The 2017 NSC overall pass rate stands at 75.1%

The 2017 NSC overall pass rate, with the progressed learners excluded, stands at 76.5%, a 0.3% improvement from the 76.2% achieved in 2016. However, with the progressed learners included, the overall pass rate, stands at 75.1%, a 2.6% improvement from the 72.5% achieved in 2016. 

The Free State Province remains the top achieving province with 86%, followed by Gauteng Province with 85.1%. Western Cape Province is in third position with 82.7%

The Class of the 2017 is the tenth cohort of learners to sit for the NSC and the forth cohort to write Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS)-aligned NSC Examinations. The Class of 2017 has recorded the third highest enrolment of Grade 12 learners in the history of the basic education system in South Africa.

The total number of candidates, who registered for the November 2017 NSC Examinations was 802,431; comprising 629,155 full-time candidates, and 173 276 part-time candidates. Of these candidates, 534,484 full-time candidates, and 117,223 part-time candidates, wrote the 2017 NSC Examinations.

The NSC Examination results, are one of the most important barometers to evaluate progress made by Government in improving access, redress, equity, efficiency and quality.

In her address, Minister Motshekga highlighted:  “We should always remember that if we have to further improve the outcomes of the schooling system, we will have to continue to improve the fundamental quality of teaching and learning well before Grade 12.”

Basic Education Deputy Minister, Mr Enver Surty, indicated that it will be possible to achieve quality and efficiency in the education system through the support of the private sector as it takes collective effort to achieve quality education. Mr Surty extended his gratitude to all the sponsors for having made a valuable contribution to education by contributing during the release of the 2017 NSC Examination results: the SABC Foundation, Entsika Consulting Services, Epoch and Optima Trusts, Massmart Holdings Ltd, the MTN Foundation, the Vodacom Foundation, AVBOB, the Road Accident Fund and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).