Wataki Boys High School has topped the list of 2009 NCEA pass rates in boys' state secondary schools in New Zealand.
Of the eligible boys in NCEA level 1, 77.9% passed.
At level 2, 88.5% passed and at level 3, 83.3% of eligible boys at the school passed.
Rector Paul Baker said the pass rates for Waitaki Boys High School across the three NCEA levels averaged at 83.2% - the highest 2009 NCEA pass rate of any state boys school in New Zealand.
Dr Baker was delighted with the results and said they were a great credit to staff, pupils and their parents.
"They reflect the school's focus on achievement and the wider North Otago community's support for education and the work ethic.
"The high academic results are not achieved at the expense of sporting and cultural excellence.
"In fact, when boys achieve well in one area, that gives them confidence in others.
"Last year was one of our most successful in sport and culture," he said.
The averaged pass rates of the other eight boys' state schools in the South Island ranged from 63.5% to 74%, he said.
Otago Boys High School and Kings High School also fared well in the table of 23 schools across the country.
Otago Boys High School was sixth with an average of 74% across all three levels, and Kings High School was ninth on the table with an average of 71.8%.
Kings High School principal Dan Reddiex said they were creditable results, given the quality of some of the other schools on the list.
List positioning aside, Mr Reddiex said there had been a strong push at Kings High School to raise academic expectations among the pupils since he became principal in 2008, and now it was beginning to bear fruit.
"We've had a focus on gaining more excellence and merit endorsements in NCEA.
"Our percentage pass rates with these endorsements has increased substantially.
"I'm pleased with the progress we've made," he said.
Otago Boys High School Rector Clive Rennie was unavailable for comment.
