HSC exams underway, new buildings open as students return to school for Term 4

HSC students will commence the exam period at 9:50AM today with English Paper 1. It will be the first of 123 exams completed over the next four weeks, running in 800 exam centres across the state. The exam period will come to an end on Thursday 5 November with Physics, and students will receive their results on December 16.

The start of the HSC exams is being marked at Sir Joseph Banks High School in South-West Sydney, where the school's first major upgrade in 40 years has delivered 16 new classrooms, a new hall, canteen, sports court and covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

Students there are among almost 7,000 across 9 schools who are starting Term 4 in newly-upgraded facilities, including more than 100 new permanent classrooms.

Schools with new facilities open this term as part of major upgrades include:

• Austral Public School
• Cammeray Public School
• Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus
• Greenway Park Public School
• Jerrabomberra High School
• Leppington Public School
• Orana Heights Public School
• Rouse Hill High School
• Sir Joseph Banks High School

In addition to these upgrades, 14 public schools also have newly built, co-located public preschools opening at the start of this term as part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by early 2027.

The HSC 2026 written exam timetable and HSC facts and figures can be found on the NESA website.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

"As students return to school for Term 4 this week, I want to wish those beginning their HSC exams today all the very best.

"Now is the time for students to put their best foot forward and show markers all that they have learnt over the past couple of years.

"To the HSC class, take care of yourselves as you embark on this final high school milestone - get plenty of rest and sleep - and give it your absolute best. To their wonderful teachers: thank you for all you have done to help students get to this point.

"Today is also an exciting day for thousands of public school students who are returning from holidays to learn in brand new facilities following the completion of major upgrades.

"This is part of the Minns Labor Government's record investment in public schools to ensure all children across NSW have access to a world class public education."

NSW Education Standards Authority CEO Paul Martin said:

"The HSC written exam period is one of the largest public exam operations in the southern hemisphere, and our main goal is ensuring exams are delivered fairly, securely and consistently for every student.

"Across NSW, schools, presiding officers, supervisors, markers and NESA staff are working together to support a smooth exam experience for students.

"Our best to students starting exams. My message to you is to take pride in what you have achieved already. The HSC is one step in a much bigger journey."

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

"It's fantastic to be here today for the opening of brand new classrooms and other world class facilities at Sir Joseph Banks High School. Every student deserves access to the best educational facilities, and it's great to see the Minns Labor Government delivering this upgrade for students in my community."

Sir Joseph Banks High School acting principal Christina Mateus said:

"Our students deserve learning spaces that reflect the high expectations we have for them. These new classrooms provide contemporary, flexible environments where students can collaborate, create, problem-solve and engage deeply in their learning.

"This upgrade is about much more than new buildings. It is about creating an environment where students feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their best."