Zoe Whetham, Kate Mudge and Liz Asimus scored more than 90 in all subjects to earn a spot on the list.

They are among a record 65 Hunter and Central Coast students who made the list in 2009, an increase of one-third on 2008 figures.

It includes 20 students from selective school Merewether High, 19 from its counterpart Gosford High, and seven from Newcastle Grammar School.

Also represented on the list are All Saints College St Mary's Campus, Belmont Christian College, Hunter Valley Grammar School, Maitland Grossmann High, St Francis Xavier's College, St Philip's Christian College and Tomaree High.

Kotara High principal Peter Sheargold said to get three students on the list was a fabulous result for a comprehensive government high school.

"It's equally our best result in the last 10 years," he said.

Zoe Whetham said the key to their accomplishment was a combination of competition and consistency.

"I had my schedule each day. It was hard work all the way through," she said.

Kate Mudge said while the competition between them was fierce it was always friendly.

"It was co-operative competition. Everyone wanted each other to do well," she said.

Liz Asimus said they were all surprised to do so well in every subject.

Alison Branley