Gippsland Grammar has announced three students from the Class of 2025 have been awarded the prestigious VCE Baccalaureate, a significant academic distinction recognising excellence and rigour in senior secondary study, including Paynesville’s Pablo Oates.
Pablo, along with Newry’s Mia Humphris and Woodside’s Krista Walpole, received the VCE Baccalaureate, which recognises students who undertake the challenge of studying both a language and higher-level mathematics as part of their VCE, in addition to achieving a study score of 30 or above in English, English Language or Literature.
In 2025, only five per cent of year 12 students across Victoria received this recognition.
Gippsland Grammar is one of the few schools in the Gippsland region to offer the full sequence of VCE subjects required to qualify for the VCE Baccalaureate, providing students with access to this additional level of academic acknowledgement.
Principal Dr Paul Walton said the achievement reflected both the dedication of the students and the breadth of opportunities available at Gippsland Grammar.
“I am extremely proud of our students that received the VCE Baccalaureate, which is an incredible accomplishment,” Dr Walton said.
“This is an additional form of recognition for high-achieving students, that have completed both higher-level mathematics and a language in their VCE program of study.”
The three VCE Baccalaureate recipients are among Gippsland Grammar’s highest-achieving students. Mia was also the school’s 2025 Dux, achieving an ATAR of 97.15. Pablo received an exceptional ATAR above 90, while Krista Walpole was recognised earlier this year with the Sale RSL’s Jack McMillian Leadership Award at Sale’s ANZAC Day ceremony, acknowledging her leadership and service to the community.
