Waterstone College announced its matric results during a special results collection ceremony held in the school hall, where learners, parents and staff gathered to celebrate an exceptional set of achievements.

The event honoured the Class of 2025’s hard work, dedication and perseverance after achieving a 100% pass rate.

The learners achieved an overall average of 71.7%, with an impressive 288 subject distinctions, averaging 2.3 distinctions per candidate.

Thirty A aggregates and 44 B aggregates were achieved, while 96% of learners attained a bachelor’s pass to further their studies.

Outstanding individual performances included one learner achieving eight distinctions, six learners with seven distinctions, five with six distinctions, 17 with four distinctions, and 17 placed in the top 1% nationally, according to the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) results.

Fifteen subject averages were above the IEB national averages, further highlighting the school’s academic strength.

Top learner Nihal Madhav spoke about the importance of balance and support.

“You must have a support system because that system carries you through. I had a lot of support from friends, family and teachers,” he said.

Hockey was vital to helping him cope with the demands of matric. Although Term 3 was challenging when he had to pause the sport, he found balance once he returned during the finals.

Nihal plans to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), with the University of Pretoria as his second choice. His advice to future matric learners is to find balance, speak to someone when needed, and keep pushing. “It’s one year of giving it your all so your future is set up.”

Ayden Eley said his matric year did not start as planned.

“In the beginning, my matric journey was quite challenging, especially in Term 1, because I didn’t get the marks I wanted,” he explained. Through hard work and consistency, he had improved significantly by Term 3. Ayden plans to study actuarial science at Wits and encourages future matric learners to stay disciplined and committed throughout the year.

Meya Pather described matric as a major challenge but one driven by clear goals. She hopes to study in Cape Town and was motivated to achieve strong results to ease the financial burden on her mother, especially as she has a twin sister.

“It took many late nights of studying and giving 100% of my focus,” she said.

Meya hopes to study a BCom in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town and shared her wish that she and her sister could go there together.

The executive head of the college, JC Engelbrecht, praised the learners and staff for their collective effort.

“We announced a brilliant set of results. These results tell a story of academic excellence, so well done to the Class of 2025 and every teacher who played a part in the learners’ journey throughout the year,” he said.

The school believes strongly in a holistic approach to education, “Everyone contributes, and we are proud of every learner. We wish them all the best for the years ahead.”

The ceremony was a proud moment for the Waterstone College community, marking the end of an important chapter and the beginning of exciting new journeys for the matric class.