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.
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