Adam Li
China · Started in English classes
Mathematics & Physics · UQ
Senior Secondary · Years 11–12
Ignite Ambition.
Shape the Future.
One strong ATAR keeps almost every degree open — medicine, engineering, law, business, the arts. In 2025, John Paul College’s Year 12 median ATAR was 91.00, with 53% of students in Queensland’s top 10%.
- Years 11–12
- ATAR Pathway to Global Universities
- Queensland Certificate of Education
- Personalised Career Counselling
99.95
Highest ATAR, 2025 — the maximum possible score
91.00
2025 median ATAR — the College's strongest on record
53%
Achieved ATAR 90+ — Queensland's top 10%
32%
Achieved ATAR 95+ — Queensland's top 5%
12%
Achieved ATAR 99+ — Queensland's top 1%
99.4%
Achieved the Queensland Certificate of Education
Our results are rising, not standing still.
Since 2022 our median ATAR has climbed 4.4 points. The share of students reaching Queensland’s top 10% has grown from 40% to 53%. Every year on record is published in full.
Senior Secondary
Your Own Unique Future
In Years 11 and 12, every student builds their own plan. They choose subjects that count towards the QCE, and towards the ATAR score universities use to offer places.
Career counselling ignites students' future ambitions, helping them choose the right education pathway for them.
— JPC Career Education ProgramCareer education starts in Junior Secondary and continues right through Years 11 and 12. Our counsellors sit down with each student, one-on-one. Together they choose the subjects that lead to the university course the student wants.
Students choose from a wide range of subjects that count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The QCE is Queensland's senior high school certificate, and it is recognised internationally. Students receive it when they meet all the requirements at the end of Year 12.
Students can also add Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificates alongside their QCE subjects. These are practical, industry-recognised qualifications. They support a student's ATAR pathway rather than replace it.
Your Pathway to University
One Goal: University Success
Every JPC student's Senior Secondary journey is built around a strong ATAR for entry to university — in Australia and around the world.
Primary Pathway
ATAR & University
Choose from QCE subjects across learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Technology & Innovation and Languages, working towards an ATAR for entry to top universities — in Australia and around the world. In 2025, John Paul College's Year 12 cohort achieved a median ATAR of 91.00, with 53% in the top 10% of the state.
International students sit the same subjects, the same assessment and the same external exams as every other JPC student — and receive the same ATAR.
Pathway Support
VET Certificates
Alongside their ATAR subjects, students can add nationally recognised VET certificates — from Fitness and Hospitality to Aviation and Business. These build practical skills that strengthen a university application; they do not replace it.
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Queensland's internationally recognised senior schooling certificate, awarded when students meet all requirements by the end of Year 12. In 2025, 99.4% of JPC's Year 12 cohort achieved their QCE.
How is the ATAR actually calculated?
ATAR & QCE Subjects
VET Support
Top Universities Worldwide
Understanding the ATAR
From Classroom to University
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used nationally for university admissions and recognised around the world. It shows a student’s position relative to their Year 12 peers across Queensland, on a 2000-point scale where the highest possible ranking is 99.95.
Australian Curriculum
- Prep – Year 10
- Broad foundation years
Queensland Certificate of Education
- Years 11 – 12, 6 subjects
- 20 credits required
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
- Calculated from best 5 subjects
- 2000-point scale to 99.95
University
- Tertiary education entry
- Recognised worldwide
1
Assessment
- 4 assessment pieces per subject
- 3 pieces internally assessed (75%), 1 externally assessed (25%)
- Mathematics & Science: 50% internal, 50% external
2
English Subject
- A Sound Achievement in an English subject is required to be ATAR eligible
- English only counts if it’s one of the best 5 results
3
Best 5 Subject Results
- The ATAR is calculated from a student’s best 5 subject results
4
ATAR
- 2000-point scale from 99.95 down to 0.00
- ATARs below 30.00 are shown as “30 and below”
Real Student Results
The Students Behind the Numbers
Every student here started where your child is starting — a new country, a new language, a new school. These are their real results, and where they went next.
Planning Ahead
Preparing in Years 9 and 10
The work that counts towards the ATAR begins in Year 11. The years before it are when a student settles in, builds their English and chooses well.
Arrive with time to settle
Assessment that counts towards the QCE and the ATAR starts in Year 11. Students who join in Year 10 or earlier have a full year to settle into Australian classrooms, make friends and find their subjects — before any result counts.
Junior Secondary, Years 7–10English is the one required subject
Every student must complete an English subject to be eligible for an ATAR. Students who are still building their English can study English as an Additional Language, which counts. Adam Li started in our English language classes and finished with an ATAR of 99.55.
English preparation before Year 11Choose subjects with a counsellor
Subject choice in Year 10 shapes which university courses stay open. Our career counsellors work through it with each student and family, one-on-one, so the choice matches the degree they are aiming for.
Year 10 university pathway plannerNot sure which year your child should start? We will map it out with you.
