In 2023, the Free State achieved the highest matric pass rate in South Africa at 89%. Impressively, 47 schools in the province recorded a 100% pass rate. This year, the provincial education department is setting its sights even higher, hoping to achieve a 90% pass rate.
Dr MJ Maboya, Free State Education MEC, expressed optimism about the 2024 results. “We are confident that our learners will excel in their 2024 NSC exams, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements,” she said.
A total of 37,561 full-time and 8,118 part-time candidates registered for the exams in the province. Marking was conducted between 1 December and 14 December at 20 centres, with 2,240 markers appointed to ensure a thorough review process.
Dr Maboya also extended her gratitude to all involved in the examination process, stating, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to chief invigilators, invigilators, department officials, stakeholders, and learners for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct, administration, and management of the 2024 Grade 12 exams.”
Matric Results Release Date
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that the national release of the 2024 matric results will take place on 13 January. The following morning, on 14 January, provincial education departments, including the Free State, will make the results available to candidates.
How to Access Your Matric Results
Matriculants can access their 2024 results through two main methods:
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Online: The Department of Basic Education’s website will host a results portal. Candidates will need their examination number to log in and view their results.
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School or Exam Centre: Results will also be available at the schools or exam centres where students wrote their exams. This option is ideal for those who prefer physical copies or need assistance interpreting their results.
Understanding Matric Pass Levels
Bachelor’s Pass
To achieve a Bachelor’s Pass, students must score at least 50% in four designated subjects, including Life Orientation, and at least 30% in three other subjects. Only one subject may be failed. This pass level grants access to universities for programmes like medicine, law, and psychology.
Diploma Pass
A Diploma Pass requires at least 40% in four designated subjects, including Life Orientation, and 30% in three others. Students are allowed to fail one subject. This pass level qualifies students for entry to certain universities, technical colleges, and diploma programmes in fields such as nursing and engineering.
Higher Certificate
To obtain a Higher Certificate, students need 40% in their Home Language, 40% in two other subjects, and 30% in three additional subjects. Failing more than one subject results in an overall fail. A Higher Certificate allows entry to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or private institutions, depending on admission requirements.
Failure and Second Chances
Students who fail two subjects with scores below 30% fail the year. However, matriculants should not be discouraged. Opportunities are available to rewrite failed subjects or redo the entire year. Support programmes and resources are in place to assist students in improving their results.
2025 May/June Rewrite Registration Open
Registration for the 2025 May/June Senior Certificate (SC) and NSC examinations is now open. Matric candidates wishing to improve their marks can register for the midyear exams. The education department confirmed that registrations are open since 1 October 2024 and will close on 7 February 2025.
