Public beats private in HSC firsts

When it comes to topping HSC courses this year, public school students have narrowly edged out their private school peers.

Of the 116 HSC courses in NSW, 42 of the table-topping students attended government schools compared to 39 from private and Catholic schools.

While exclusive schools such as Sydney Grammar and SCEGGS Darlinghurst enjoyed success, the list was dominated by selective schools, Tafes and other state schools.

Rishikeson Maran, who topped Mathematics Extension Two, attended the highly competitive selective school Sydney Boys High and said he always had first place in his sights.

"I was aiming for a top spot but I still wasn't expecting it," he said.

"My parents were very surprised, more surprised than me and I had to tell them to calm down a bit."

Rishi, whose parents fled war in Sri Lanka to settle in Sydney, said his family's story motivated him to make the most of the Australian education system.

"It was important for me to take advantage of living in this country and to make sure I succeed."

His final advice to next year's high level maths students was surprisingly simple.

"Just do your work and you'll be all right, don't muck around."