The Western Cape Class of 2025 has delivered a record-breaking performance, achieving the highest matric pass rate and bachelor’s pass rate ever recorded in the province.
The province’s matric pass rate increased from last year’s 86.6% to 88.2% in 2025, the highest since the introduction of the National Senior Certificate. The National Matric pass rate is 88%.
The bachelor’s pass rate rose from 47.8% to 49.2%, the second highest in the country.
Among the standout achievers is Abigail Kok from York High School in George, who was named South Africa’s top matric candidate for 2025 and also the top Physical Science candidate nationally.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier shared his excitement:
“This is an incredible achievement, and the fifth year in a row that the top candidate in the country is from the Western Cape. Well done Abigail!”
In another major achievement, Takunda Muchuweni from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River was named the top Learner with Special Education Needs (LSEN) candidate in South Africa.
Learners in the province also achieved the second-highest distinction rate nationally, with 13,234 candidates earning a total of 31,220 distinctions.
The Western Cape topped the country in Mathematics with a pass rate of 73.7%, and recorded the second-highest Physical Science pass rate at 80.6%.
“Our candidates have once again shown that the Western Cape leads the way in key gateway subjects,” Maynier said. “We top the country in Mathematics and are second in Physical Science, which is critical for access to scarce skills and economic opportunities.”
Outstanding LSEN Results
Learners with Special Education Needs achieved a 91.9% matric pass rate, with the Western Cape also recording the second-highest LSEN bachelor’s pass rate in the country at 60.4%.
“Takunda Muchuweni being named the top LSEN candidate in South Africa is an incredible testament to his hard work. It also reflects the commitment of our special schools and educators.”
Highest Retention Rate in the Country
The Class of 2025 achieved these results with the highest retention rate in South Africa at 70%, also the best retention rate recorded by the province since 2021.
“This means we have more learners with the opportunity to pass their exams and finish school on schedule, so they can start their careers and further studies,” Maynier said.
Maynier congratulated the Class of 2025 for their dedication and resilience, describing them as “one of our hardest-working matric classes to date”.
“You can rightly celebrate your achievements,” he said. “Your dedication to your studies has set a wonderful example for future classes of matrics.”
He also thanked teachers for “working long hours to provide extra classes and individual support” and parents for “backing our candidates all the way and now getting to celebrate this milestone with their children”.
Message to the Class of 2026
Turning to the next cohort, Maynier encouraged the Class of 2026 to follow the example set by their predecessors.
“The baton now passes to you,” he said. “Every hour you spend on your schoolwork this year is a direct investment in your own future, and we look forward to celebrating your commitment with you next year.”
When and Where to Collect Results
Candidates can collect their results from their schools and on the WCED website from 10:00 on Tuesday, 13 January 2026:
https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/exams
