St Dunstan’s College top Class of 2025 achievers, Amanda Huang and Seshan Naidoo, have highlighted the importance of consistency, focus, and prioritising mental health and well-being during the final year of school.

Huang achieved nine distinctions and was placed on the Independent Examination Board’s (IEB) commendable achievement list for being in the top 5% in five subjects.
Naidoo obtained eight distinctions.

Huang (18), a resident of Bredell, said seeing her results felt unreal.

“I’m happy that I’ve finally completed matric.”

She explained that her goal was to achieve nine distinctions, although she had doubts due to Afrikaans, which posed a challenge as it is her third language.

The happy graduate will study medicine at Wits University this year.

“My love of biology and my enjoyment of interacting with people inspired my choice to study medicine. I also believe it’s a fulfilling job,” she said.
Reflecting on her matric journey, Huang said grades 11 and 12 were challenging in different ways.

“It gets lonely, and the pressure builds. I found the prelims more stressful than the finals because there were so many expectations.”

She advised the Class of 2026 to get enough rest so they can wake up refreshed and focused.

Naidoo reflected on his school journey, comparing it to climbing a hill.

“Grades 10, 11, and 12 felt like going uphill, but as you reach the top, it becomes easier. As you progress, you learn more about how to study and what works best for you.”

The Boksburg resident said mathematics was his favourite subject, while English initially gave him a hard time.
However, through dedication, he secured distinctions in all his subjects.

“I’m grateful for the support of my friends and family. I feel privileged to have attended a school like St Dunstan’s with teachers who put in so much effort to make sure we understand our work.”

He added that the support from his parents and sister played a crucial role in his success.

“My mom always made sure I had the stationery and textbooks I needed. She also made sure there were snacks when I was studying and gave me space. My parents never pressured me. They always said they would be happy regardless of how I did,” he said.

Naidoo will study actuarial science at the University of Pretoria this year.

“I chose this course because I’m inclined towards mathematics and enjoy working with numbers. This degree aligns with my interests the most.”

His advice to the Class of 2026 is to find a balance between putting a lot of work into school and maintaining a social life.

Rector proud of achievements
St Dunstan’s College has once again proven its academic excellence, achieving a flawless 100% matric pass rate – an achievement maintained since the college opened.

A total of 99% of the learners achieved bachelor’s degree passes. For the second consecutive year, the school also produced five learners who achieved seven or more distinctions.

School rector Warwick Taylor expressed pride in the Class of 2025, saying: “I am pleased with the results. The learners worked extremely hard and exceeded expectations. About 50% of learners obtained an average of 70% and above. The middle group has also done well to achieve decent averages,” he said.

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