Maitland High School ranked among the top five schools in the Western Cape showing the greatest improvement in matric pass rates between 2024 and last year.
The school’s matric pass rate jumped from 57,8% in 2024 to an impressive 78,2% last year, marking a remarkable turnaround.
The achievement was formally recognised at the provincial annual National Senior Certificate Awards Ceremony, held at the Premier’s official residence in Leeuwenhof on Thursday 29 January.
Nomapha Lingani, Maitland High School’s principal, credited the success to the hard work and dedication of teachers, parents, and learners.
“We introduced new strategies such as afternoon, evening and Saturday classes. There was immense support from parents. It was a collaborative effort that was done by the school community,” Lingani explained.
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Other schools recognized in this category were Modderdam High School and Crestway Secondary School, who shared joint fifth place.
Forest Heights High School placed third, Vista High School came in second, and L.K. Zeeman Academy secured first place.
The improvement at Maitland High comes as part of a broader trend of academic excellence in the province.
The Western Cape recorded its highest matric pass rate yet, rising to 88,2% from 86,6% in 2024.
The province’s bachelor’s pass rate also increased from 47,8% to 49,2%, marking the highest ever for the province and the second highest in South Africa.
Lingani encouraged the class of 2026 to build on this success, urging students to remain focused and determined.
“Everything is possible if you put your mind to it. They just need to be more dedicated in Grade 12 and do the best they can. They have all the resources; it’s just a matter of them having that inner urge of wanting to do the best,” she said.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, David Maynier, provincial education minister, said the department would no longer focus solely on a school’s overall pass rate.
Instead, attention would also be given to raising the bachelor’s pass rate to above 60%, increasing both the number and proportion of Mathematics passes at 60%, and improving the number and proportion of Physical Science passes at the same level.
Lingani said with continued effort and community support, Maitland High School hopes to maintain its upward trajectory.
