IEB matrics of 2023 toast 98% pass rate

THE Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric learners of 2023 have maintained their 98% and above pass rate of 98.46% – slightly higher than the 98.42% achieved in 2022.

According to reports, every candidate who wrote the IEB exams received a pass, allowing them to enrol at one of three post-secondary education levels:

– 88.59% of the cohort were able to enrol in a degree programme.

– 8.31% were eligible to begin a diploma programme.

– 1.57% of applicants were accepted to study for a Higher Certificate.

The remarkable achievement of the class of 2023 has seen educators praise learners who have worked hard and shown tenacity throughout the academic year.

According to the IEB, there were 12133 part-time and 13967 full-time candidates, and the exam session was run without any outliers that would have compromised its integrity.

IEB CEO Confidence Dikgole said although there were setbacks and difficulties during the pupils’ five-year journey, particularly those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, overall this cohort was well-positioned for success.

According to Dikgole, students’ mental health was an important issue that required attention.

“What, however, is not often talked about is the tremendous pressure brought to bear on learners by society. Schools’ experience with young people points to the escalating mental health issues, which is perhaps one of the greatest challenges our youngsters face and it does impact their ability to perform at their peak in a high-stakes examination.”

It was important for pupils to know that the world of education did not end after matric and it was only the start of myriad opportunities.

“There are many educational routes – not all of them necessarily need to lead to a university degree – that release their talents and their enthusiasm to be the very best they can in a field that has captivated their interest.

“We need to remove this pass-rate-obsessed lens of competition, so we – and they – can start to see the success of their achievement with different eyes,” said Dikgole.

Abbots College in Rondebosch celebrated their matric class with principal Ivan Horn saying: “Congratulations to the pioneering IEB matric class of Abbotts College Rondebosch. Your dedication and hard work have illuminated the path to success. Your remarkable achievements reflect not just academic excellence, but the spirit of growth and improvement. Here’s to a future filled with even greater accomplishments. Well done!”

Elkanah House celebrated a 100% pass rate and principal Vivienne Jones said she was very proud of her 83 matriculants.

“It is always exciting to receive the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results, to see the fruits of the labour from both the pupils and the teachers. It gives us great joy to see that the class of 2023 has achieved a 100% pass rate and each and every one of these young people will now be able to step out into the world and grasp the opportunities for which 12 years of schooling has prepared them.

“Congratulations! We are very proud of you all.”