2025 Academic Results
Posted on December 18, 2025
The Friends’ School Celebrates Academic Achievement in the 2025 TCE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The Friends’ School is celebrating the achievements of its 2025 Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) graduates, reflecting students’ commitment to learning across multiple pathways and the strong support of staff, families and the wider school community.
Principal, Esther Hill, congratulated students across all pathways and acknowledged the collective effort behind their success.
“We are proud of the achievements of all our graduates across the TCE, IBDP and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways. While these results are impressive, they represent just one part of a much larger story. We want to emphasise that ATAR results are only one small measure of a student’s schooling journey and true value. Importantly, we celebrate all the students’ efforts and that they leave Friends’ with resilience, deep friendships and as thoughtful, compassionate young people who understand that learning carries responsibility – to one another and to the wider world – and who are ready to ‘let their lives speak’.”
She added, “We wish to thank and commend our remarkable staff and supportive families, whose dedication helped our students achieve such fantastic results.”
2025 IBDP Results
Thirty-eight Year 12 students completed the globally recognised IBDP, achieving an impressive mean score of 34 (out of 45), equivalent to a notional ATAR of 88.1. Particular congratulations go to Oliver Magill, Samuel Gingold, Gabriel Yannarakis with scores of 42 and higher. These students, along with six others who achieved score of 40 or above, will be recognised for their outstanding achievements at the IB Diploma Awards Ceremony to be held in Melbourne in February 2026.
Having run the programme for over 25 years, Friends’ is the only school to offer the IB Diploma Programme in Tasmania. The programme prepares students for success in university and beyond through its focus on academic rigour, breadth and depth of learning across a range of disciplines as well as intercultural understanding. These qualities are evident in the six subjects students undertake, as well as the core components: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, and Service.
IBDP Coordinator, Nicola Anderson, said the results reflected both academic excellence and the broader aims of a Friends’ education.
“The IBDP challenges students to think deeply, act ethically and engage with the world beyond themselves. These results highlight not only our students’ academic capability, but also their commitment to critical thinking, service and global understanding. We are immensely proud of the way they have embraced the unique demands of the Diploma Programme and supported one another throughout their learning journey”.
“Studying the IB at Friends’ allowed me to explore subjects I’m truly passionate about, particularly physics and economics, which I hope to continue through a dual degree in engineering and economics next year. The quality of teaching and the opportunities beyond the classroom prepared me well for what’s ahead. I’d encourage students to pick subjects they love and make the most of co-curricular opportunities — enjoying the journey makes all the difference.” Year 12 IB student, Gabriel Yannarakis
2025 TCE Results
Eighteen TCE students of our graduating 2025 cohort were placed in the Top 100 Tertiary Entrance scores in Tasmania, with 63% of graduates achieving an ATAR of 90 or higher. Ten students achieved an ATAR of 99.5 or higher. Ninety-nine per cent of students studying the TCE pathway achieved the award of the TCE or the TCEA. The median TCE ATAR for all students studying the TCE was 92.3.
“I wasn’t expecting such a strong result, so seeing it was a really proud moment and a reminder of how much support I’ve had throughout Years 11 and 12. I’m aiming to study medicine next year, as helping people and connecting with others really motivates me. My education at Friends’ has taught me to be organised, resilient and confident in my learning, and the caring, inclusive culture has played a big role in helping me achieve my goals.” Year 12 TCE student, Nitish Gillkum
“Receiving my results was incredibly exciting and a huge relief — it was a bit of a surprise, and you never really know until the moment arrives. Next year I’m taking a working gap year in the UK, before heading to university. My time at The Friends’ School has given me so many opportunities, from outdoor education camps to practical courses, and the support from teachers has helped me feel confident and prepared for whatever comes next.” Year 12 TCE student, Catie Connolly
“Receiving my results was a really proud moment and a bit of a surprise — it felt great to see that all the hard work had paid off. Next year, I’m hoping to study engineering, either in Tasmania or Melbourne. My time at The Friends’ School has been shaped by incredibly supportive teachers who are always willing to help, and I’d encourage current students to stay consistent and learn from their mistakes — making flashcards of what I got wrong really worked for me.” Year 12 TCE student, Nelly Brett
The School also acknowledges the many students who participated in VET subjects and those nominated for Outstanding Achievement Awards, with special mention to Denison Ibbott, who received an TASC Outstanding Achievement in VET Award for his Maritime studies.
“My time at The Friends’ School really reflects how much I’ve grown. I had a rough start, but the support from staff helped me find my feet and build confidence, particularly through the VET pathway. Teachers took the time to guide me, keep me focused and help me balance learning with other opportunities. My advice to current students is to enjoy school while you can — take up every opportunity, play the sport, run in the races and make the most of it all”. Year 12 VET student, Denny Ibbott
TCE Coordinator, Joe Cairns, said he was delighted with the students’ results, while emphasising the importance of recognising every student’s journey.
“We are so thrilled with the achievements of our students and the effort reflected in their results; it has never been only about scores. We are an inclusive school, and we take great pride in recognising the achievements of every student, not only those with the highest results. This is a wonderful group of young people who have supported one another and grown in confidence, purpose and capability.”
Throughout their time at Friends’, the 2025 graduating cohort has engaged fully in the life of the School, contributing across academic, creative, sporting and service pursuits. Their willingness to take on challenges, collaborate with others and make the most of diverse learning opportunities has shaped a strong and connected cohort. As they move on from Friends’, we congratulate all 2025 graduates on their achievements across the TCE, IBDP and VET pathways and wish them well in the next stage of their learning and lives.
