WA year 12’s celebrate end of school as ATAR exams loom

Year 12 students across Western Australia have finished their final week at school and celebrations have been anything but low-key.

From running into the ocean in school uniform, to dress up days and assemblies, both private and public schools across the state have welcomed students having fun and relaxing, before many go on to sit their final exams.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College principal Cate Begbie said there was “something very special about seeing the girls come together one last time to celebrate everything they’ve shared”.

“There were plenty of smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter as we farewelled the class of 2026,” she said.

“We’re enormously proud of them as they leave PLC with wonderful memories, lifelong friendships and the confidence to take on whatever comes next.”

Penrhos College principal Kalea Haran said its much-loved traditions were an opportunity for the entire school community to come together and “celebrate the girls we have watched grow, learn and flourish, and to send them off knowing just how many people are cheering them on.”

The school goes all out for its year 12 students each year, with P-Day, where students embraced the tradition of dressing up as something starting with the letter P, to a Valedictory Dinner and Flower Day.

“As our year 12s turn their attention to their final exams, we wish them every success,” Haran said.

Perth Modern posted pictures of its graduating class to Facebook, stating the students had “embraced every moment of their final weeks at school”.

“We are proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing where their next chapter takes them,” the school wrote.

Meanwhile, Armadale Senior High School thanked its year 12 students for “hard work, perseverance and the many memories you have created along the way”, while also sending out a “heartfelt thank you” to teachers, families, carers and staff for the “encouragement, guidance and support they have provided”.

WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti posted a photo of her own time in year 12 heading to the ball, before wishing the 2026 cohort the “very best of luck” with their exams.

WA Premier Roger Cook also posted a picture of his younger self, wishing year 12 students luck.

“I know you’ve put a lot of work into getting here, so back yourself, take a breath and remember to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come,” he said.

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