A staggering 95% of the Year 12 cohort at local St Columban's College achieved an OP equivalent of 1 - 16 including all Certificate III and Certificate IV students. Overall achievement reached a 10 year high with 20% of OP eligible students receiving a 1-5 score, and a significant rise in the entire 12th Grade’s results to 20% above the State Average.

Mike Connolly, Assistant Principal said, "This result is due to the culmination of years of an innovative approach to learning fostered by the College that includes academic and vocational pathways being available to all students, and has contributed to raising the achievement of students overall."

St Columban's are rejoicing the outstanding achievements of all students and particularly Alexander Aitchison who is proud of his OP 1 result along with his classmates’, Pat Halpin, Jack Pryor and Sarah Matthews (pictured), OP 2 and 3 results.

Alexander attributes his success to his own hard work and commitment to his studies, but acknowledges it would not have been possible without the support of his family and teachers. "My future is in Physiotherapy or Medicine, and because I was able to play competitive basketball at school, there was a more meaningful link between my own body's performance and my academic subjects where I was learning about the physiology of the body - it was a big help,” Alexander said.

"Parents and students in conjunction with our academic advisers are able to choose from a broad range of academic subjects while still being able to participate in prime sporting and vocational education programs to boost achievement and fast-track individual success." said innovative Principal, Ann Rebgetz.

Acknowledged for the second year as a national secondary education leader, by achieving runner up status in the National Vocational Education & Training Awards in 2012 and 2013, the College blends the best of sporting endeavours, academic achievement and vocational education, with practical discipline and access to flexible learning into an educational framework that results in success for all students from all walks of life.

The St Columban's Leadership Team invites parents to enquire about College enrolments all year round.