Slight improvement in IEB matric results

The Independent Examination Board (IEB) examination results announced today were a slight improvement on last year’s.

More than 8 700 pupils at private schools wrote the exams this year and achieved a pass rate of 98.20%, The Star newspaper reported.

Last year’s pass rate was 98.15%.

The newspaper reported that all those who passed gained entry into tertiary study.

It reported Anne Oberholzer, IEB chief executive, saying she was pleased with the results – and that 83.6% of pupils achieved entry to study a degree – a “significant” improvement from last year’s 81.67%.

“Learners are realising that it’s not enough to just pass – that they have to pass well,” the Star quoted Oberholzer saying.

“I think the hype nationally around the quality of the pass rates – that a 30%pass is not enough – has seen both learners and teachers realise they need to extend themselves to their very best.”

- Sapa