THE state government has cleared the way for all Year 12 students - including those not vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend school formals.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Thursday granted the exemption for formals, dinners or graduations for those who are sitting their exams.
Unvaccinated students can attend but must abide by the public health orders that apply for the venue of their celebration.
"The HSC students of 2021 have had an incredibly tough 18 months, including substantial time without face-to-face teaching, and missing out on seeing friends and family," Mr Hazzard said.
"They deserve to be able to party with their friends and enjoy one of the biggest celebrations of their life."
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the news would be welcomed "at the end of an incredibly turbulent year".
"Our Year 12 students have worked so hard and I want to commend them for the resilience they have displayed," she said.
HSC exams are due to end on December 3 this year, with ATAR scores released on January 20.
Students' results are scheduled to drop four days later, on January 24.
