WC sees slight increase in matric pass rate to 81.54%; obtains highest bachelor passes ever

The Class of 2023 in the Western Cape achieved a 81.54% pass rate. This is a slight increase compared to 2022’s 81.4%.

Nationally, the class achieved a national pass mark of 82.9% as announced by Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday – the highest pass mark since 1994.

Education MEC, David Maynier, said 50 520 candidates passed Grade 12 in the province. Of these, 26 182 candidates (42.2%) qualified with a bachelors pass to attend university, which is the highest number of bachelors passes ever in the Western Cape.

With regards to subject achievements and the province’s candidates achieved the top Mathematics pass rate at 75.4%, and the top Physical Sciences pass rate at 82.2%. The province also obtained the second highest distinctions rate, with 24 982 subject distinctions being awarded to candidates.

Maynier said he is also impressed with the retention rate from Grade 10 to 12, which has increased to 69.3%.

‘’Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and we are pleased that more of the Grade 10 class from two years’ prior are writing and succeeding in their final matric exams,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

PHOTO - X: @WCEDnews: MEC David Maynier with some of the Western Cape's top achievers

He said the Class of 2023 faced an exceptionally challenging year

‘’This is an incredible achievement considering the events of 2023, including a devastating minibus taxi strike and an illegal blockade of learner transport in Khayelitsha, two massive floods, and ongoing crippling loadshedding,’’ said Maynier.

‘’We are especially pleased that our learners with special needs are being recognised for their incredible achievement, as improving access to quality education for learners with special needs is a key priority for our government,’’ he added.

Maynier encouraged candidates who are unhappy about their desired results to apply for a re-mark, re-check, or perhaps rewrite in June.

‘’I would encourage all learners who did not pass their exams not to give up and to continue doing whatever they can to complete Grade 12. We encourage all learners who did not achieve their desired marks to apply for a re-mark or re-check if they do not feel their results reflect their performance, or to write the exams in June. More information on these options is available on the WCED website.’’

The MEC also advised counselling for those disappointed in their results.

‘’There are measures in place to receive counselling for anyone who is disappointed with their results, either by approaching their school, which will put them in touch with the relevant people in the district offices, or by phoning the Safe Schools Hotline - 0800 45 46 47.’’

Maynier said the Class of 2024 has big shoes to fill.

‘’We believe that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, and we challenge you to follow the example of the 2023 candidates and get stuck in on the hard work from day one! We will support you every step of the way as we strive to give every learner a better future in the Western Cape,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George