Warrnambool's Nihindu Ranasinghe's score of 99.65 is believed to be the highest ATAR result at a south-west school.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel College is also celebrating having its highest results since 2011.

Three students, Finn Laider, the school's dux with a score of 99.55, along with Emily Reid and Hannah Crouch Loveday, all received ATAR scores above 99.

Sri Lankan-born Nihindu has boarded at the Hamilton and Alexandra College for the past year, but before then commuted by bus an hour and a half each way every day from Warrnambool.

He was smiling on Thursday and pleased his result would enable him to study the Australian National University's science-based bachelor of philosophy.

"I have known I wanted to be involved in science research since about year nine," Nihindu, who also scored a perfect 50 in maths methods, said.

Emmanuel's Emily and Hannah both said they were "shocked' at their high scores, which will help them to study health-based university courses.

Emily, who wants to study medicine, said she was pleased her "hard work paid off".

"Having a goal to work towards helps, knowing what you want to do and being motivated to achieve that. And having a good study group, I have good peers around me," she said.

Hannah said balance had been the key to her success in VCE.

"I have a job at Bunnings and I play netball for South Warrnambool, not making your year all about school helps," she said.

Warrnambool College students and best friends Tiffany Tracey and Kayla Jewell met for breakfast early this morning to access their results at 7am together at a Warrnambool cafe.

Both students said they were "relieved" to discover they had ATAR results above 95.

Tiffany was later surprised to be announced the school's 2019 dux.

"I worked really hard throughout the year but I didn't think it would actually happen," she said.

"When you stay focused and set your mind to something you can achieve anything you want, especially considering I was doing so much else throughout the year. I'm proud the hard work did pay off and the long nights."

Tiffany said her first preference was to study medicine or pharmacy next year.

"I'm glad this day has come and we can finally start the next part of our lives without sitting VCE again," she said.

Kayla planned to take a gap year and said her eyes were set on possibly studying a law and science degree.

"It's such a weird feeling, we have been working so hard for so long. It's finished and we did well. It's a unique feeling, but exciting for the future," Kayla said.

Brauer College's dux was Mika Faragher who received an ATAR of 94.55, which included a study score for food studies of a perfect 50.

"When I saw it it didn't feel real ... it still doesn't feel real," Mika said.

"My advice to next year's year 12s is to do subjects you truly enjoy because you will put the work in and get a better score."

Warrnambool's secondary colleges jointly said they were "incredibly proud of the hard work" of all year 12 students.

"We are proud of every student's achievements, those in VCAL and in VCE. We also applaud the countless hours that parents, carers and teachers have put in over the years to support our students to be the best version of themselves," a statement from the principals said.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College announced its students received a mean ATAR score of 76.1 on Thursday morning.

The school's second top-performer was another Warrnambool student, Tarini Mitra, who scored 98.55.

The smallest ever cohort of six students at Warrnambool's King's College received a scored VCE.

The school's top-scoring student was Melissa Thomas, who received an ATAR of 87.6.

King's College deputy principal Michael Tucker said the school's mean ATAR was 65 and he was proud of students' efforts.

"I stress with students every year that their ATAR score is one key to their future, there are other pathways to achieve their goals," he said.

"The number never defines their goals. It is a number compared to how you went compared to everyone else at the time, and that's all it is. You are much more than that."

Camperdown College also had a small year 12 cohort this year and students' average ATAR was 74.4, with three study scores above 40.

The school's highest-achieving student was Olivia Henzen who plans to study agricultural science.

Mercy Regional College announced Sondi Guthrie was dux, with an ATAR score of 90.65.

Portland Secondary College is celebrating its students' results, with Lachlan Arthur school dux after receiving an ATAR of 90.

Cobden Technical School's highest-scoring VCE students were dux Gemma Kelly, Skye Leith and Louella Frusher.

Derrinallum College had a mean ATAR of 55 and the top-performing student was Hannah Thompson with a 70.3 ATAR.

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino congratulated the class of 2019.

"Thank you to the parents, friends and teachers across the state who provided encouragement and guidance to help this year's VCE and VCAL students reach this educational milestone," Mr Merlino said.

"For some students, this may not be the result you wished for but just remember that your results do not define you. There are many pathways to success including higher education, TAFE, traineeships and full-time work."

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