Western Cape celebrates highest matric pass rate ever!

Western Cape celebrates highest matric pass rate ever!

13 January 2026

The Western Cape is celebrating a remarkable milestone as the Class of 2025 delivered the province’s highest matric pass rate in history. The pass rate rose from last year’s record 86.6% to an outstanding 88.2%, the best since the National Senior Certificate began.

The bachelor’s pass rate also reached a new high, increasing from 47.8% to 49.2%, placing the Western Cape second nationally. Learners earned 31 220 distinctions, securing the province another second-place finish for distinction performance.

Academic excellence shone in key subjects: The Western Cape achieved the top Mathematics pass rate in the country (73.7%) and the second highest Physical Science pass rate (80.6%). Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) excelled too, with a 91.9% pass rate and the second highest bachelor’s pass rate nationally at 60.4%.

These results were achieved alongside the highest learner retention rate in South Africa, with 70% of learners staying in school through to matric — the province’s strongest retention since 2021.

Two Western Cape learners earned top national honours: Abigail Kok of York High School was named South Africa’s top matric candidate and top achiever in Physical Science, marking the fifth consecutive year the country’s top matriculant comes from the province. Takunda Muchuweni of Jan Kriel School was recognised as the top LSEN candidate in the country.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 for this exceptional achievement. Your hard work has set a powerful example. Sincere thanks to the dedicated teachers, and to the parents and families who supported learners throughout this journey.