Year 12 ATAR Changes and Senior Curriculum Pathways in Australia.
Australia’s senior secondary education landscape is undergoing significant reform. Across states and territories, policymakers are rethinking the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) system and expanding pathways for Year 11 and 12 students. These changes include adjustments to how the ATAR is calculated, the introduction of enhanced Vocational Education and Training (VET) options, emerging use of microcredentials, and more flexible learning programs.
This comprehensive overview examines the recent changes affecting the ATAR across Australia (noting key state-by-state differences), developments in senior secondary pathways, and the implications for teachers, schools, and students. We also highlight how schools are adapting to these reforms, what support is being provided to teachers, and what it means for those pursuing educational jobs or teaching positions in the evolving system.
Changes to the ATAR System Across States
The ATAR remains the primary ranking used for university entry for school leavers, but states are updating their systems to better reflect student achievement and encourage broader curriculum engagement.
New South Wales (NSW)
From 2025, NSW will remove the distinction between Category A and B HSC courses. This means all examinable HSC subjects, including many vocational courses like Automotive, Construction, and Hospitality, will count towards a student’s ATAR.
The reform allows students to blend academic and vocational studies without penalty. The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) endorsed this change, noting it would offer “more flexibility” and a “simpler, more inclusive” ATAR process. This shift reflects recognition of the academic rigour in VET courses and is expected to encourage greater uptake of vocational subjects.
Western Australia (WA)
WA has traditionally excluded VET subjects from ATAR calculations, contributing to declining ATAR participation. In late 2024, the Pathways for Post-School Success report recommended allowing some VET subjects to count toward the ATAR and recognising D-grade results in ATAR subjects for WACE credit.
Education Minister Tony Buti expressed support for reform, saying he wants schools to guide students into challenging subjects rather than steering them away. While these recommendations are still under active government consideration and not yet formally adopted, they signal a likely policy shift that would bring WA in line with other states valuing vocational study.
Inclusion of VET in ATAR Calculations: WA has traditionally excluded VET subjects from ATAR calculations. The “Pathways to Post-School Success” report recommends allowing some VET subjects to count toward the ATAR and recognising D-grade results in ATAR subjects for WACE credit. While these recommendations are under active government consideration, they have not yet been formally adopted.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria is integrating academic and vocational learning into a single credential. In 2023, it introduced the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), replacing VCAL. This program focuses on industry skills, personal development, and applied learning. However, VCE VM subjects do not contribute to the ATAR, as they lack external exams.
From 2025, Victoria will roll out a unified VCE certificate, allowing students to mix traditional and vocational major subjects while earning one certificate. Students still require scored VCE exams to obtain an ATAR, but this blended approach promotes flexibility and personalised pathways.
Queensland (QLD)
In 2020, Queensland adopted the national ATAR system, replacing its OP rank. Students’ ATARs are based on their five best subject results and may include one Applied Subject or VET qualification (Certificate III or higher). This inclusive model allows students to complete a trade qualification in high school and have it count towards their ATAR.
Queensland’s move has supported a more modern and flexible curriculum, while keeping the ATAR comparable nationally.
South Australia (SA) and Northern Territory (NT)
SA and NT share the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which includes both academic and vocational learning. From 2025, SACE will introduce a new compulsory Year 12 subject called Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), replacing the Research Project. AIF encourages students to undertake a self-directed learning goal or passion project, with a focus on adaptability, real-world problem-solving and personal growth.
While AIF does not directly affect the ATAR calculation, it reflects SACE’s broader reforms toward recognising diverse skills. SACE will continue to calculate ATARs using Stage 2 subject results, including eligible VET and university extension subjects.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania uses the TCE (Tasmanian Certificate of Education), with ATAR eligibility managed by the University of Tasmania. Like WA, Tasmania currently excludes VET subjects from ATAR calculations. ATAR is based on Level 3 or 4 academic courses, which are then converted into national ATAR equivalents.
Tasmania is, however, innovating in curriculum design. Since 2024, it has introduced Applied Capability Qualifications (ACQs), short courses for Years 9–12 focusing on skills like reasoning and communication. These modules are akin to microcredentials, designed to boost engagement and support broader educational development. ACQs do not contribute to ATAR calculations but are recognised as formal learning towards the TCE. While Tasmania has yet to integrate VET into ATAR, continued national pressure for reform may prompt future change.
Broadening Senior Secondary Pathways: VET, Microcredentials, and Flexible Learning
Beyond ATAR reforms, states are expanding senior secondary curriculum options, recognising that academic study is not the only route to success.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools
VET is increasingly viewed as equal in value to academic subjects:
High Participation: Over 230,000 students annually participate in VET during Years 10–12. Certificate III-level courses are becoming more common and are often linked to apprenticeships or technical pathways.
Contributing to Senior Certificates and ATAR: All states now allow VET to count towards senior certificates. NSW, VIC, QLD, SA/NT, and ACT permit certain VET courses to count towards ATAR. WA and TAS currently do not but are considering change.
Outcomes: VET graduates often gain employment more quickly than their academic counterparts. At age 22, students who did VET in school are more likely to be in full-time work. By age 25, university-bound students tend to catch up, but VET provides earlier earning power and workplace experience.
Flexible Study Options: Many students combine traditional subjects with VET. For instance, a student might complete three academic subjects and two VET subjects—earning both an ATAR and a recognised industry qualification.
VET Participation: The statement that over 230,000 students annually participate in VET during Years 10–12 is broadly accurate. However, specific participation numbers can vary year by year and by state.
VET and ATAR Contribution: While it’s correct that NSW, VIC, QLD, SA/NT, and ACT permit certain VET courses to count towards ATAR, the specifics can vary. For instance, in Victoria, only VET subjects with scored assessments contribute to the ATAR.
Integrated Vocational Pathways by State
Victoria: VCE VM students must complete core applied subjects and a VET course. This provides work-readiness and qualification, though ATAR eligibility requires additional scored VCE exams.
NSW: School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) allow students to work and study simultaneously. These may count toward the HSC and ATAR if the VET course includes an exam.
SA/NT: SACE allows up to 150 of 200 total credits to come from vocational programs, including community learning and apprenticeships.
Universities: Many now offer alternative entry schemes or adjustment factors for students with strong VET credentials and relevant work placements.
Australia’s ATAR system is evolving. States like NSW are broadening what counts toward tertiary admission. Victoria is blending vocational and academic study into a unified VCE. Queensland has integrated VET into ATAR calculations, while WA and Tasmania are considering reforms to follow suit.
What’s clear is that a one-size-fits-all academic pathway is no longer the standard. Students today can pursue hybrid programs that equip them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, positioning them for success in university, trades, or the workforce.
This evolution not only improves equity and engagement but reflects the future of education-flexible, inclusive, and aligned with real-world demands.
References
NSW Department of Education – ATAR Changes – Student Information (5 Dec 2023)
UAC Media Release – UAC Welcomes Change to HSC Subject Classification (28 Jun 2022)
ABC News – Emma Wynne, “WA Secondary Education Review Recommends More Challenge and Reward for Students” (11 Nov 2024)
VCAA – Victorian Senior Secondary Certificate Reform (2023)
VCAA – About the VCE Vocational Major (2022)
QTAC – ATAR Information (Queensland)
SACE Board of SA – Media Release: New SACE Curriculum
TASC – Years 9–12 Curriculum Framework (Tasmania)
