Hundreds of matriculants from independent schools across the Eastern Cape upped the ante by achieving a 98.47% pass rate in 2024 — the highest in the last five years.
All of the 14,990 full-time and 1,314 part-time candidates who completed the Independent Examinations Board’s (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations also qualified for tertiary level studies.
The Eastern Cape had a cohort of 640 matrics from 15 independent schools, with Theodor Herzl High School pupil Amber Joubert qualifying for the prestigious Commendable Achievement list, having achieved within the top 5% in five subjects and achieving a level 7 (80 to 100%) rating for life orientation.
The IEB class of 2024, with 1,124 more candidates than in 2023, attained a 0.01% increase in the overall pass rate compared to 2023’s 98.46%.
IEB chief executive Confidence Dikgole said the class of 2024’s success was a testament to their resilience and perseverance, with having faced the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic during their formative high school years.
“In Grade 8, amid the severe lockdown of 2020, they encountered disruptions to foundational learning, adapted to new modes of education, and navigated the psychological impacts of uncertainty and isolation.
“While these challenges may not have directly affected their grade 12 year, they undoubtedly shaped their academic journey.
“Their ability to overcome these obstacles highlights their determination and commitment, making their achievements in the 2024 NSC examinations even more commendable,” Dikgole said.
On the outskirts of Gqeberha, Woodridge College’s 66 matriculants attained 63 bachelor’s degree passes, one diploma pass, two higher certificate passes, and 125 distinctions
Woodridge College headmaster Luke Hartley said the school was exceptionally proud of the achievements of its class of 2024.
“Their success is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of our teachers and parents.
“We celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them excel in their future endeavours,” Hartley said.
While in Frontier Country, pupils from Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) also produced a 100% pass rate, including 32% distinctions, with 63% of the pupils achieving A or B aggregates and 92% A, B, or C aggregates.
The school’s head, Jannie de Villiers, said DSG and St Andrew’s College were also celebrating the Cambridge International A-level results that were announced on Friday.
“The A-level results mark a historic milestone for DSG, standing as the best since the inception of the programme.
“These exceptional results serve as an important international benchmark, affirming that our A-level offering is on par with the very best globally.
“The DSG class of 2024 can take pride in staking their flag at the pinnacle of the momentous 150th anniversary year with both A-level and IEB results that truly stand out.
“Congratulations to our pupils, teachers, and everyone who supported this incredible journey,” De Villiers said.
St Andrew’s College’s matrics achieved a 100% pass rate, with 98% of the 82 boys achieving a Bachelor’s degree pass and all qualifying for further study after school.
The college’s head, Tom Clucas, said the class of 2024’s efforts were evident throughout the year and the school had been expecting a solid set of IEB and Cambridge A-level results.
“Our class of 2024 did not disappoint. In fact, we are delighted with the quality of the results achieved at all levels.
“There are excellent results at the top end, all of our boys managed to pass with room to spare and the proportion of boys achieving university entrance qualifications is exceptionally high.
“We are exceptionally happy with the results achieved.”
Kingswood College also recorded a 100% pass rate, with 93% of pupils attaining a Bachelor’s degree pass.
Headmaster Leon Grové said the academic achievements were a testament to the pupils’ determination, sacrifice, and hard work.
“We wish them well as they embark on the next phase of their educational journey knowing that the virtues and values that have been instilled in them at Kingswood will be the foundation of success in whatever they choose to do going forward.”
The class of 2024 also achieved the highest degree pass rate in the last five years.
Breakdown of tertiary level achievements:
- 89.37% of the cohort achieved entry to degree study, compared to 88.59% in 2023;
- 7.56% qualified for entry to diploma study, compared to 8.31% in 2023;
- 1.53% achieved entry for higher certificate study, compared to 1.57% in 2023; and
- 0.02% achieved an endorsed certificate.
HeraldLIVE
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