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The Heathcote High School edge: How students are accelerated towards their dream careers

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader - 17 June 2026
By Elizabeth Habermann

Updated June 17 2026 - 9:10am, first published 6:00am

High school is a pivotal milestone for preparing young people for their future.

The choices made during these formative years lay the crucial groundwork for long-term career success.

Heathcote High School stands out as a true authority in helping students seamlessly navigate the transition from high school to further education or the workforce.

"Heathcote High is not just a school; it's a thriving community committed to academic excellence, respect and inclusivity," Heathcote High principal Stephen Waser said.

"We take pride in providing a friendly, calm and supportive environment where every student can flourish."

The school is "punching above its weight" when it comes to education standards, university admissions, university partnerships and extracurricular involvement.

Teacher Bridget Keating working with Year 12 in the Senior Learning Centre. Picture supplied

Academic excellence

Heathcote High School's commitment to high standards is validated by external educational authorities.

The NSW Department of Education's external validation specialist team recently evaluated the school using the School Excellence Framework.

This framework supports NSW public schools across three core domains: learning, teaching and leading, which define 14 elements of high-quality practice.

Following a rigorous assessment, Heathcote High School was judged as excelling in 13 of the 14 elements, proving its exceptional dedication to equity and classroom excellence.

This high level of education quality is further highlighted by various external awards and scholarships including:

• The Minister's award for Excellence in Teaching
• Excelling in value added for year 9-12 students
• A student receiving the prestigious Ramsay Scholarship Recipient
• Scholarships valuing more than $300,000 in the past three years

Perfect acceptance rate

This academic foundation translates directly into proven tertiary outcomes.

One hundred per cent of Heathcote High School students who apply to university are accepted. This perfect track record is driven by the hard work of the students and the dedicated support of teachers using personalised strategies.

"One of our main reasons for our university pathways success is because of the individualised learning plans created for and with each student in years 11 and 12," deputy principal Jo Hunter said.

"This sets out their target goals for their senior schooling and beyond, including university pathways and career planning.

"This makes a huge difference in tracking and supporting student success."

These individual plans are closely monitored and updated at checkpoints throughout the year.

UNSW Gateway Program

Heathcote High is the only school in the area to offer a prestigious partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) via the Gateway Admission Pathway Program (GAPP).

This program opens doors for students in years 10, 11 and 12 by providing university experiences, mentoring and academic enrichment to build confidence.

Most notably, it gives year 12 students a significant head start, allowing them to access courses after the HSC with an adjusted 10 to 14 ATAR points.

"The bonus of having direct acceptance to your preferred course is a significantly reduced HECS debt on completion of your degree," Mr Waser said.

Year 12 student Alexis Chin used the program to help her start on her dream career path of becoming a lawyer while also lowering the stress of exams.

"Through the UNSW Gateway Program I have access to a competitive degree to fulfil my aspiration of becoming a lawyer," Alexis said.

"The adjusted ATAR requirements have made attending a prestigious university more achievable and reduce my HSC exam stress."

Year 12 students Eve Skinner and Alexis Chin feel well prepared for the next step after high school. Picture supplied

Achievements outside of the school grounds

Students develop vital skills for the future outside of the classroom through taking part in various sporting, club, and creative achievements.

Heathcote High students actively take part and excel in high-level external events, including achieving success as Senior and Junior National Hack-a-Thon champions and performing as debating finalists.

The school also boasts remarkable athletic and creative talent, with results and representation across various events including:

• All-school representation in athletics and swimming.
• National Hockey representation.
• CHS representation in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, and rugby league.
• State Music ensemble, drama, and choir.
• A feature performer School Spec.
• Representation at prestigious events including Schools Spectacular, Southern Stars, Pulse Alive, and Spotlight dance festivals.

Applications now open for the next intake

Heathcote High School provides a powerful advantage for students seeking to maximise their future opportunities.

Enrolments are now open for 2027 to students in year 7 or year 11.

To learn more about the school, or to start the enrolment process, call 9520 9488 or go to the Heathcote High School website.

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