Lucy Bacon received four mentions on the list, after gaining marks of 90 per cent or higher in earth and environmental science, English advanced, English extension 1 and visual arts.

Emma Rutledge and Jade Gear also made the list for visual arts, as did Lucy's sister Sophia for music 1.

Lucy was also named on the 2020 merit list for biology after completing the HSC course as an accelerated student in Year 11.

She said she was "absolutely ecstatic" when she found out her final results last Thursday.

Lucy received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 96.35, and has gained early entry into to the University of Wollongong's Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) program, and plans to do scientific research in ecology and conservation biology.

Sophia gained an ATAR of 84.45, and wants to become an occupational therapist and work with kids and people with disabilities, and to also pursue a degree in Aboriginal studies and combine the two to work with Aboriginal communities.

Jade's ATAR was 80.95, and she hopes to study psychology or social work, followed by a masters in art therapy.

READ MORE: So you've got your ATAR, what now?

The Kurri High quartet were among 10 students from Cessnock City schools - and 17,820 statewide - to earn a spot on the 2021 merit lists (which are made publicly available on the NSW Education Standards Authority website).

Mount View High School also had four students on the distinguished achievers list: Chelsea Webb (science extension), Grace Frankland-Shambler (mathematics advanced) and Chloe Beckett and Jessica Way (both for community and family studies); while St Philip's Christian College Cessnock had two: Angus Haack and Blake Clinch (both for design and technology).