Advertisement James Ruse Agricultural High School has claimed the title of NSW’s top school for the 25th year in a row, an unparalleled achievement in the history of the Higher School Certificate. Baulkham Hills High School was second, with North Sydney Boys’ and Girls’ high schools third and fourth. Sydney Grammar, at fifth, was the only independent school in the state’s top 10. James Ruse principal Rachel Powell feels the weight of expectations every year. “We got it! That’s such a relief,” she told the Herald. “The students work so hard and they support each other so much, so it’s a real vindication of all that hard work and collaboration.”