Founded in 2018 with the vision of providing top-quality education to learners from low-income communities, Calling Academy shone in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The school, located off the Polkadraai Road, achieved an outstanding overall pass rate of 98,3%, with a Bachelor’s pass rate of 61% and a diploma pass rate of 97%.
Strong results were also recorded across so-called gateway subjects. Learners with mathematics achieved an 85% pass rate (43% participation), the pass rate for physical science was 94% (28% participation), and learners who sat for the accounting exam achieved a 92% pass rate (21% participation).
Furthermore, learners who took computer applications technology had a 91% pass rate (100% participation), while those taking life science (30% participation) all passed their last Grade 12 exams with 100% pass rate.
A 100% subject pass rate was also achieved in visual arts, mathematical literacy, Afrikaans first additional language, isiXhosa first additional language, history, life orientation and tourism.
Principal, Raoul Hamman said the school’s motto “Making every effort to confirm our calling” and its emphasis on “being great in little things” significantly contributed to the 2025 Grade 12 results.
The top achiever, Zachary Philander, averaged 81,3% and will study towards a BComm degree in management science at Stellenbosch University (SU) this year.
A recent SU study explored the success of Calling Academy, where the focus is also on themes such as faith, purpose, family and community impact.
The study concluded that the school supports learner progression beyond meeting basic needs.
The Master’s study by Jemma Visser examined factors influencing learner progression and showed that outcomes associated with higher order psycho-social needs were evident.
According to Dr Lieschen Venter, the study leader, the fact that both foundational and emotional needs are addressed at Calling Academy offers a “replicable model for sustainable, equitable education in South Africa and other developing contexts”.
The results, taken with many other success stories, demonstrate the school’s compelling vision is being realised.
The Calling Academy Stellenbosch has two additional high schools – one in Kroonstad (opened in 2022) and another in Paarl (opened last year).
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