Kearsney IEB 2025: Joel Steyn excels in class and on the field
Kearsney College’s Class of 2025 achieved a 100% IEB pass rate, a 99% university exemption rate and multiple top national distinctions.
HARD work. Long nights. Outstanding marks. Kearsney’s Class of 2025 has produced a superb set of results released by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) on Monday.
Eight boys achieved eight distinctions each and another was on the IEB’s Outstanding List for being in the top 5% in South Africa in six or more subjects. Ten boys also placed in the top 1% in the country in eight subjects.
Kearsney College’s focus on academic excellence once again ensured a 100% pass rate, and a 99% university exemption pass rate.
Also read: IEBmatricresults2025: St Marys celebrates a 100% pass rate
Four boys – Liam Oets, Nic Comrie, Joel Steyn and Hayden Dunsdon – attained an overall aggregate of 90% or more.
Highlighting Kearsney’s emphasis on balance, of the eight boys who received eight distinctions each, four played sport at provincial and 1st team levels.
Joel Steyn, who was on the IEB’s Outstanding List, achieved 86% for Afrikaans, drama 98%, English 87%, life orientation 94%, life sciences 88%, mathematics 94%, physical science 88% and advanced programme mathematics 59%.
A high achiever on the sports fields too, Joel was selected for KZN U18A and SA U18B hockey teams, captained Kearsney 1st hockey and indoor hockey teams, and was head of house.
Headmaster Patrick Lees said Kearsney’s number one priority remains academic excellence.
“Kearsney boys are immersed in an academically rigorous and inspiring environment from day one, and quickly develop academic ambition and drive,” he said.
“This culture of academic striving, in a disciplined environment, supported by our highly qualified, professional and dedicated teachers, empowers the boys to reach their true potential.”
Speaking to the Highway Mail, Joel said it’s obviously a massive honour to be the outstanding student at such a prestigious school.
“Kearsney has done so much for me in all aspects of my life and I will be forever grateful for its impact on me. Final exams are obviously higher stakes in that you are competing with students from across the country, and to be placed among the top is nothing short of a privilege.”
He will study medicine (MBChB) at the University of Pretoria.
“The first piece of advice to the class of 2026 is to take full advantage of any portfolio pieces that you are given. Secondly, working consistently throughout the year is essential to making your final examinations as easy and successful as possible.
“All glory for my achievements goes to God. His blessing in my life has been incredible. I would like to also thank my parents and my family for their never-ending support in everything I do.
“They have given me the amazing opportunities that have ultimately allowed me to achieve what I have. I have had an incredible group of teachers at Kearsney that I must thank for how they have pushed me and sacrificed for me,” he said with pride.
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