When Janice Neilsen stepped into the role of principal at South Sydney High School seven years ago, a significant uplift in HSC results was at the forefront of her agenda. Today, the Maroubra-based school is basking in the glow of a remarkable achievement, marking its second consecutive year of being recognised for exceptional academic growth.
The Department of Education recently unveiled its list of most improved schools, highlighting institutions that have demonstrated the most substantial progress in the number of students achieving the top three bands in their Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams. South Sydney High School stands out as one of only three schools across the entire state to have earned a place on this prestigious list for two years running.
“The team that has been here since 2019 has poured an incredible amount of effort into improving both the academic outcomes and the overall reputation of the school, both within the classroom and in the wider community,” Ms Neilsen shared. Her dedication and vision have clearly resonated.
The impact of this concerted effort is undeniable. In 2025, a staggering 73 per cent of the school’s Year 12 cohort secured results within the top three HSC bands. This represents a significant leap of 17 percentage points since 2019, a testament to the strategic improvements implemented.
The Blueprint for Academic Ascendancy
Ms Neilsen attributes the school’s transformation to the unwavering commitment of its staff from the outset. She emphasised the passion of the school’s more than 70 teachers, whose dedication to student success formed the bedrock of their academic resurgence. “Every single one of them was driven by a desire to see our students excel and to communicate that ambition to the entire community,” she explained.
A crucial element in this turnaround was the cultivation of a robust learning environment. “This involved establishing consistency and structure in our behaviour management strategies, as well as uniformity and a clear framework across our teaching and learning practices,” Ms Neilsen elaborated. “Once that foundation is solid, we can effectively implement high expectations coupled with strong support systems.”
Beyond academic strategies, the school also fostered a deeper sense of school values. This included a strong emphasis on:
- Manners: Encouraging courtesy and politeness in all interactions.
- Attendance: Promoting the importance of regular school presence.
- Punctuality: Instilling a sense of timeliness and respect for schedules.
- Respect: Cultivating an atmosphere of mutual regard among students and staff.
- Citizenship: Developing responsible and engaged members of the school community.
“When you get that environment right, you can then truly focus your energy on the academic aspects of education,” Ms Neilsen stated. This holistic approach clearly paid dividends, positioning South Sydney High School among the 45 schools recognised for their outstanding HSC academic improvement.
This achievement arrives in the wake of the NSW government’s initiative to set system-wide targets for academic performance, HSC attainment, and school attendance for all public schools across the state.
Prue Car, the Minister for Education and Early Learning, has voiced her commitment to championing academic excellence within NSW public schools. “These results underscore the immense potential that is unlocked when educators can dedicate their time and expertise to the classroom, delivering high-impact teaching that truly benefits their students,” she remarked.
From 42 to 120: A Surge in Student Numbers
Ms Neilsen’s ambition extended beyond just HSC results; she was equally determined to revitalise the school’s overall appeal and student body. In 2016, enrolments had dipped to approximately 500 students. Today, that number has climbed to nearly 800, a significant increase reflecting the school’s renewed vibrancy.
“I distinctly recall my first HSC cohort comprising just 42 students. Now, our most recent Year 12 group numbered around 120,” Ms Neilsen shared, highlighting the dramatic growth. “I believe that for any principal, improving academic results, fostering a positive school culture, and increasing student enrolment numbers are paramount goals.”
For the students who have joined South Sydney High School in recent years, they have not only benefited from an enhanced learning environment but have also had the unique opportunity to witness a popular Netflix series being filmed on their very own campus.
The original “Heartbreak High” series, which captivated audiences in the 1990s, was primarily shot at Maroubra Bay High School, a former institution that occupied the same grounds as the current South Sydney High School before its closure in 1990. The rebooted series, which premiered in 2022, chose to film on the same Maroubra campus. Ms Neilsen explained that this decision was driven by the potential for financial benefits for the school and the invaluable arts industry opportunities it presented for her students.
“Our students thoroughly enjoyed having the production here,” she said. “The entertainment industry offers a wide array of career paths and opportunities, and this experience provided some clear advantages for us.”
As a proud public, co-educational institution, Ms Neilsen expressed her hope that the community will rally behind and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all the students. “I am immensely proud of the team I lead and, most importantly, the students who have achieved this success,” she concluded.
