Some of their classmates were fortunate to finish their HSC exams up to two weeks before them.

But with textiles and design technology exams sitting on the last day of the exam period, students Zara Hebles, Halle Earsman, Ned Vandermark and Patrick Dunn headed to school while their peers headed on holidays.

"It was the worst, I was studying while everyone else was out and partying," said 18-year-old textiles student Halle Earsman.

With exams peppered across the scheduled period, these students' biggest challenge came in sustaining the study across five full weeks.

"I felt so drained studying that whole time, especially as everyone else was finishing," said fellow-textiles student Zara Hebles, also 18.

When finally pens fell for the last time at 3.30 on Monday afternoon, principal Chris Davies said the relief was palpable across the school.

"A weight is lifted from the whole school, not just the students in the exams, we're all invested in this, we've all worked hard for it," Mr Davies said.

Walking out of the school gates one final time, the students took their first steps into their new lives.

The path is laid out clearly for Halle, who is hopeful to begin her teaching degree next year. Likewise for 18-year-old Patrick Dunn who will soon become an apprentice electrician.

But for Zara and 18-year-old Ned Vandermark, it is a journey that will encompass a bit of travelling and a lot of exploring.

"The HSC, the ATaR, apprenticeships, gap years, there are so many ways success can come," Mr Davies said.