Concern about the number of learners left behind

The Free State again obtained the first position nationally with a pass rate of 89.03%, however, the DA remains concerned about the number of learners left behind since embarking on their schooling career.

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Education, 37.2% (23 671 learners) failed grade 10 in 2023, and 25.9% (17 386 learners) failed grade 8 in the same year in the Free State.

In 2021, 61 316 learners enrolled in grade 10 in the Free State, of which only 34 451 wrote the matric exam in 2023. Thus, taking into account the learners that fell out of the schooling system between 2021 and 2023, the real pass rate of the Free State is a mere 50%, says the DA.

The party in a statement emphasized that many schools in the Free State lack basic infrastructure, such as adequate classrooms and ablution facilities. “Schools are overcrowded and many has failing infrastructure. This has resulted in a lack of safety and security which makes it difficult for students to learn and succeed academically and contributes to the high rate of school dropouts,” was said in the statement.

Poverty, hunger, and a lack of access to necessities like food, clean water, or in some instances any water, and electricity can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies.

• The Western Cape achieved the top Mathematics pass rate at 75.4%, and the top Physical Sciences pass rate at 82.2% nationally.