A new report from Stellenbosch University presents compelling evidence that grade repetition yields significant academic benefits for struggling learners in South African schools.
The report, titled “Failing forward?”, authored by Takudzwa Pongweni, highlights the surprising success of grade repetition in South African schools. Stellenbosch University’s research provides compelling evidence that this practice yields significant academic benefits for struggling learners.
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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced a record national pass rate of 88% for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams, the highest ever, achieved by over 900,000 candidates. KwaZulu-Natal led provinces at 90.6%, while the Eastern Cape dipped to 84.17%. A record 345,000 bachelor's passes were recorded, but experts warn of low mathematics participation, subject declines, and high late-stage dropouts.
A new report shows that 15% of South African Grade 3 pupils cannot read a single word, highlighting a deepening literacy crisis. Data from the Funda Uphumelele National Survey indicates stark disparities across languages, with only 30% of early-grade pupils performing at level. Provinces are launching targeted interventions to address the issue.
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As South African schools gear up to reopen on January 14, thousands of learners in Gauteng are still without placements, despite official claims that the situation is managed. The Gauteng Department of Education reported 4,858 unplaced Grade 1 and Grade 8 students on January 6, a reduction from 140,000 nationwide in December 2025. This ongoing issue highlights persistent challenges in education infrastructure and planning.
Following the December 11 release of KJSEA 2025 results, high-scoring Grade 9 students from Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya counties credit their achievements to perseverance, parental support, teacher guidance, and discipline—despite lacking prior examples as the inaugural cohort.
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Achieving a bachelor’s pass in South Africa’s National Senior Certificate exams marks a minimum threshold but does not ensure entry into university programmes. Universities rely on a more competitive Admission Point Score system, leaving thousands of qualified matriculants without spaces. Alternative pathways exist for those who fall short.
More than 100,000 grade 10 learners have applied for a review of their senior secondary school placements under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The Ministry of Education confirmed receiving over 100,000 requests on the first day of a seven-day review window, approving only about 2,000. Parents and learners complain that the automated system overlooked affordability, proximity to home, and family circumstances.
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As South African schools prepare to reopen on 14 January 2026, nearly 5,000 Grade 1 and 8 pupils in Gauteng remain unplaced due to glitches in the online admissions system and district overloads. Frustrated parents are queuing at offices and calling for the system's scrapping, while the department promises ongoing placements. The issue echoes national challenges in school admissions.