The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has achieved an overall pass rate of 98.46% in the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The pass rate is slightly higher than the 2022 NSC pass rate of 98.42%.
In a statement, the board says 88.59% of the learners achieved an entry to degree study, compared to 89.32% in 2022.
The number of those who qualify for entry to diploma study has increased from 7.52% in 2022 to 8.31%, while the number of those who achieved entry for study at the Higher Certificate level remains at 1.57%.
Fifteen thousand one hundred and eighty learners sat for the IEB exams in October and November.
“This is more than the 12 580 full-time candidates and 945 part-time candidates, a total of 13 525 in 2022. The significant increase of 1 655 results from the 17 new schools, comprising a total of 960 candidates, that wrote the IEB for the first time in 2023. “
Chief Executive Officer of the IEB Confidence Dikgole says they are pleased with what the class of 2023 has achieved despite the challenges they faced along the way. Matriculants were affected in previous grades by disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic.
He has also commended the class’s tenacity amid the growing pressure from society for learners to perform at their peak.
“Mental wellbeing is directly linked to the stress society is placing on our young people to perform, to get top results and secure spots in top tertiary institutions. The competition is huge, and this is a global issue, not just unique to the South African context. Research also points to a correlation between a learner’s independence and their overall wellbeing,” says Dikgole.
