Principals of Victorian schools achieving a median VCE subject score of 30 are breathing a sigh of relief.
The "magical number" is an important benchmark for schools aiming for a solid academic reputation.
"Thirty is seen as the average," said principal of Lalor Secondary College, Corey Jewell, a school scoring a median of 30 for the first time this year.
It may not seem like much, but securing a spot in the coveted "30 club" attracts hard-earned praise and a boost in enrolments.
"To be no longer considered as below average, that provides confidence in the school community," said Mr Jewell. "It's the magical number ... it's one of those targets you set as a school ... it gives the community confidence that the school is doing the right thing and providing an equal opportunity to the kids."
Mr Jewell's school was joined by Bayside P-12 College and Braybrook's Caroline Chisholm Catholic College in reaching a median of 30 for the first time this year.
This is the second year that St Albans Secondary College and Sunbury Downs Secondary College achieved the score.
Principal Mr Jewell said he wanted to offer a high-quality education to his school community, and refuses to "poach high-performing kids" from outside of the zone.
"We are very mindful of not impacting schools around us and only enrolling students for whom we are the closest public school."
Principal of Bayside P-12, Milan Matejin, said the school has introduced a year-long interview process before students start the VCE, to ensure those undertaking the rigorous course were up to the task.
The school interviewed year 10 students to ensure those who were more suited to vocational study did not do VCE, and instead pursued a VCAL option.
This has improved the school's overall performance, while also supporting students who were not ready for the VCE, Mr Matejin said.
"Some kids start VCE in year 11, find it's too hard and have an option to drop into VCAL," he said. "It's about finding the best options for the students."
St Albans Secondary College's principal Kerrie Dowsley said the results were boosted by a combination of seeking student feedback, analysing student data and inviting specialists to the school to expand the students' knowledge.
Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Judy Crowe said schools took a great deal of pride in achieving a median study score of 30.
"It is a symbolic thing for schools," she said.
Moving from a 29 to 30 involved a lot of work, but it could also reflect a particularly clever cohort of students, she said.