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.
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.
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The 2026 academic year began across South Africa with a mix of joy and frustration on 14 January. While many pupils started school excitedly, thousands remained unplaced due to capacity issues, and some regions faced flooding and overcrowding. Parents voiced concerns over fees, infrastructure, and access in provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape.
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.
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A comprehensive evaluation of the Department of Education's Matatag curriculum delivered mixed results: significant learning gains for second graders in 70 pilot schools, but teachers bore the brunt of insufficient support. Released in December by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the study highlights implementation challenges in the country's major education reform.
Nearly 900,000 Grade 12 learners who sat for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams await their results, with Minister Siviwe Gwarube set to reveal the overall outcomes on 12 January 2026. Individual results will become accessible from 13 January via schools, SMS, USSD or the Department of Basic Education website. This guide outlines key dates, access methods and options for those needing re-marks or alternatives.
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As South Africa's Class of 2025 awaits their National Senior Certificate results, a fun quiz from past exam papers offers light relief. Minister Siviwe Gwarube will announce the outcomes on 12 January 2026. The 20-question test covers key subjects without the pressure of real exams.