Johannesburg: The Matric Class of 2025 has achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate - the highest in South Africa's history - marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector. The national pass rate represents an increase of approximately 0.7 percentage points from 2024 and was met with resounding applause when announced by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, during the official release of the results on Monday evening, at Mosaek Church, in Fairlands.
According to South African Government News Agency, more than 900,000 full-time and part-time candidates wrote the matric examinations at approximately 6,000 centres across the country, making it the largest cohort to sit for the NSC exams. Of these, over 656,000 learners successfully passed. Congratulating the Class of 2025, the Minister acknowledged their resilience and determination.
Minister Gwarube extended her congratulations to the Class of 2025, highlighting their achievement of a record-breaking 88% pass rate. She praised their resilience not only in the examinations but throughout their years of learning. She also acknowledged the achievements of learners from no-fee schools, emphasizing the potential that exists across the country. Gwarube confirmed that the results had been quality-assured and approved by Umalusi, affirming the credibility and integrity of the examination process.
In her address to educators, learners, parents, and stakeholders, Gwarube stressed the importance of the educational outcomes being earned through hard work. She clarified misconceptions about the matric pass mark and highlighted the necessity for meeting minimum requirements across a full subject package. She also expressed gratitude to the entire education sector for their contributions to achieving this year's pass rate.
Provincial performance varied, with KwaZulu-Natal emerging as the best-performing province at a 90.6% pass rate. This was followed by the Free State at 89.33% and Gauteng at 89.06%. The Northern Cape was noted as the most improved province, with all 75 school districts recording pass rates of 80% and above, indicating more evenly spread performance.
While the overall pass rate reached a new high, the quality of passes remains a focus. The proportion of Bachelor passes slightly declined, though the absolute number increased to over 345,000 candidates achieving this level. The results also reflect a more stable education system, with the majority of candidates writing matric at the expected age, and a decline in the number of learners unable to complete their exam papers.
The Minister acknowledged the participation of girls, who continued to outperform boys, making up 56% of the matric cohort. However, she raised concerns about the growing underrepresentation of boys in Grade 12 and post-school pathways, emphasizing the need for targeted intervention.
Despite progress, challenges remain in key gateway subjects, with declines in Mathematics and Accounting pass rates. The Minister expressed concerns over the trend of candidates opting for Mathematical Literacy over Mathematics, which could impact long-term access to scarce skills and economic participation.
The results highlighted continued progress in expanding opportunities for disadvantaged learners. Over 66% of Bachelor passes were achieved by learners from no-fee schools. However, there were concerns about the performance of learners reliant on social grants, with their pass rate declining. The Minister indicated plans to engage with the Department of Social Development to address these issues.
Gwarube concluded by stating that the record-breaking results reflect a stabilizing system but warned against complacency. She outlined the department's reform agenda focused on strengthening early childhood development, improving early grade reading and numeracy, expanding teacher support, and ensuring learner safety and nutrition. The Minister assured those who did not pass that alternative pathways and second-chance opportunities remain available.