Record matric pass rates for Western Cape Class of 2025
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, Abigail Kok, a learner from York High School in the Western Cape, emerged as the Top National Achiever in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, deputy minister of Basic Education Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The Western Cape Class of 2025 has once again set a new benchmark for academic excellence, achieving the highest matric pass rate and bachelor’s pass rate ever recorded in the province’s history.
For the second year in a row, a learner from the Western Cape has also been named the top matriculant of the year nationally further cementing the province’s reputation for consistent academic achievement.
The overall matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to an unprecedented 88.2%, the highest pass rate the Western Cape has achieved since the introduction of the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
The province’s bachelor’s pass rate a key indicator of quality passes that enable access to university studies rose from 47.8% in 2024 to 49.2% in 2025. This is the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever achieved in the Western Cape and the second highest in the country.
Learners in the province also recorded the second-highest distinction rate nationally, with 13 234 candidates earning a total of 31 220 distinctions in 2025.
Strong performances were recorded in key gateway subjects. The Western Cape topped the country in Mathematics, achieving a pass rate of 73.7%, while candidates delivered the second-highest Physical Science pass rate nationally at 80.6%.
Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) also performed exceptionally well, with a matric pass rate of 91.9%. The province achieved the second-highest bachelor’s pass rate for LSEN candidates in the country at 60.4%.
Despite these high achievement levels, the Class of 2025 also recorded the highest retention rate in the country at 70%, the best the province has achieved since 2021.
This means more learners remained in the system long enough to complete their schooling on time, increasing their chances of accessing further education, training and employment opportunities.
On the national stage, two Western Cape learners received top honours.
Abigail Kok, a learner from York High School in George, was named the top candidate of the Class of 2025, as well as the top candidate in Physical Science. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the top matric candidate in South Africa has come from the Western Cape.
Reacting to the announcement, Kok said the moment was “surreal”.
“I honestly did not expect this at all,” she said.
She credited her success to avoiding procrastination, working according to a timetable, consistent effort throughout the year and maintaining balance through sport and cultural activities. Kok also expressed gratitude for her faith, saying it played a central role in her journey.
“My plan is to study at Stellenbosch University,” she said. “My advice to the Class of 2026 is to enjoy the year it’s the last time to be a child before entering the big world.”
Takunda Muchuweni, from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was named the top LSEN candidate in South Africa, a significant achievement highlighting both personal determination and the impact of inclusive education support in the province.
The Western Cape’s continued success builds on last year’s achievements. In 2024, Rayyan Ebrahim a learner from Pinelands High School was named the top learner nationally and provincially after excelling in Mathematics and Algebra. The back-to-back national top achievers points to the province’s sustained focus on quality teaching, learner support and retention.
As the Class of 2025 celebrates its achievements, the results reflect not only academic excellence but also a system that is keeping more learners in school and opening doors to higher education and future careers.