Western Cape pupils achieve record-breaking matric results
Top of the matric class of 2025 at Leeuwenhof, the official residence of the premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
The Western Cape recently celebrated the extraordinary achievements of its top national matric class of 2025, with local pupils, including those from independent schools, being recognised for their outstanding academic performance.
The prestigious awards hosted at Premier Alan Winde's home, Leeuwenhof in Gardens, on Thursday, January 29, acknowledged candidates who met rigorous requirements and achieved outstanding results, who received laptops, cash prizes up to R15 000, and certificates.
The highest honour went to Abigail Kok, from York High School in George, who was named not only the top candidate in the national senior certificate (NSC) examination in the Western Cape but also the overall top performer in the entire country for the fifth year running, surpassing all public and independent schools. She is the top candidate out of all 746 000 matrics in South Africa.
Cheryl Agborsum, mother of Jordan, from Mondale High School, Education MEC David Maynier, Jordan, from Spine Road High School, and his mother Karen Domingo. Both Mitchell's Plain pupils were in the top 40 candidates, according to the marks obtained in their best six subjects that fulfil the requirements for the award of a national senior certificate, including two languages, mathematics and three other subjects excluding life orientation. The historical context of schools is also taken into consideration.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
The class of 2025 has set a new record, achieving the province's highest pass rate ever at 88.2% and the highest bachelor’s pass rate at 49.2%.
The province also boasts the top mathematics pass mark and the second-highest physical science pass rate in the country.
Takunda Muchuweni, from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was congratulated as the top candidate with special needs in the country.
Islamia College Secondary School pupils Nurun-Nisa Schrueder, Fatima Mahamed, Nusayma Yusuf, and Shaazia Omar. Not pictured is Leila Baker. They were among the top 40 candidates according to the marks obtained in their best six subjects that fulfil the requirements for the award of a national senior certificate, including two languages, mathematics and three other subjects excluding life orientation. The historical context of schools is also taken into consideration.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Education MEC David Maynier said the focus was now shifting to improving the quality of passes, with the department aiming to raise the bachelor’s pass rate to over 60 percent and significantly increase the number of mathematics and physical science passes at 60 percent and above.
Examples of excellence despite challenging circumstances include Silikamva High School, in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, a no-fee school, that achieved a 100 percent pass rate for the first time. Crestway High School, in Retreat, saw a remarkable 30-percentage-point increase in its bachelor’s pass rate.
Simanyene High School, in Strand, and Sophumelela Secondary School, in Weltevreden Valley North, also demonstrated outstanding results in mathematics and physical science.
Pictured right is Ayub Ebrahim, from Westerford High School, in Newlands, with his mother Dr Shehnaaz Moosa.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
"Improvement is possible, and excellence is possible," he said.
Mr Maynier congratulated all of the top achievers and the whole Class of 2025.
He concluded by challenging the incoming Class of 2026 to keep their heads down and dedicate themselves to their schoolwork.
"Do it for yourself. The effort you put in over the coming year is a direct investment in your own future," he said.
Summerdale High School principal Rakim Rooi, and Lentegeur Secondary School principal Natasha Heugh.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Spine Road High School principal Mark Fairbairn, Portland High School principal Ridwaan Williams, Heathfield High School Nadia Aanhuizen, Darul Arqam Islamic High School Sheikh Ebrahim Dawood, Summerdale High School principal Rakim Rooi, and Riyaadh Najaar, chairman of the Western Cape Education Council.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Westerford High School received an award for achieving a consistent pass rate of 100% over the past five years, 2021 to 2025.
The Newlands school also took first place in the top 20 schools in the province with an NSC enrolment of 80 or more candidates, including independent schools, that have achieved excellence in academic results in 2025.
The top mathematics candidate, with the highest mark, Ayub Ebrahim, also from Westerford, received a R 10 000 and a certificate.
Abigail Kok from York High School in George, received is the top candidate in the Western Cape, and she is the top candidate out of all 746 000 matrics in South Africa.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Principal Mark Smith said they were "very grateful and humbled" with the recognition.
"There are other schools with different conditions and resources makes me value our staff, teaching, and non-teaching, they are all part of the bigger picture, who do this incredible job for the class to receive such excellent results," he said.
Vista High School, in Bo-Kaap, was among the top ten public schools with 30 or more candidates that have consistently shown the greatest improvement in their pass rate over the 2023 to 2025 period. The criteria also include consistency in the number of Grade 12 candidates over the three years from 2023 to 2025.
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Claremont High School principal Natalie Niekerk is proud of her school for receiving three awards - excellence in mathematics and physical science, and for achieving excellent academic results in 2025.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort