ON Thursday you may have heard the collective sighs of almost 65,000 VCE and VCAL students across Victoria with the release of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rankings (ATAR).

Among them were the 36 graduates from Mansfield Secondary College's class of 2021 who finished up what was arguably the most difficult two years in VCE history.

"Students who have completed their final year of education in Mansfield Shire have done our community proud," said Mansfield mayor James Tehan.

"The past two years have seen these students put under enormous pressures no one could have prepared them for.

"Having made it through the year is a testament to their resilience and innovation.

"No matter what your score, reaching the finish line through these trials is something you should be proud of and celebrate.

"In getting through this year, you have demonstrated the can–do attitude that defines our community.

"Congratulations to all the students – council wishes you all the best for your future endeavours."

This year's top achiever for MSC was Max Les, who took the dux with an impressive score of 93.2.

"It is both surprising and satisfying," said Max on the day.

"I worked hard for it, but I'm obviously happy."

He also acknowledged the unique circumstances this year's class faced.

"It has been so different for us than for any other cohort that has come before, as we went through COVID for the full two years of VCE," Max said.

"But we were somewhat prepared for it and I think it did teach us to self–motivate, you really had to make your own routine."

Max has already accepted an early offer to the Australian National University in Canberra to study science and will be looking to join his cousin who started at the uni last year.

He will make the move early in the New Year and is hoping to major in astrophysics and astronomy.

Hayley Moggach also got a nice surprise on Thursday morning with a score of 88.7.

"It was very nice to have the hard work pay off after a very tough year," said Hayley.

The high score has given her guaranteed entry into Swinburne next year where she is going to study health sciences, with a major in psychology.

Rose Hanratty had no expectations after a rollercoaster of a year but was pleasantly surprised when she got an 84.85.

She is now looking to take up a double degree of music performance and entertainment management at Collarts next year.

Austin Scott said he was elated and relieved at his score of 82.85, which was well and truly above what he needed to pursue teaching, though he hasn't decided which uni offer to take up yet.

Kaitlyn Mason was certainly surprised with her score as she had been expecting a result in the high 60s, but almost made it all the way to 80 with her 79.3.

She has already been accepted into La Trobe, so after a gap year travelling she will be studying animal veterinary bioscience.

Harry Murakami was also surprised by his 79.05 score, though laughed that his ATAR wasn't too important right now as he is leaving for Japan soon to train as a hairdresser.

Hanna Speirs–Mari was another of the top achievers and said she was really happy with her score as it will allow her to pursue her chosen degree.

"I'm immensely proud in the way that they have gone about their business," said principal Tim Hall.

"Especially among the challenges of stepping in and out of remote learning – I think they should be really proud of their results.

"I also think it reflects the work that our staff does with the kids.

"Regardless of ATARs and results, the question is always, are the kids getting what they need for the next step in their journey?

"And as you can see, these kids all know their next step."

This year in Victoria, 50,723 students will graduate with their VCE – a completion rate of 98 per cent of students, while another 14,066 students will receive their VCAL.

In recognition of the unique impact coronavirus has had on schools and individual VCE students across Victoria, the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage process has run as it did in 2020.

Students were also able to submit a Student Statement to be taken into account during this process, outlining the individual impact the pandemic has had on their physical or mental health and their VCE studies.

Special consideration was also available for final year VCAL students, with each school making a balanced judgement about the level of impact on each student and adjusting assessment activities or marks to reflect this.

Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino said that students are reminded that while their scores are a reflection of two years of hard work, their marks don't define them – and there are many pathways and opportunities to achieve their goals, no matter how challenging their final years of school have been.

"VCE and VCAL graduates are impressive every year – but the Class of 2021, completing their final years of school during a global pandemic, are particularly inspiring," said Mr Merlino

"Congratulations to every single student right across Victoria.

"I thank teachers, school staff and families, whose support through the last two difficult years has played a huge role in the success of this year's VCE and VCAL students.

"Whether it's a university course, TAFE, an apprenticeship or getting straight into the workforce, I wish our year 12s the very best with whatever comes next after a fun and relaxing summer break."