Graeme College sets new benchmark “100% pass, 80% Bachelor”
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa
Graeme College has announced an exceptional academic achievement, with the Matric Class of 2025 recording a 100% pass rate and an impressive 80% bachelor pass rate. This milestone marks a standout year in the school’s academic history and is being celebrated by learners, staff, parents, and the wider Makhanda community.
Headmaster Kevin Watson said that while the school has consistently maintained high pass rates averaging around 98% in previous years, the 2025 results represent a full return to its historical peak. More significantly, the quality of the passes sets this cohort apart.
The 80% bachelor pass rate is a substantial improvement on recent years, when figures ranged from 41% to 68%, and far exceeds provincial averages.
These results ensure that the majority of learners leave Graeme College with direct access to degree studies at tertiary institutions, reflecting not only success in passing examinations but mastery of the curriculum.
Equally noteworthy is the school’s 100% learner retention rate. All 69 learners who began the academic year completed matric and passed, underscoring Graeme College’s commitment to supporting every learner rather than excluding weaker candidates to protect statistics.
The results validate a three-year strategic academic intervention aimed at strengthening academic culture. Watson said targets were set for subject averages above 50% and a 75% bachelor pass rate, both of which were exceeded.
“Key initiatives included the establishment of an academic committee in 2023, which introduced rigorous learner tracking and early intervention in partnership with parents, as well as a comprehensive academic support programme running four days a week. This programme focused not only on remediation but on extending and enriching learning to elevate results from standard passes to bachelor passes,” said Watson.
The class of 2025 has set a new benchmark for Graeme College, with their success reflecting disciplined effort, dedicated teaching, and strong parental support, he said.
