THE Matric Class of 2025 has achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate, the highest in South Africa’s history, marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has assured the Class of 2025 that not passing the examinations does not mark the end of their journey, emphasising that multiple support mechanisms and alternative pathways remain available.

“And to every learner who did not get the result you hoped for: you are not a failure, and your story is not over. There are pathways to improve your results – through rewrites, support programmes, and second-chance opportunities. What matters now is that you take the next step, with support, and without shame,” Gwarube said.

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As part of these interventions, the Department of Basic Education continues to roll out the Second Chance Matric Programme, which provides learners with structured academic and psychosocial support to rewrite subjects or complete outstanding requirements. The programme assists candidates to meet the requirements of either the National Senior Certificate or the Senior Certificate, enabling them to obtain a recognised Grade 12 qualification.

Learners who qualify for the programme may rewrite through the following examination opportunities:
• NSC supplementary examinations in March.
• NSC progressed learner examinations in June, for candidates who previously did not sit for all six subjects.
• Part-time NSC examinations in November, for learners who attempted the NSC after 2015.

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The department has reiterated that the Second Chance Matric Programme is provided free of charge, warning learners and parents to be cautious of private or commercial services that charge fees while claiming affiliation with the programme. Eligible candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects  for the May/June examination cycle, without making any payment. Registration opened on October 1, 2025 and will close on February 6.

Re-marking or re-checking
In addition, the department provides an online service for NSC candidates to request a re-mark or re-check of examination scripts.
In order to request a re-mark or re-check service, candidates must first register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create a personal account. This account will enable the candidate to log in using their password and username to access the service.

“Registration can be done at either the school or district office in the province or online,” the department said.
The opening date for applications for re-marking and re-checking is January 13 and the closing date is January 27 for both manual applications and online applications.

Also read: KZN matric pass rate takes a dip

The fee for re-mark is R120 per subject and re-checking is R30 per subject. The viewing of scripts may only be done after a re-mark or re-check of results. The closing date for applications is seven days after release of re-mark or re-check results. The fee for viewing is R230.
Results of remarking will be released from March 13 and will be available at the school/exam centre where the candidate sat for their 2025 examinations.

For verified information and registration details, learners are advised to contact the Department of Basic Education directly or visit its official platforms. Learners can use the following contacts:
• Email: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za
• SMS/Calls: 063 696 7246 (Enquiries)
• WozaMatrics WhatsApp: 061 505 3023 (Subject-related queries)

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