Kempsey High School has recorded its highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 completions in the school’s history, with 14 senior boys graduating through the Kempsey Clontarf Academy in 2025.
The result builds on nearly a decade of steady growth since the academy was established in 2016, when just two young men completed Year 12 in its foundation year. This milestone reflects the academy’s increasing impact on engagement, school attendance and post-school opportunities for local young men.
Kempsey Academy currently supports 100 boys across the school, and 50 young men have now completed Year 12 through the program since 2016.
Academy Director Drew Bartram said the achievement is testament to the determination of this year’s senior group and the example they have set for younger boys coming through the academy.
“This group came into their final year focused on what comes next,” Drew said. “Their work ethic has been outstanding and they earned every bit of this success.
“What we’re most proud of is the legacy they leave behind. Younger boys in the academy now see what is possible. These graduates have raised expectations for themselves, their families and their community.”
The group’s major interstate trip to Perth provided a memorable way to mark the end of their school journey. Based in Fremantle, the boys took part in a broad mix of activities, from exploring local landmarks to experiencing Perth’s beaches, attractions and cultural sites. Highlights included visiting the Fremantle Dockers’ elite training facility with former AFL player Roger Hayden, a day at Adventure World, and time spent at Rottnest Island, where the boys enjoyed the island’s bays, scenery and wildlife.
The week also included a leadership opportunity with a presentation at Clontarf partner Western Power, where the boys spoke confidently about their experiences in the academy and their aspirations after school. Whether trying golf for the first time, touring the coastline on e-scooters or learning about workplace environments, the group approached each activity with maturity and enthusiasm, making the most of their final Clontarf milestone.
The 2025 Year 12 graduates are: Tyrelle Glover-Ridgeway, Peter Corton, James Fernando, Khiarn Allen-Gray, Tyrone Knight-Gibson, Naitwon Widders, Ed Moran, Sam Drew, Mathew Campton, CJ Griffen, Drew Nicholson, Jer-Kyal Greenup-Smith, Lei Kyle and Luca May.
