In our 150th year, we’re thrilled to celebrate truly exceptional student achievements, with Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) results marking one of our most successful years in our history.
We are delighted to announce that 100% of our Year 12 students have achieved their Queensland Certificate of Education. This year, our highest ATAR was achieved by Rayan Bashir, who attained an exceptional ATAR of 99.85. Congratulations also to Omer Shahid, our Proxime Accessit, with an ATAR of 99.75.
Among the many achievements of this cohort:
- 5 students received an ATAR of 99 or above.
- The median ATAR is 84.5, which is an increase from 2024.
- 10 Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Subject Achievement Commendations were awarded for the highest possible subject scores being achieved (100/100).
- Omer Shahid - Physics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, English, Chemistry
- Hinata Inoue – Japanese
- Harry Bland – Music
- Lachlan Ferguson – French, Music, Music Extension (Performance)
- 6 students received QCAA Certificates of Academic Commendation for achieving an A exit result in all 6 of their General subjects: Rayan Bashir, Elijah Girdler, Jett Heffernan, Charles Herden, Matthew Jacob and Omer Shahid.
Reflections from our 2025 cohort
Many of our graduates have secured entry into their chosen courses and pathways, with 99 Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications achieved by this cohort.
In keeping with TGS tradition, we look forward to formally honouring these achievements at the Scholars’ Assembly on Friday, 30 January 2026.
To better understand how our students achieved such success, we invited a handful of boys to reflect on their academic journey, who inspired or supported them along the way and what goals they now set for the future.
Do you have any strategies or habits that help you succeed academically? “My primary tip is to ask questions. I never did that before Year 11 and my results improved drastically once I started.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “It’s not always motivation - it’s discipline. There’s a goal and I know I want to get there. Even if I fall short, I know I did everything I could.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “My classmates are diligent and create an academic environment. Teachers like Mr Eckert, Mrs Brown and Mrs McCullough have been amazing - answering questions, supporting across subjects and even helping with university applications.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “Hopefully I’ll get into a medicine degree at Sydney while also pursuing kickboxing in amateur competitions. Discipline translates to everything, not just academics.”
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why? “Chemistry can be tough but also very rewarding. When a concept clicks in your mind it feels really good.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “My parents have invested a lot for me to come here and I want to make the most of that opportunity and reach my potential.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “Mr Grayson really stands out. In Year 11 Methods he created such a welcoming classroom environment that encouraged collaboration and helped me develop my maths skills.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “I hope to study medicine and become a doctor. The human body fascinates me and being able to help people and save lives is such an honourable career.”
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why? “I’ve really liked languages ever since I’ve been in school and at the moment I enjoy French. I also really like physics and how it allows us to understand the world and the universe.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “Deep down I know that I can do well and I don’t want to see myself in a position where I don’t reach that level of success.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “I really enjoyed Year 8 science my teacher was very enthusiastic about the curriculum and it’s nice to see someone so passionate about the subject.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “Next year I’d like to study engineering at the University of Queensland. I’d like to be part of projects in the world so that I have something to leave behind.”
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why? “My favourite subject is philosophy and reason. I just find it really interesting - I spend a lot of time reading and thinking about those big questions.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “It’s more intrinsic motivation. I find the content interesting and I want to do well, so most of the motivation comes from me.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “When I was in Year 10, Mr Spence and Mr Sullivan were two of my biggest inspirations. Mr Sullivan fostered a love of English and reading, while Mr Spence inspired me to work harder in maths.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “I want to go to university and study law. My teachers here have helped me learn how to learn and I feel well prepared for life beyond school.”
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why? “Accounting and economics – they show how real-world choices impact markets and are always changing.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “My mum. She sacrificed so much to give me this opportunity, and I want to make her proud.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “Mr Anderson, Mr Oliphant and Mr Wallis – they encouraged me to trust myself and keep pushing forward.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “Take a break from study, work as a personal trainer and later study physiotherapy or exercise science.”
Was there a particular moment or achievement that made you feel proud of your academic efforts? “In Year 9 I achieved a perfect score on a maths exam. It was the first time I realised I could get 100 per cent and it motivated me to keep up the momentum.”
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence? “It’s an obsession with wanting to improve yourself. Once you develop an interest in learning, you become driven to succeed academically and build character.”
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way? “My dad has been my biggest role model. He works hard without complaint and seeing his dedication motivates me to live up to his standard and work even harder.”