Talk to our team
Subjects & Learning Areas
35 Ways to Shape Your Future
Students choose from 35 subjects across nine learning areas, guided towards the degree and career they are aiming for.
Core Learning Areas
4 subjects
English
- English
- English as an Additional Language
- Literature
- English and Literature Extension
3 subjects
Mathematics
- General Mathematics
- Mathematical Methods
- Specialist Mathematics
4 subjects
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
5 subjects
Humanities
- Accounting
- Economics
- Geography
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
4 subjects
The Arts
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Visual Arts
4 subjects
Technology & Innovation
- Design
- Digital Solutions
- Engineering
- Industrial Technology Skills
Plus These Learning Areas
LanguagesSpanish, Chinese, Chinese Extension
Health & Physical EducationPhysical Education
University & Career Pathways
Where an ATAR Can Take You
A strong ATAR keeps almost every degree open. JPC graduates go on to study across a wide range of fields, in Australia and overseas.
Health & Medicine
Engineering
Business & Commerce
Law
Education
Aviation
Technology & IT
Creative Arts & Design
An ATAR Is Your Gateway to Anywhere
An ATAR isn't just a number for one course — it's recognised for university entry the world over. From our Brisbane campus, it keeps study and career options open right across Australia and internationally.
Illustrative routes from JPC's Brisbane campus across Australia, and to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Canada, the USA, Brazil, Chile, London, Paris, Germany and New Zealand — a sample of the destinations an ATAR keeps open.
Career Counselling
for Every Student
for Every Student
Career Education Program
Guidance for Every Ambition
Building on the Career Education Program begun in Junior Secondary, our team helps every student build a strong ATAR pathway towards their chosen university and career — whether that's health, engineering, business, law or beyond.
Career Counselling
One-on-one guidance helping students think through their future ambitions and target universities.
Subject Selection
Expert advice ensuring students choose the QCE subjects that build the strongest possible ATAR for their target university course.
QCE & Tertiary Pathways
Clear, up-to-date information on tertiary education and university pathways, tracked against QCE requirements.
University & Career Planning
Ongoing support moving from subject selection towards university applications, in Australia and around the world, for whatever career a student has in mind.
From the first subject chosen in Year 11 to the QCE awarded in Year 12, every part of Senior Secondary is built to launch students towards the university they've imagined.
Health, engineering, business, law, education or beyond — whatever degree a student is aiming for, JPC's Career Education Program helps map the ATAR pathway to get there.
Talk to our team
Questions Families Ask
Years 11 and 12 — Your Questions
What ATAR results do John Paul College students achieve?
In 2025 John Paul College’s Year 12 cohort achieved a median ATAR of 91.00 — the College’s strongest on record. The highest ATAR was 99.95. 53% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% of Queensland, 32% achieved 95 or above (top 5%) and 12% achieved 99 or above (top 1%). 99.4% of the cohort achieved their Queensland Certificate of Education.
Do international students study the same subjects and exams as other students?
Yes. International students at John Paul College study the same QCE subjects, complete the same internal assessment and sit the same external examinations as every other student, and receive the same ATAR. Students who need it can study English as an Additional Language, which counts towards ATAR eligibility.
How is the ATAR calculated?
The ATAR is calculated from a student’s best 5 subject results, on a 2000-point scale with a maximum of 99.95. Students must satisfactorily complete an English subject to be ATAR eligible, and English only counts if it is one of the best 5 results. Most subjects are assessed through 3 internal pieces (75%) and 1 external piece (25%), except Mathematics and Science, which are 50% internal and 50% external.
What is the QCE?
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is Queensland’s internationally recognised senior schooling certificate, awarded to John Paul International College students who meet all requirements by the end of Year 12. In 2025, 99.4% of JPC’s Year 12 cohort achieved their QCE.
What subjects can students choose in Years 11 and 12 at JPC?
Students choose from 35 subjects and VET disciplines across nine learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Technology & Innovation, Languages, Health & Physical Education, and Vocational Education and Training (VET).
When should an international student start at JPC to prepare for Years 11 and 12?
Assessment that counts towards the QCE and the ATAR begins in Year 11. Students who start in Year 10 or earlier have time to settle in, build their English and choose the right subjects before senior assessment begins. English language preparation is available for students who need it before entering mainstream classes.
Does JPC offer Vocational Education and Training (VET)?
Yes. Alongside their ATAR and QCE subjects, JPC students can also study VET certificates in Fitness, Health, Hospitality, Aviation, Laboratory Skills, Business, and Screen and Media — practical, industry-recognised qualifications that support, rather than replace, their university pathway.
How does JPC support senior students with career and subject choices?
JPC’s Career Education Program builds on the foundations set in Junior Secondary, providing one-on-one career counselling and information on university pathways so students choose subjects that put them on the best path towards their university course or career.
Ready to Choose Your Pathway?
Talk to us about the right year to start, or take the next step and apply for a place at JPC.