They join more than 50,000 students across the state who were able to access VCE results from 7am.

A new app is being used this year for students to access their ATAR score. The app replaces text message services.

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College student Sam Polack topped the region with an ATAR of 99.25.

He said he had hoped to do well, but was surprised with such a high score.

He said achieving a balance between school and things he enjoyed – such as sport – was important to a successful final year. 

“I also have some really good friends who were helpful and made the year enjoyable,” he said. 

“I’m very thankful to my parents, teachers and classmates for a great year.”

Sam plans to study teaching and exercise science at ACU in Ballarat next year.

Principal Anne Gawith said the school was thrilled.

“Sam is looking at pursuing teaching, which is pretty exciting for the profession,” she said.

“We are very proud of Sam and of all our students – they’ve done so well.”

Horsham College’s dux is Lotte Reiter. 

She received an ATAR of 97.25. 

Head of transition and pathways Caroline O’Donnell said the students received exceptional scores. 

“We are really pleased with our students results. Five students had an ATAR above 90, eight above in the 80s and there were similar proportions in the 70 and 60 bracket,” she said. 

“Five subject scores were in the top 2 per cent in the state and 18 student’s study scores were in the top 10%.

“Four students received the Victorian baccalaureate, which is a recognition for their rigorous study program.” 

Ms O’Donnell said students will either receive their first or second course preference. She said some students have received early offers.  

Murtoa College’s dux is Jayden McQueen. 

He received an ATAR of 95.1. 

Principal Tony Goodwin said students should be pleased with their scores. 

“Overall our results were as expected. We have a good percentage of students who have done quite well and the average ATAR was 60,” he said. 

Horsham’s St Brigid’s College’s dux is Ethan Jolley. 

He received an ATAR of 89.95.

Ethan said he was stoked with his result.

“I had set my alarm for 7am to see my results and I ended up waking up at 6am and had to wait,” he said. 

“It felt awesome to get a great result – it’s amazing.” 

He said he will be taking a gap year to decide what career path he wanted to follow. 

Nhill College’s dux Lauren Kerber achieved an ATAR of 97.55.

Principal Mark Zimmermann said Lauren studied English, accounting, biology, further maths, and equine studies.

He said the school had 10 study scores above 40, with one student achieving a study score of 50 – a perfect score.

Balmoral Community College’s dux is Alexander Vaughan.

The school declined to release his ATAR.

Principal Wendy Hobbs said all students seeking a university pathway would be able to get into their preferred courses given their scores.

“Overall we are really pleased with the results,” she said.

Donald High School’s dux is Aidan Goode. He received an ATAR of 90.25. 

School principal Paul Aikman said Aidan achieved two study scores of 40, in accounting and English.

Aidan plans to study physiotherapy or engineering at Monash University.

Mr Aikman said the school had three students with ATARs in the top 23 per cent of the state.

“We are really pleased with that,” he said.

“We had eight per cent of students with a study score of 37 or more, and seven students with at least one study score above 35.

“Some year 11 students had subject scores ranging between 27 to 37.

“All 14 year 12 VCE students successfully completed their VCE, and one VCAL student got his VCAL certificate.

“All year 11 students who studied a unit three or four subject successfully completed their unit.”

Edenhope College’s dux is Rachael Ferluga. 

The school has not released her score.

Marco Hallam is the dux of Hopetoun P-12 College for 2017.

Stawell Secondary College, Birchip P-12 School and Rainbow P-12 College will announce their duxes at awards nights next week.

Elise Bales is the dux of Birchip P-12 School.

The school opted not to release her ATAR.

Elise studied English, math methods, chemistry, biology and PE, and also completed Certificate Two in Hospitality. She hopes to study dentistry at La Trobe University.

Jordan Smith is Goroke P-12 College’s dux.

The school did not provide his ATAR score.

Warracknabeal Secondary College’s dux is Trent King.

He achieved an ATAR of 88.95.

Principal Michael Briggs-Miller said Trent planned to study civil engineering at Deakin University in Geelong.

Trent studied an engineering unit last year, and received the Premier’s Award for the highest mark in the state.

Ararat’s Marian College and Ararat Community College have not released the names of their duxes.