Bethany College Hurstville has emerged as a standout performer in this year’s Higher School Certificate (HSC), with five students achieving First in Course honours – including two who placed equal first in Design and Technology.

They are among eight Sydney Catholic Schools students who today received First in Course recognition in the 2025 HSC, representing five schools across the Sydney Archdiocese and placing first in a diverse range of subjects.

Sydney Catholic Schools First in Course recipients:

  • Claire Naschenweng, Entertainment Industry Examination, St Patrick’s College Sutherland (course studied at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood)
  • Allanah Touma, Business Services Examination, Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra
  • Emma McHardy, Dance, Bethany College Hurstville
  • Charlotte D’Arcy, Design and Technology, Bethany College Hurstville
  • Isabella Quilkey, Design and Technology, Bethany College Hurstville
  • Catherine Smith, Industrial Technology, Bethany College Hurstville
  • Nikitha Shaiju, Studies of Religion I, Bethany College Hurstville
  • Andrew Mogan, Italian Beginners, All Saints Catholic College Liverpool

The eight students were among 132 students from 83 schools across NSW to place first or joint-first in their subjects.  

Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholics Schools, congratulated the eight students on their exceptional achievement. 

“Achieving first place in the state is an outstanding accomplishment, and a testament to the dedication, discipline and intellectual curiosity of these students,” she said. 

“These results speak to the strength of our schools, the expertise and care of our teachers, and the vital partnership with families who encourage young people to pursue their gifts with confidence and purpose.”

The students were acknowledged in a ceremony on Wednesday morning by Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Courtney Houssos at the University of New South Wales.

Bethany student Charlotte said it was a pleasant surprise to learn she had placed first in Design and Technology alongside classmate Isabella. 

“I was so shocked. It took a while to process but it was really cool to find out, knowing that I’ve put in all this effort and it paid off,” she said. 

Charlotte credited her success to her teachers, fellow students and the supportive environment at Bethany.  

“Our teachers and Year Coordinator were incredible, and we helped each other a lot along the way by asking each other questions and seeking feedback.”  

Bethany principal Kristina Flanagan said she was immensely proud of her students.  

“The girls worked incredibly hard and incredibly consistently and we are so delighted for them,” she said. 

“The whole cohort has played a part in this success. There was a real sense of collaboration in the way they supported each other not only in their learning but also in their day to day. They are an amazing group.”