Holy Rosary School for Girls marked its 85th Jubilee with a historic academic milestone, as the Class of 2025 emerged as the strongest-performing matric cohort in the school’s history.

The school is proud to announce a 100% matric pass rate and a 100% pass rate for bachelor’s degrees.

In a display of collective academic strength, 100% of the matrics achieved an overall average above 60%, ensuring every graduate secured a high-level pathway to tertiary education.

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An unparalleled academic scorecard

Holy Rosary School continues its proud tradition of academic excellence, with the Class of 2025 delivering an outstanding academic scorecard that sets a new benchmark for the institution.

The Class of 2025 achieved a combined total of 181 distinctions, resulting in an exceptional average of 3.21 distinctions per learner.

This collective success is highlighted by the fact that 87.5% of the candidates earned at least one distinction, while a remarkable 16% of the grade achieved a “full house” of seven or more distinctions.

Maintaining the school’s storied reputation for STEM and linguistic mastery, the learners’ performance was bolstered by 20 distinctions in mathematics and seven distinctions in English, alongside a dominant showing in information technology, where 83% of the class achieved a distinction.

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The school’s academic prowess extended to the national stage, with three learners ranking in the top 1% of all IEB candidates nationally:
• Bella Chang: top 1% in Mandarin, mathematics, and further studies mathematics.
• Tyraleigh de Bruin: top 1% in business studies.
• Jade Sullivan: top 1% in mathematical literacy.

Holy Rosary exceeded the IEB National Averages in nearly every subject offered, with significant leads in information technology (15% above average), mathematics (14% above average), and physical sciences (14% above average).

Leadership reflections

Commenting on the results, high school principal Belinda Damhuis said, “These are the strongest results Holy Rosary has achieved in many years, and they serve as a fitting tribute to our 85th Jubilee. Every young lady exceeded our expectations, truly embodying our 2025 theme of Thrive.”

She said, “Their dedication and commitment to excellence have not only resulted in personal triumphs but have elevated the academic standing of the entire school.”

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Head of school, Dr Deon Oerson, added: “I am moved by the grit and tenacity displayed by the Class of 2025.

They have not only achieved historic academic outcomes but have left a profound impact on the culture and climate of our school through their leadership and sisterhood.

“These results affirm our mission of nurturing God-given talents and prove that when a learner turns steadfastly toward their goals, much like our symbol of the sunflower, they don’t just succeed; they flourish.”

Triumphs of character and grit

While every learner at Holy Rosary is a success story, several individuals achieved remarkable personal and academic feats:

• Madeleine Laros (Dux Scholarum): The school’s top achiever earned eight distinctions with an 89% average.
An all-round achiever and deputy leader of outreach, Madeleine secured the school’s highest marks in IT (91%) and life orientation (93%).

• Bella Chang: Achieving seven distinctions and a 90% average, Bella’s journey is extraordinary; she joined the school unable to speak English and rose to become a top national academic.

Bella was also awarded the Chriss Ingram Memorial Fellowship Trophy, voted for by her peers for her kindness, empathy, and authentic care for others.

• Jaanki Arora: Earning eight distinctions, Jaanki received the white honours blazer and the top award for English creative writing, securing a distinction in further studies in English.

• Tyraleigh de Bruin: A provincial and national powerhouse in both netball and basketball, Tyraleigh proved her “all-rounder” status by earning six distinctions and the school’s highest mark in business studies (96%).

• Gina da Silva: The head of religion further showcased the cohort’s versatility by achieving the school’s highest mark in consumer studies (80%).

Artistic expression and resilience

The school’s visual arts department saw profound storytelling through practical work.

Aathika Khan achieved the school’s highest art mark (91%) for her poignant commentary on global conflict.

Isabella Morais, who achieved 85% for art, used her creative work to process the loss of her mother during the Covid-19 pandemic, navigating her critical high school years with immense resilience and using her art to give form to her grief.

Looking forward

As these young women step into their futures, they carry with them the Holy Rosary Spirit, a blend of academic rigour and compassionate sisterhood.

They have proven that no challenge is insurmountable when faced with determination and solidarity.

For more information on the school’s results, visit www.holyrosaryschool.co.za