Victoria’s Year 12 students have reached a major milestone this week, receiving their official VCE results.
Among the standout achievers, Greek Australian students have excelled, setting new benchmarks and highlighting the community’s strong commitment to academic success.
A record 65,586 students successfully completed the VCE this year — an increase of 3,500 compared to 2024. More than 15,300 students achieved at least one study score of 40 or higher, and a record 664 students received the top possible score of 50.
Victoria’s VCE completion rate remains stable at 97.3 per cent, with students now deciding their next steps — whether university, TAFE, apprenticeships, the workforce, or taking time off. In addition, over 1,150 students completed the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), designed to prepare students for further study or employment.
Among the state’s high achievers were many students of Hellenic heritage, several earning outstanding ATARs and study scores above 40.
Greek Australian high achievers
Georgios Pirpiris of Melbourne Grammar School earned the highest possible ATAR of 99.95. His study scores included 50 in Chemistry, 46 in English, 45 in French, 42 in Latin and 45 in Specialist Maths. He also achieved a perfect 50 in Mathematical Methods last year and studied Greek through the Greek Community Schools.
“When I woke up this morning — I’m in Japan right now, so I had to get up at 5am — it was a wonderful surprise and a relief, because all the work I’d done for the past 13 years really paid off,” he told Neos Kosmos. “It’s a wonderful feeling… my teachers and parents made it easier for me to get here.”
Georgios has been awarded a Tuckwell Scholarship at the Australian National University, where he will pursue a PhB in Science before continuing to study medicine.
“I’ve always wanted to do medicine. My dad is a doctor, and helping people has always aligned with my values.”
Kayla Gourvelos, from Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, achieved an ATAR of 99.40, with raw scores including 50 in Health and Human Development, 49 in Business Management, 43 in English and 40 in French.
“I was just shocked… when it’s yourself, you don’t think it’s real,” she said.
Her parents Chris and Anastasia Gourvelos and grandparents Chris and Kalliopi Kalavritinos were overjoyed. Kayla plans to study Speech Pathology (Honours) at La Trobe University.
George Mouratidis, Dux of Alphington Grammar School, scored 99.3, with a perfect 50 in General Mathematics. He hopes to study Commerce and Engineering at the University of Melbourne.
Also from Alphington, Mariana Galanopoulos achieved 95.3, while Mentone Girls’ Grammar student Georgia Kapetanas scored 97.45.
“That’s insane,” she told The Age. “My heart is beating… I’ve been putting in the work since Year 11.”
She plans to pursue engineering, science or law after a well-earned break.
Iris Zavros Phillips was among the first students at Preshil to complete the VCE in six years after the school’s switch to the International Baccalaureate. Living with ADHD and dyslexia, she opted for the VCE structure and secured a provisional place in Interior Design at the College of the Arts Australia.
Afroditi Ioannidou of McKinnon Secondary College achieved an ATAR of 99.30 and aims to enter the field of psychiatry.
“My honest first reaction was a scream of joy and surprise,” she said. “Having moved away from my grandparents in Greece, I feel I’ve shown that all the challenge paid off.”
Other notable Aachievements
Angelique Tsiounis, St John’s College Preston, Dux Proxima, ATAR 88.6.
Ari and Alexi Psaltopoulos, Richmond High School twins, each scored ATAR 87.
Melanie Boubis, Cranbourne Secondary College Dux, ATAR 94.35 (42 in Greek, 47 in English).
Amelia Milionis, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, ATAR 99.1, with five study scores above 40.
Alexander Korlos, Oakleigh Grammar Dux Proximus and School Captain, ATAR 95.75, aspiring to study medicine.
Other Oakleigh Grammar achievers include Helen Kousourakis (94.25), Elias Koskiniotis (93.3) and Mary Alexopoulos (92.35).
Amelia Tsilfidis, aged only 16, graduated from Melbourne Girls Grammar with an ATAR of 97.15, achieving 49 in General Maths, 43 in Biology and 40 in Psychology.
“It shows if you put your mind to it, you can do anything,” she said. “I hope it inspires others to thrive, not just survive.”
Ayrton (Alexandros) Luc Papadimitriou, Melbourne Grammar, scored 99.5, with a 50 in English and 49 in Physical Education. He will study Commerce at the University of Melbourne, then pursue Law, while continuing his football career with South Melbourne FC (Hellas).
George Bablis from Scotch College achieved 99.9 and studied Greek at Nestoras College, earning a Melbourne University scholarship.
Konstantinos Siamidis, Trinity Grammar (Year 11), earned a perfect 50 in Mathematical Methods — the only Greek Australian student to do so this year.
Other outstanding results include:
Savina Koumides, Caulfield Grammar, 99.75
Yianni Romanidis, St Kevin’s, 99.0
Chris Kouroupidis, Penleigh & Essendon Grammar, 99.90
Larissa Botakis, Avila College, 96.75 (50 in Art)
Chrysoula McNeill, Taylors Lakes Secondary, 99.3
Stephanie Leon, Loreto Mandeville Toorak Dux, 99.25
Emmanuel Ganas, De La Salle College Captain and Dux, 99.80
Sara Kolovos, Lady of Sion, 98.55
A Legacy of Excellence
From record-breaking ATARs to perfect study scores, Greek Australian students have once again excelled across Victoria’s schools, embodying dedication, discipline, and the enduring value of education celebrated within the Hellenic community.
