Twin Triumph: Loreto Normanhurst Sisters Celebrate HSC Success Side by Side
High-achieving twins Elina and Anika Banerji are among the standout students of Loreto Normanhurst’s Class of 2025, while balancing leadership, academic ambition and wellbeing.
As HSC results are released today, Loreto Normanhurst is celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2025, including twin sisters Elina and Anika Banerji who have both been named All-Round Achievers, with Elina achieving an ATAR of 99.25, while Anika was named Dux of the School with an ATAR of 99.7.
The high-achieving twins, known for their leadership, academic ambition and balance, have completed the HSC side by side after years of supporting and motivating one another through one of the most demanding periods of their schooling.
Both sisters embraced rigorous subject loads and leadership roles during Year 12, challenging themselves across very different academic pathways.
Elina, Academic Activities Leader of her House, completed Extension 1 and Extension 2 Mathematics alongside Italian Continuers. She also completed Studies of Religion I, a year early, achieving a Band 6 result of 49/50 and gaining early HSC exam experience while still in Year 11.
Anika, House Captain, excelled in humanities subjects including Extension 1 English and Extension History, as well as French Continuers. She was the highest-ranking student in Loreto Normanhurst’s internal HSC assessments and received the Principal’s Award for Distinguished Academic Excellence at the Year 12 Graduation Awards Ceremony.
“Elina and Anika exemplify what we strive to nurture at Loreto Normanhurst; students who pursue academic excellence while remaining grounded, generous and engaged in their community,” said Kieryn Bateman, Director of Learning at Loreto Normanhurst.
Despite their different subject choices, both sisters credit their success to a shared mindset and constant mutual support.
“Achieving these results together has been incredibly special,” said Anika. “Throughout the HSC, we were a constant source of motivation and reassurance for each other, whether that was late-night study sessions or checking in before exams. It really felt like a shared journey.”
Elina said the experience reinforced the importance of effort and encouragement rather than competition.
“We didn’t see each other as competition, but as inspiration,” she said. “Seeing each other’s hard work every day was incredibly motivating, and sharing this milestone together makes it even more meaningful.”
Despite their different subject choices, the twins said they are united by a shared love of challenge and growth.
“While I thrive in humanities-focused spaces and Elina gravitates towards analytical problem-solving, we’re both driven by a desire to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zones,” Anika said.
Throughout Year 12, the sisters supported each other through simple routines – studying together, holding each other accountable and taking time to rest when burnout set in.
“The HSC is a marathon, not a sprint,” Elina said. “Having someone who truly understood the pressure helped us stay grounded and balanced.”
Kieryn Bateman said the twins’ achievements reflect the broader strengths of the Class of 2025, which demonstrated persistence, courage and a willingness to challenge themselves academically.
“Both girls displayed grit and perseverance, consistently stepping outside their comfort zones,” she said. “Their results reflect a cohort that embraced challenge, balance and growth – values embedded in our approach to learning at Loreto Normanhurst.”
Alongside the Banerji twins’ success, Loreto Normanhurst’s Class of 2025 achieved outstanding overall HSC results, including five Top Achievers in Course (students achieving a state place in a subject). Among them was Joy Wang, who placed first in NSW for Drama. The cohort also included 11 All-Round Achievers (students attaining the highest band in 10 or more units). Additionally, 131 students were recognised on the Distinguished Achievers List for their outstanding results.
Loreto Normanhurst Principal Ms Marina Ugonotti praised the dedication and success of this year’s students:
"We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025. Beyond their academic achievements, these young women have shown creativity, leadership, and compassion throughout their journey. Their results reflect their hard work and the supportive, enriching environment at Loreto Normanhurst."
These results reflect Loreto Normanhurst’s Student Growth Model and FACE Curriculum, which focus on Faith, Academics, Community and Extra-Curricular development to ensure students graduate as confident, resilient and compassionate young women.
As Elina and Anika look ahead to their next chapters, with Anika planning to pursue a double degree in Law and Arts, and Elina exploring pathways that combine her strengths in mathematics and analytical thinking, their story stands as a powerful reminder that academic success is strongest when paired with balance, connection and purpose.
About Loreto Normanhurst
Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 - 12.
It offers an award-winning model of learning, an extensive extra-curricular program, a modern faith, and a strong sense of community.
With 127 years of excellence in educating girls, Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice.
About Loreto Normanhurst
Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 - 12.
Sarah Finn
