Protea Heights Academy (PHA) in Brackenfell achieved a 93,2% pass rate, placing fifth in the Western Cape for matric best results. The school saw 178 of 191 matric candidates pass their examinations, with 141 students qualifying for bachelor’s degree admission and 14 learners earning A-averages. The class of 2025 also accumulated 142 subject distinctions.
As a school with a focus on mathematics and science, PHA recorded a strong performance in these critical subjects. A total of 150 learners passed pure mathematics, while 114 learners achieved passes in physical sciences. These figures place the school third overall in the Western Cape in terms of the number of learners achieving passes in these subjects.
These outcomes affirm that we are equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful contribution to the fields of science, technology, and the broader economy of our country.
Principal Andrea Coetzer is exceptionally proud of the results achieved by the 2025 Grade 12 cohort.
“Throughout the year, learners demonstrated consistent dedication, resilience, and maturity in navigating academic and personal challenges. Of particular note is that, out of a possible 1 337 subject results, 1 021 are quality passes of 50% and above,” she says.
Nathan Langenhoven distinguished himself as dux learner, achieving an impressive 88,3% average for the year. He was followed closely by Arno de Vries at 87,7% and Keara Welcome at 84,3%, who rounded out the school’s top-three academic performers.
“These outcomes reflect our commitment to academic excellence and affirm that we are equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful contribution to the fields of science, technology, and the broader economy of our country.”
Metro East district excels
Additionally, the Metro East Education District (MEED), which oversees Brackenfell and Kraaifontein schools, placed second in the Western Cape with a pass rate of over 90,2%. District director Landeka Diamond says achieving this milestone represents more than just statistics for MEED.
“It is the fulfilment of a vision, a promise kept, and a testament to what is possible when people unite behind a common purpose. When I stepped into this role five years ago, I declared that by year five, we would reach 90%. It was a bold commitment, but our team believed our schools committed, and together, we worked deliberately and tirelessly towards that goal. This achievement reflects disciplined planning, consistent support to schools, accountability at every level, and an unwavering belief that our learners deserve excellence. We have moved the district from a state of underperformance to that of a well-performing district and, more importantly, one that is capable of sustaining success.”
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde highlighted that the Western Cape Class of 2025 achieved an 88,2% overall pass rate, with a 49,2% bachelor pass rate, the highest ever recorded in the province.
He applauded the matriculants for their “strength, determination, and accomplishments”, while thanking teachers and staff for their dedication to improve educational outcomes in the Western Cape.
For learners disappointed with their results, Winde offered support, noting that a single set of results does not define their future and encouraged them to reach out for help.
