5 November 2026

More than 5,000 Year 12 students across Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) secondary schools began their VCE written exams last week, putting months of preparation into practice.

Beginning with English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) last Tuesday, written exams will run until 18 November, concluding with Japanese and Chinese. Many students have also completed their performance exams in dance, drama, music and theatre studies, as well as oral language exams.

Alongside the launch of exams, it was fantastic to see the spotlight on some of our incredible MACS schools and hardworking VCE students.

Ave Maria College, Aberfeldie, Principal Dane Calleja spoke with 3AW’s Ross and Russel about his students’ final preparations.

‘We told them this morning: the hard work is already done; today is about trusting their preparation. We are really proud of them for the last 13 years of their schooling and they are ready,’ he said.

Ave Maria College students also spoke with the Herald Sun’s Mary Papadakis, sharing positive reflections on their first exam.

‘The stimuli were easy to include and adapt to our own piece; the exam was pretty accessible and well-rounded,’ said one student.

‘Our school prepared us really well so, if we weren’t expecting a question, we knew how to manage it. It was a good start to the VCE exams.’

Channel 7 and Channel 9 representatives also visited Kolbe Catholic College, Greenvale Lakes, speaking with students and Deputy Principal Adam Gonzalez about the first exam. Mr Gonzalez highlighted the role technology can play in supporting student learning, as MACS continues to roll out Vision for Instruction.

Amid growing discussion about pen-and-paper exams, Mr Gonzalez said: ‘While they can’t use technology when they walk in the exam room, there are some really amazing ways they can have their studies supported by it.’

Loyola College, Watsonia, also featured in the Herald Sun, with student Ben Brennan sharing a special family milestone: he is the 10th child in his family to sit the VCE!

Feeling ‘pretty chill’ about the exams, Ben offered some simple advice to his fellow Year 12 students: ‘Get up early and get your mind feeling right, take a deep breath and just write.’

Executive Director of MACS, Dr Edward Simons, congratulated the 2026 cohort.

‘Each year, the graduating students across MACS impress us with their hard work, determination and commitment to their studies.

‘It is our great privilege to nurture faith and inspire young people, guiding them to the point that they are ready to go into the world as strong, kind and caring leaders of the future,’ he said.

Results will be released on 10 December as students prepare for life beyond secondary school. We wish the entire cohort every success in their next chapter and hope they carry the values of MACS as they navigate their futures.