Matric class of 2025 achieves record-breaking results in the Western Cape
Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck's matric class of 2025.
Image: Supplied
High schools on the Atlantic seaboard were a hive of activity on Tuesday, January 13, as the matric class of 2025 collected their national senior certificate (NSC) results, and Grade 8 pupils attended orientation.
They either collected their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results at their respective schools or could view them online from 10am.
Sea Point High School principal, Leana Le Breton, said they attained their target of 80 percent (80.8%).
The school has improved from 72.4% in 2023 to 80.8% over the three years.
The school attained a 100 percent pass rate in eight of the 12 subjects it offers.
"We have two distinctions. One in business studies and one in life orientation," she said.
Ms Le Breton stated that they would continue to build on this
Sea Point High School principal Leana Le Breton congratulates matriculant Lilitha Buti. Looking at them is history teacher Celeste Valentine.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Matriculant Thandokazi Gothelwa got a distinction in business studies.
"My 2025 was hectic, it was scary, it was exciting - pre-lims. What really helped was the support from my family, my mom, teachers at school, and also my friends," she said.
Another pupil, Tapiwanashe Joronga, said: "Matric is very hard. You need to lock in, focus, and listen to your teachers; that is the only way to success," he said.
Focus College in District Six celebrates its first matric class, achieving a 70.8% pass rate with 17 out of 24 candidates passing.
Sea Point High School matriculants of 2025. Pictured at the back, from left, are Fraclin Batchame, Vincent Mbida, Tapiwanashe Joronga, Eric Nkoto, Asemahle Sibanda, and Anda Mjingwana. In front are Nomthandazo Madida and Eloi Butozo.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
These results were published in the Department of Basic Education's 2025 school performance report, which was released by Education minister Siviwe Gwarube, who met with the country’s top achievers on Monday, January 12, and announced the results in the evening.
Significant improvements were seen at Vista High School, which increased from 46.8% in 2023 to 79.6% in 2025, with 74 out of 93 candidates passing.
Several schools maintained high performance, with Herzlia High School and Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck all achieving 100% pass rates.
Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck principal Pieter Rademeyer said they were absolutely ecstatic with their pass rate.
"What a great way to start the year and to celebrate our centenary year. This is, of course, positive news and a wonderful way to celebrate 100 years in education," he said.
Good Hope Seminary High School consistently passed above 98% in the last two years, with Camps Bay High School dropping from its 100% in 2024 to 98.6%, with 143 out of 145 candidates succeeding last year.
Curro Foreshore saw its pass rate increase to 96% last year as its candidate numbers grew substantially.
Education MEC David Maynier congratulated the class of 2025 on an excellent set of results.
"You have been one of our hardest-working matric classes to date, and you can rightly celebrate your achievements. Your dedication to your studies has set a wonderful example for future classes of matrics," he said.
The class delivered the highest matric pass rate and bachelor's pass rate ever for the province.
The matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, which is the highest pass rate the province has received since the NSC was introduced.
"Our bachelor’s pass rate, a key indicator of quality matric passes, increased from 47.8% to 49.2%. This is also the highest ever for the Western Cape, and the second highest in the country," he said.
The matriculants achieved the second-highest distinction rate in the country, with 13 234 candidates earning a total of 31 220 distinctions in 2025.
"We topped the country’s scores in mathematics, achieving a pass rate of 73.7% for mathematics. Our candidates delivered the second-highest physical science pass rate in the country, at 80.6%," said Mr Maynier.
Pictured in the middle is Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck principal Pieter Rademeyer, with matriculants Stella Malan and Lila Simpson.
Image: Supplied
Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN), achieved a 91.9% pass rate, with 60.4% of them attaining bachelor's passes, which is the second highest in the country.
Mr Maynier thanked the matric teachers who had done an "outstanding job supporting our candidates this year", working long hours to provide extra classes and individual support.
• Matriculant class of 2025
• Herzlia High School 100% (90 out of 90 achieved)
• Jan van Riebeeck High School 100% (81 out of 81 achieved)
• Good Hope Seminary High School 98.9% (87 out of 88 achieved)
• Camps Bay High School 98.6% (143 out of 145 candidates achieved)
• Curro Foreshore 96% (144 out of 150 candidates achieved)
• Cape Town High School 94.2% (147 out of 156 candidates achieved)
• Garden’s Commercial High School 94.1% (95 out of 101 achieved)
• Harold Cressy High School 92.1% (116 out of 126 achieved)
• Sea Point High School 80.8% (59 out of 73 achieved)
• Vista High School 79.6% (74 out of 93 achieved)
• Focus College - District Six 70.8% (17 out of 24 achieved)