Hidden truths of HSC data keep us all in the dark

August 4, 2026 — 5:00am

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The NSW education system has irrevocably shifted towards a more choice-oriented approach, focusing on individual student needs and family preferences, yet limited Higher School Certificate data is short-changing parents who wish to be better informed about where to send their children.

The data is heavily skewed to success, and therefore to selective or expensive independent schools. Authorities only publish the names and schools of students who achieve in the top band of HSC subjects. Such information not only fails to recognise the large cohort of good, hard-working students who do not achieve a band six, but also overlooks schools that help their students improve beyond expectations.

With the cost of education soaring for all, the Herald’s analysis of HSC subject averages at........

© The Sydney Morning Herald