The Essington School once again demonstrated its leadership in academic excellence, with Year
12 students achieving outstanding results in the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) in December 2024.

Year after year, Essington students rise to the challenge, consistently ranking among the highest achievers in the Northern Territory and nationally. Their exceptional results reflect their dedication, perseverance, and the strong support of Essington’s teachers and school community.

Leading this year’s cohort, Samuel Ricketts attained an exceptional Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.9, earning recognition as the highest-performing student in the Northern Territory. Alongside him, Hunter Roomes achieved an impressive ATAR of 99.8, with Jasper Mules securing 98.95, Joe Abraham 98.65, and Shanum Khan also achieving 98.65. With five students among the top 20 in the Territory, Essington continues to set a high academic standard.

Essington consistently maintains a 100 per cent NTCET completion rate, ensuring every student graduates with a strong foundation for future success. This achievement highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student support.

STUDENT INSIGHTS
Hunter Roomes: Striving for Success

“During Year 12, I was motivated to achieve a high ATAR to qualify for the scholarship I wanted.

“I didn’t have a fixed study routine, but for STEM subjects, my biggest recommendation is to focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising problem types. Exams will always present something
new, and strong conceptual knowledge ensures problem-solving skills develop naturally.

“I am at Flinders University, studying a bachelor of engineering (electrical and electronics) (honours) with a major in nuclear energy. In the future, I may pursue a master’s or a career in engineering, ideally in the defence sector or private industry.”

Shanum Khan: Overcoming Challenges with Strategy

“Year 12 was challenging — overwhelming at times — but having a clear vision and realistic study plans helped me manage my workload and reduce stress. Establishing study techniques early, such as active recall and past exams, kept me consistent. Morning walks also helped me maintain balance.

I’m in my first year of medicine at Charles Darwin University, aiming to specialise in paediatrics. The resilience and study strategies I developed in Year 12 will continue to support me throughout university and beyond.”

Joe Abraham: Finding Balance in Study and Life

“Looking back, my ATAR journey was intense but rewarding. My passion for medicine and support from friends, family, and great teachers kept me motivated. I followed a structured study routine with past exams and took study breaks to stay sane. Balance was key—I made time to talk to friends and rest when needed.

Now, I’m in Adelaide, diving into medical studies and loving the challenge. I’m not sure which specialty I’ll choose yet, but immunology fascinates me. Whatever path I take, I want to practice in Australia and make a difference.”

Dedicated and Supportive Teachers

Behind every successful student is a team of dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to support, inspire, and guide their students. At Essington, educators serve as mentors and role models, using innovative teaching methods that make learning rigorous yet rewarding.

Essington teachers instil not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, resilience, a passion for learning, and strong values. Their encouragement, combined with the school’s culture of curiosity and determination, helps students gain the confidence to tackle challenges and exceed expectations.

A Supportive School Community

Beyond academics, a strong school community plays a vital role in student success. Essington fosters an environment where students feel safe, encouraged, and motivated to reach their full potential.

Families are an essential part of this journey, providing support and encouragement that strengthen students’ aspirations and wellbeing. The partnership between teachers and parents creates a foundation for student achievement, reinforcing the values of dedication and perseverance.

A Legacy of Excellence

Essington’s continued success reflects its commitment to delivering a world-class education. High expectations, a rigorous curriculum, and a culture of academic excellence prepare students not just for top-tier ATAR results but for well-rounded, meaningful futures.

As Essington celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2024, the school looks forward to continued student success. Essington is committed to equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. For families seeking an exceptional education, it offers a unique opportunity to be part of a school that consistently produces some of the Northern Territory’s highest achievers and quality young people.

In addition to delivering outstanding academic results, Essington provides diverse opportunities, including vocational education courses (VET), to support various career pathways.

Discover your potential, engage in learning, and envision your future with us. With limited places available, we encourage families to reach out and learn more about what makes Essington a leader in education.

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024. Your hard work, resilience, and determination have made Essington incredibly proud, and the school looks forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the future.

Discover your potential, engage in learning, and envision your future with Essington. With limited places available, Essington encourages families to reach out and learn more about what makes the school a leader in education.