Headlining the College’s best academic results on record in 2025, three HSC students topped a subject to rank First in State. These are the Newington expert teachers who guided them.  

Ms Smriti Mediratta, Head of Science and teacher of Sebastian W (First in State Physics)  

‘At its simplest, Physics tries to explain how the world works. It looks for the underlying rules which sit beneath everyday experiences – from throwing a ball to how satellites orbit the Earth. Those rules shape almost everything in modern life, and when students begin to see how the concepts show up in real life, those moments are powerful. Students who choose Physics want to be challenged, and Physics teaches how to think carefully, logically, and with precision – it trains the brain.  

It’s a wonderful achievement to come First in State, and Sebastian deserves enormous credit for his work. But what I find most fulfilling isn’t just the ranking — its consistency, persistence and the growth over time.  

I am very clear and structured in how I teach; we break difficult ideas into steps and build them back up logically, and I push students to explain their reasoning, not just produce an answer. I think they respond to my consistency, authenticity, and enthusiasm. As a department, we don’t chase quick fixes. We focus on clarity, strong foundations, and lots of deliberate feedback. Depth of understanding is key. I look to ignite curiosity in Newington students. When I capture that, the rest tends to follow.’

Ms Jennifer Nicholas, Mathematics teacher of Daniel B (First in State in Mathematics Standard 2) and Miles B (Third in State in Mathematics Standard 2)  

‘Standard Mathematics is for students who want to learn real-world mathematics rather than advanced theoretical mathematics courses that involve calculus. Mathematics is logical, procedural, and methodical. I love that an answer is right or wrong; there is no ambiguity in solutions or responses.   

As a young student of Maths, I wanted to understand ‘why’ a method holds true. As a Maths teacher, I love articulating concepts to students who also love the ‘why’. To others who don’t, I want them to appreciate its beauty and find love in learning.   

In 2025, my entire Newington Year 12 Standard Mathematics class achieved a Band 6. It was one of my proudest career accomplishments. Having Dan and Miles rank in the top three in State was the cherry on top. We were a team, we worked consistently, tried our hardest, overcame setbacks, and had fun. Every student can achieve their best with the right support. I have high expectations but provide high support, consistent but fair deadlines, student accountability, and expectations on submission of work. I make it a priority to create a classroom where students feel cared for, seen, and where effort is recognised. If students feel supported, they will reach higher.’  

Mr Cameron Quince, Technology teacher and teacher of Max L (First in State Construction)

‘VET Construction allows students to receive a dual qualification; a Certificate II in Construction, and an HSC ATAR. It’s the accumulation of practical skills and the theoretical and management skills required today to run any worksite in the construction industry in Australia or internationally.  

Many VET students have shown high levels of curiosity about everything technology and design since Year 7. The entire Technology Department has been a huge contributor to their knowledge and skills during their education here: it’s never just one teacher. 

Max Laidlaw should be extremely proud of coming First in State, and his efforts throughout Year 11 and 12. As important are students’ attitudes and relationships with each other; making sure they are respectful, open-minded, and kind so that one day they will become a good employee, colleague, and a decent member of society.  

As a teacher, I keep students accountable and set high standards that are realistic and placed in real-life, workplace-related scenarios. I hang my hat on being authentic and maintaining my integrity and then explicitly modelling that to students.’

Did you know?

• Newington students achieve academic excellence through a rigorous academic, wellbeing and co-curricular education that cares for the whole child and helps produce kind, curious and courageous global citizens. 
• Newington’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Centre is a nation-leading resource teaching both students and teachers alike. Critical thinking is embedded into Newington’s Teaching and Learning Framework from Kindergarten to Year 12. 
• In 2025 Newington students achieved some of the best results in the HSC and IB in NSW.  
• Three HSC Newington students in 2025 ranked First in State in an HSC subject with a further eight ranking in the Top 10 in State in an HSC subject and nine All-round HSC Achievers and 108 students on the Distinguished Achievers List.  
• Four International Baccalaureate students scored a perfect 45/45 and a further five scored 44/45. Newington is one of only two GPS schools in NSW to offer the IB. Newington is one of the only GPS schools in NSW to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB).  
• Newington also teaches the Cambridge IGCSE, the global international qualification for 14 to 16 year old students (Year 9 and 10).  
• In January 2026 Newington began its transition to co-education when it welcomed its first girls in Kindergarten and Year 5. We are now accepting girls into all years at our Lindfield campus for 2027 and beyond, Stanmore (Wyvern) Prep campus in Kindy, Year 1, Year 5 and Year 6 from 2027, and Year 7 and Year 11 from 2028 at our Senior campus in Stanmore.

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If you are interested in enrolling your son and/or daughter, please call our Admissions team on 02 9568 9333.

To book a tour or discover more about educating your son or daughter at Newington, visit https://www.newington.nsw.edu.au/about/co-education/.

To discover more about academic excellence Newington College read about our results here. 

This story originally appeared in our school magazine, The NC here. 

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