What to do if you fail Grade 12

GRADE 12 final exams are expected to be released on January 19. These results are crucial as they determine the future of one’s higher education. It is also worth knowing, though, that people who fail Grade 12 are not at a dead end as there are options. Here are the options for candidates who did not pass matric or did not get the results they wanted from the Department of Education. 

Remarking or re-checking examination answer scripts

• Candidates may apply for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts immediately after receiving their results.
• Application forms for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts are available from schools, examination centres where you sat for the examination or at the nearest district office.

Also Read: Second Chance Matric Programme registration closure approaching

Supplementary examinations

• Candidates who qualify for a supplementary examination can register at the centres where they sat for the examination immediately after receiving their results. These are candidates who have not met the minimum promotion and certification requirements but who require a maximum of two subjects to obtain the National Senior Certificate. It is also for candidates who could not sit or finish the examination due to medical reasons, a death in the immediate family or some other special reason, provided documentary evidence is submitted. This is available for candidates who are one requirement short of satisfying the minimum higher education or higher education faculty requirements – documentary evidence must be submitted.

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Those learners who do not qualify to write the supplementary examinations

• Those who have not succeeded in their examinations and who do not qualify for the supplementary examination must re-enrol at a school without delay, as long as they meet the age requirement, which is under 21 years of age.
• This will give them a second chance at writing their Grade 12 NSC. With additional effort, they will succeed.

Grade 12 learners who failed and who are over 21

• Register as part-time candidates or enrol at Adult Education Centres.
• Participation in programmes at these centres is free and is available for young people and adults who have not completed their formal schooling.
• In addition, they could explore other vocational options such as Further Education and Training Colleges.

This article will be updated with the dates of application as soon the department releases them.