATAR of 99.95 are Xiao Fan (Jonathan) Chen, William Firth, Jack Humphries, Francis Kwon, Zachary Ni, Michael Shen and Jinyao (Daniel) Zhang.
‘With the release of the 2024 HSC results, it is with immense pride that we congratulate the Class of 2024 on their exceptional achievements. The path to the HSC is never easy. It demands far more than just academic excellence; it requires commitment, adaptability, and an unwavering focus. The Class of 2024 has demonstrated all these qualities in abundance, showing a level of determination that has resulted in exceptional results,’ said Knox Headmaster, Scott James.
‘From academic competitions and impressive awards to success in regional, national and international sports and co-curricular competitions, the Class of 2024 has showcased an extraordinary commitment to excellence. They have demonstrated the very essence of what it means to be a Knox student – showing compassion and fostering a spirit of teamwork and respect,’ said Mr James.
‘Of all schools in NSW, Knox achieved the highest number of Band 6 results (subject results of 90+). As a percentage of papers sat, Knox ranked 18th in NSW (Sydney Morning Herald Top Schools Report) and is the top performing fully comprehensive boys’ school in NSW and the eighth best performing independent school,’ Mr James said.
In the Top Achievers List for placing in the top 20 in NSW, 30 places were achieved by 23 students (including three accelerated students). This includes five students who have achieved the remarkable feat of first in state in their courses – Jonathan Chen (Economics), William Firth (Legal Studies), Francis Kwon (Music 2), Alex Qin (Investigating Science) and Michael Shen (Music Extension).
- Oliver Begg (Year 11) – 13th in Mathematics Advanced
- Toby Caspari – 5th in Legal Studies and 11th in Mathematics Advanced
- Xiao Fan (Jonathan) Chen – 1st in Economics and 3rd in Legal Studies
- William Firth – 1st in Legal Studies
- Kevin Hao – 7th in Economics and 19th in Chemistry
- Jack Humphries – 9th in Economics and 11th in Modern History
- Kieumars Jahromi – 10th in Legal Studies
- Francis Kwon – 1st in Music 2
- Jack Laurie – 2nd in Legal Studies
- Harry McKerihan – 17th in Biology
- Zachary Ni – 2nd in Mathematics Extension 1
- Kyan Nikkhah – 4th in Legal Studies and 16th in Business Studies
- Alex Qin – 1st in Investigating Science
- Kailoh Ramcharan – 9th in Drama
- Lachlan Richards – 16th in Mathematics Standard 2
- Harrison Robb – 8th in Visual Arts
- Michael Shen – 1st in Music Extension and 3rd in Music 2
- Benjamin Simes – 17th in Mathematics Standard 2
- Kevin Wang – 10th in Mathematics Extension 1
- Oliver Webber – 5th in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Stanley Wu (Year 11) – 13th in Mathematics Advanced
- Dean Xue (Year 11) – 16th in Mathematics Advanced
- Jinyao (Daniel) Zhang – 2nd in Physics and 16th in Chemistry
Further, 63 Knox students (including six boarders) were placed on NESA’s All-Round Achievers List for achieving 90 or higher in their best ten units.
‘This success has been made possible through the collaboration between staff, students, and parents which has not only supported our most recent graduates during their senior years but has also equipped these young men with the skills and resilience they will need to excel in life,’ said Mr James.
‘We are proud of the Class of 2024. As each student prepares to step into the next chapter of their journey – whether through further education, entering the workforce, or pursuing new passions – we have every confidence that each young man will continue to approach life with enthusiasm and determination.’
HSC Showcases and Exhibitions
Four students have been selected for the HSC Showcases of exemplary work:
- Ptolemy Barlow-Hunt had his HSC Visual Arts Major Work selected for ARTEXPRESS as part of the 2024 HSC Showcase season. His body of work ‘Displaced’ (Documented Forms) will be displayed in the ARTEXPRESS Virtual Exhibition.
- Two students have been selected for inclusion in ENCORE at the Sydney Opera House, on Monday 24 February 2025 – Alexander Dunn with his Musicology (Viva Voce) project, ‘Creating a Successful Modern “James Bond” Adaptation’ and Christian Tan with his composition, ‘On Love’.
- William Archer has had his Design and Technology project ‘Monitoring of Hydroponic reservoirs’ selected for exhibition at SHAPE which is being held at Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from 17 March to 12 April 2025.
A full report on Knox’s 2024 HSC Results is available at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/hsc-results
Scholarship applications for boys to start at Knox in Years 5, 7 or 11 in 2026 close at 5pm on 5 February 2025. For information and to apply please visit www.knox.nsw.edu.au/scholarships