Somerset West Private School (SWPS) proudly celebrated another year of exceptional academic achievement, with its matric class of 2025 achieving a 100% pass rate in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate examinations for the 28th consecutive year.
In addition, the cohort achieved a 100% Bachelor’s pass rate, meaning that every learner qualifies for degree study at university.
These reflect the achievements of 26 full-time Grade 12 candidates, as well as a strong post-matric group, highlighting SWPS’s ability to support learners at different stages of their academic journeys. Collectively, learners achieved three A-aggregates, 53 A-symbols, 85 B-symbols and an impressive 13 A-symbols in mathematics.
In recognition of outstanding academic performance, the school awarded a total of R99 500 to its top achievers. Academic performance across subjects remained consistently strong, with leading averages in information technology (84%), mathematical literacy (83%), engineering graphics and design (82%), visual arts (77%), Afrikaans first additional language (76%), history (75%), computer applications technology (73%), mathematics (73%), English home language (71%) and business studies (70%).
Dux learner Adam du Toit achieved an outstanding 86,86% average, including an exceptional 95% in mathematics. Reflecting on his experience, he described SWPS as a school that challenged him to strive for excellence while developing a strong work ethic.
Tamaiah Mubaiwa followed closely with an average of 85,86% and was placed in the top 1% nationally for life orientation in the IEB examinations. She credited the supportive learning environment and dedicated teachers for inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine.
Ruben Vorster achieved an average of 80,14% and earned the prestigious Mathsman Award after achieving an exceptional 97% in mathematics, placing him in the top 1% nationally for mathematics in the IEB examinations.
A defining strength of SWPS is its intensive post-matric programme, which allows learners to take on new subjects by completing Grade 10, 11 and 12 in a single academic year, or to improve existing results significantly, reopening and further strengthening access to competitive tertiary pathways.
Zahni Smit exemplifies this pathway, completing physical sciences as a new subject and achieving an outstanding 89%. She now plans to pursue further studies in occupational therapy or sport science.
SWPS principal Morné Coetzer praised the learners and teachers for their resilience, dedication and perseverance, noting that these results reflect the strength of personalised teaching, small classes, and a school culture that believes in both excellence and second chances. “As SWPS celebrates 28 consecutive years of a 100% pass rate, it continues to prepare learners with the confidence, discipline, and academic foundation required for success in higher education and beyond.”