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school? “I want to study medicine at university, possibly at the University of Queensland or James Cook University. Grammar’s tough academics have prepared me well for the outside world.”
These results reflect the commitment and hard work of our students, as well as the dedication of our teaching staff.
While these ATAR results reflect a single moment in time, they do not define the full journey of each student. Their potential, character and future opportunities extend far beyond this snapshot, and we look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to grow and thrive.
Latest News
International Showjumping Champions
Toowoomba Grammar School is celebrating the achievements of Year 8 students Tom Sturgeon and Xavier De Ceuster who won the Royal Pacific Showjumping Challenge, along with their teammates Ellie Michel and Savannah De Ceuster from The Glennie School. The four equestrians, all from the Darling Downs, were selected to represent Australia for the Under 17 international competition held in New Caledonia on October 21, competing against Vanuatu, New Zealand, Tahiti and New Caledonia. Each competitor…
2022 GPS Basketball Premiers - TGS!
The Toowoomba Grammar School community is celebrating following a history-making win on the weekend. Our 1st V Basketball team has taken out the prestigious 2022 GPS Premiership, after a nail-biting victory over Gregory Terrace on Saturday. There are nine GPS Schools involved in the competition, regarded as the highest level high school basketball competition in Queensland, so this victory effectively rates TGS as one of the best basketball-schools in the State! The 2022 1st V is regarded as…
TGS is The School of Rock
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to play a leading role in the production of Toowoomba Choral Society’s major musical production for 2022 - "School of Rock". TGS has five staff, two students and a TGS Old Boy involved in the Production: TGS Director of Performance, Mr Mark Chalmers is the On-stage Band Mentor and Guitar 1 in the Pit Band which accompanies the show;TGS Teacher-in-Charge of Music Curriculum, Mrs Wendy Evans is the Musical Director;TGS Old Boy (2009-13), Christopher Thomson is…
Chess Success for TGS
How many sporting teams can boast claiming over a quarter of a century of consecutive Championship titles? Well, the Toowoomba Grammar School Chess Team can do exactly that! In an impressive feat for any discipline, TGS has just won its 28th consecutive Toowoomba Secondary Chess Championship title. All secondary schools from Toowoomba were invited to attend the championships which were held over two days 6-7 August. Toowoomba Grammar Schools Open team placed first with 18 points out of 20, our…
Top Volleyball Coach at TGS
Toowoomba Grammar School Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith is one of the highest ranked volleyball coaches in Queensland following a recent accreditation course. Eric attended the first ever Australian-based Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Level 2 Coaching Clinic in July. The five-day course involved both theory and practical work with the 29 participants really put through their paces, led by FIVB Educational Instructor and multi-national coach Mr Peter Nonnenbroich. This…
TGS Musician Selected for S.H.E.P
Some wonderful recognition for talented Year 8 musician, Finlay Waring. Finlay was offered a place in the prestigious State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) for Southeast Queensland. SHEP was held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane from 15-17 July, with the first wo days consisting of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a concert on the final day. Finlay was part of the wind ensemble, which was made up of 80 students and he was one of eight students playing 1st Clarinet.…
Chess King at TGS
International Chess Master and professional player, Gary Lane is sharing his skills and knowledge at the three-day Toowoomba Grammar School Chess Clinic (June 21-23). Mr Lane has won the Commonwealth Chess Championship and represented Australia at several Chess Olympiads. He is the author of over thirty chess books and has arrived at TGS after just playing in the premier division of the Doeberl Cup, 'The Australian Chess Grand Prix'. Mr Lane will provide expert advice on chess strategy and…
Mr Phil Kefford - Head of House - Stephens Boarding
“If students are educated the right way, they will make a difference in whatever community they live and work in.” That is the philosophy of Toowoomba Grammar School’s new Head of House, Stephens Boarding, Mr Phil Kefford. Phil grew up in Warrington, in the north west of England and realised early on that he came from a place where “I had just one shot to get out and I had to focus and work hard to do that.” He was accepted into university in London where he fell in love with History, was…
Student's Script to the Stage
Toowoomba Grammar Acting Academy (TiGAA) performers are excited to take to the Empire Theatre stage to present a play written by one of our very own students. There are not many schools that can boast an entire production of this calibre being created solely by the students, and TGS is thrilled to support our talented young men and provide them with this opportunity. Greek Mythology for Millennials has been a three-year project by Year 12 student, Gabriel Donaldson. The work was shortlisted in…
