Blue Mountains Grammar School student Olivia Grivas tops state in geography

The result was "a massive surprise, like mind-blowing", she said.

Olivia, (pictured) 18, from Wentworth Falls, travelled to Sydney last Tuesday to take part in the prestigious first-in-course ceremony, accepting her certificate from the Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli.

She was very proud to be the sole representative from the Mountains to top a subject.

"I really enjoy geography so I knew I'd do well but I didn't think it'd be this well," she said.

Olivia also achieved band 6 results (90 or over) in all of her subjects, and attained an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99.75. With that score, she should waltz into a combined law/science degree, setting her up to eventually specialise in environmental law.

Others who ranked in individual subjects were Christopher Dove from Wycliffe - 3rd in Spanish beginners, David Barman from Grammar - 10th in design and technology, and Kate Ticehurst from Winmalee High (see story below).

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Olivia was dux of Grammar, whose 2014 results were among the best in the school's history, headmaster Trevor Barman said.

Runner-up to Olivia was Angus Airth, who got an ATAR of 98.95.

The pair were also on the honour roll of "all-rounders", an accolade given to those who get results in the top band possible for at least 10 units.

Other Mountains students named as all-rounders were Isobel Knight, Sarah Maynard, Uma Mishra and Jamison Wurf, all from Grammar; Ryan McClue and Daniel Pires from Blaxland High; Kate Ticehurst from Winmalee High; and Brent Gosling from Korowal School.

Mr Barman said the class of 2014 had achieved a magnificent set of results.

"They were a diverse group of students and they all worked extremely hard. I am so pleased that their hard work paid off for so many of them. What is clear is that this year, in particular, the combination of our students' incredible work ethic, their strong support networks, and our expert staff, created a perfect storm of excellence."

The school's results ranked it 36th in the state, up from 72nd position last year.

At Springwood High, there were 24 of the top band results, and six students achieved ATARs of more than 80, including Georgia Anson (93.65), Jake Gilliland (92.5) and Rosaleen Cooney (90.5).

Principal Mark Howie said it was "wonderful to see students doing so well in a wide range of subjects. This speaks volumes to their commitment, their dedication and to the talent of their teachers."

Katoomba High's results saw 30 per cent of students with band 5 or 6 results, with 10 per cent achieving a band 6 in one or more subjects.

High achievers included Lily Davies (ATAR 94.9), Jack Chard (93.75), Gemma Ridley (90.9) and Michelle Lemmon (90.2).

Principal Jennifer Boyall was delighted with the results and believed that small senior classes, after-school tutoring and the senior mentoring programs were all having a positive impact on student learning.

Blaxland High School's dux, Ryan McClue, received an ATAR of 99.05 and was also named an all-rounder, along with fellow student Daniel Pires, whose ATAR was 98.95.

Twenty-six students achieved a total of 51 top-band results, including outstanding results in music and mathematics.

At Korowal, principal Barbara Fitzgerald said many students who were not performing in the top bands achieved personal bests in their subjects. "We are proud of them all for their efforts and achievements," she said.

She pointed to particularly good results in English, mathematics, physics, and modern history.

Wycliffe Christian School ranked in the top third of schools across the state, with over 25 per cent achieving band 6 results in at least one subject.

"What brings me the greatest pleasure is seeing students make the most of their God-given gifts and interests," said principal Peter Jamieson.

At St Paul's Grammar in Penrith, 65 per cent of all results were in bands 4-6. As one of Western Sydney's leading academically non-selective co-educational schools, the results were very encouraging for the 51 students who sat for the HSC, said principal Paul Kidson.

St Columba's Catholic College and Mountains Christian College could not be contacted by the Gazette.