News24 | Matric 2024: SA Comprehensive Assessment Institute candidates achieve 73.9% pass rate

Matric exams administered by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute increased from 72% in 2023 to 73.9%. (Graphic by: Sharlene Rood/News24)

• A total of 1 846 out of the 5 789 candidates achieved admission to Bachelor studies.
• A total of 2 068 distinctions were achieved.
• One pupil scored 99% in Physical Science.

The overall pass rate of candidates who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams that were administered by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (Sacai) increased by 1.9% from 72% in 2023 to 73.9%.

A total of 1 846 out of the 5 789 pupils from 59 institutions who wrote the exams achieved admission to Bachelor studies while 11 institutions recorded a 100% pass rate.

Sacai CEO Chris Klopper said pupils achieved 2 068 distinctions. One candidate achieved 99% in Physical Science and two 98% in Maths.

The top 3 candidates achieved an average of 91%, 89% and 88%, respectively.

Two candidates bagged eight distinctions each, three bagged seven distinctions each and eleven achieved six distinctions each.

According to Klopper, Sacai provides a viable alternative for pupils who may not be able to complete their school careers in mainstream educational environments.

"The independent schools registered with Sacai are not the typical and traditional schools, but smaller specialised institutions that cater for specialised needs. For example, 88% of the candidates completed their school career via distance education providers."

He said many pupils opted for distance education for reasons beyond their control, such as serious illness and disabilities and learning difficulties.

"Many learners do not have access to public schools in proximity to their homes and, by necessity, must consider other alternatives.

"There are also those learners and parents who embrace education alternatives associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and prefer online education."

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Klopper said the quality of distance education providers that make use of the latest technology for teaching, continuous assessment and proctoring "has improved in leaps and bounds over last few years".

"It is evident there is a place and role for smaller specialised independent institutions and distance education providers that traditional schools are not able to fulfil.

"In terms of quality educational outcomes, they are comparable to mainstream educational institutions and, in addition, are able to provide an alternative quality education service to parents and learners."

Candidates will be able to access their results by logging onto the Sacai website from 08:00 on 15 January.

Pupils' official statements of results will be available at their respective exam centres on 16 and 17 January.