Macleans College academic achievements 2024

Posted on March 12, 2025

Macleans College continues to solidify its reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier academic secondary schools.

Each year, an increasing number of students gain entry into prestigious university programmes globally, a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence. The school’s focus on academic rigor, a comprehensive and knowledge-rich curriculum and a structured pedagogical approach creates an ideal learning environment that maximises student potential.

In addition to its strong academic foundation, the school fosters a supportive whānau house system, which nurtures students’ personal growth and wellbeing. Coupled with an extensive extra-curricular program, Macleans College provides a well-rounded experience that prepares students for success in both their academic and personal lives.

The following students were recognised at the annual Macleans College Scholars’ assembly, held on Friday 7 March 2025.

2024 CIE Examination results

Top in the World

Wesley Lau
AS Mathematics

Top in New Zealand

Kelly Ma
AS History
Catherine Luo
AS Physics
Jason Dong
A Level Accounting
Cynthia Chen
A Level Chinese Language and Literature
Julia Escoto
A Level Computer Science
Emily Yin
A Level English Language

Scholars assembly 2025 002 — Left: Catherine Luo and Kelly Ma

2024 NZQA Scholarship results

Macleans College students received 180 Scholarships
Twenty-two students achieved three or more Scholarships

2024 Dux

The Dux prize for 2024 is awarded to the Macleans College student who achieved the highest grades in the annual NZQA Scholarship examinations.

The Dux of Macleans College receives the Allen McDonald Scholarship. This scholarship was established by the Macleans College Parent Teacher Association in recognition of the contribution of Allen McDonald, the second Principal of Macleans College, particularly with regard to the school’s scholastic achievement. The scholarship is worth $2,000.

The Macleans College Dux of 2024 and recipient of the Allen McDonald Scholarship is awarded to Alston Yam.

Alston is awarded an NZQA Outstanding Scholar Award with an Outstanding Scholarship in Calculus and Scholarships in Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Geography, Physics and Statistics.

He is also a CIE Top Achiever with two A* Grades at A Level in Mathematics and Physics and an A Grade in AS Chemistry.

Scholars assembly 2025 003 — Dux of Macleans College 2024 Alston Yam.

To show he is an all-round student, the highlights from Alston’s extra-curricular in 2024 include Symphony orchestra, concert band, Badminton Advanced team, New Zealand Physics and Maths competition, small House choir and Coding Club. Alston is training with the New Zealand Maths Olympiad squad to attend the International Olympiad in Australia and is also a School Prefect.

2024 Proxime Accessit

This award is presented to Jay Zhao.

Jay achieved an Outstanding Scholarship in Calculus and scholarships in Chemistry, Physics and Statistics.

Jay is also awarded a CIE Top Achiever Award with two A* grades at A Level in Mathematics and Physics and an A grade in AS Chemistry.

To show that Jay is more than just an accomplished scholar, in extra-curricular, Jay participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition, was a member of the Chess B team, Coding Club, Premier Advanced debating team, the New Zealand Physics and Maths Competition, New Zealand Engineering Science Competition, a Rutherford House Tutor and participated in the Young Enterprise Scheme 2024 and he is currently in the New Zealand Maths Olympiad training squad to attend the International Olympiad in Australia in July.