Class of 2025 Sets New Record With 88% Matric Pass Rate
South Africa’s Class of 2025 has achieved a historic milestone after recording the highest matric pass rate ever. On 12 January 2026, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube officially announced the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, revealing a national pass rate of 88%, up from 87.3% in 2024.
This achievement is even more impressive considering that over 900,000 learners sat for the 2025 matric exams, making it the largest cohort in South African history. More than 656,000 learners passed, showing remarkable resilience in a system still recovering from years of learning disruption, infrastructure challenges and economic pressure.
Provincial performance
KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the top-performing province with an outstanding 90.6% pass rate. It was followed closely by the Free State (89.33%) and Gauteng (89.06%). Other provinces also delivered strong results, with North West (88.49%), Western Cape (88.2%) and Northern Cape (87.79%) all recording high passes. Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape followed, with the Eastern Cape still improving at 84.17%.
One of the most encouraging signs this year was that all 75 education districts in South Africa achieved pass rates above 80%, showing more consistent performance across the country.
What learners qualified for
Passing matric is not just about getting a certificate — it determines access to higher education. In 2025, 46% of successful learners achieved bachelor’s passes, meaning they qualify for university admission. 28% earned diploma passes, while 13.5% achieved higher certificate passes, opening pathways to colleges and skills training.
The Independent Examinations Board (IEB), which oversees private schools, reported a strong 98.31% pass rate, slightly lower than 2024 but still among the highest in the world.
Looking beyond the headline
While the 88% pass rate is worth celebrating, some education analysts point out that many learners drop out before reaching matric. Of the 1.14 million learners who entered Grade 10 in 2023, only about 57.7% completed Grade 12, highlighting the need for stronger support earlier in the schooling system.
What’s next?
Results became available from 13 January 2026 through schools, the Department of Basic Education website and SMS services. Learners who did not meet their goals still have options, including supplementary exams, TVET colleges and adult matric programmes.
The Class of 2025 has set a new national benchmark. Now, their future begins.
