Nervous energy gave way to overwhelming excitement as Independent Examination Board (IEB) pupils received their results on Monday afternoon.

With distinctions aplenty and the world at their feet, the high-achieving North Coast Class of 2025 is ready to take the next step, many to top institutions both locally and abroad, in a wide range of fields.

Four local schools followed the IEB curriculum in 2025, namely Crawford International North Coast, Ashton International College Ballito, Reddam House Ballito and Curro Salt Rock. Ashton also offers a Cambridge curriculum and those matrics received their results last week (see more on Page 10).

The top three pupils across North Coast IEB schools for 2025 are Dristhi Ramsumer (nine distinctions, 94.38% aggregate) and Tayur Moodley (eight distinctions, 93.31%) from Crawford and Ethan Naidoo (seven distinctions, 93.14%) from Ashton.

Crawford International North Coast

Crawford International North Coast 2025 class registered a 100% pass rate and claimed 130 distinctions at an average of 2.5 per pupil.

The top six pupils all earned at least seven distinctions and Ramsumer and Moodley were named to the IEB Outstanding Achievers List of pupils who finished in the top 5% nationwide for at least six subjects, while also achieving a distinction for life orientation. Third placed Nirandhan Naidoo scored nine distinctions and was named to the IEB Commendable Achievers List, which carries the same criteria, but for five subjects.

Ramsumer finished in the top 1% nationwide in a stunning six subjects, while Moodley achieved two and both Naidoo and Lwandle Gumede grabbed one apiece.

Ramsumer, who finished above 90% for all nine subjects she took, credited a strong support system and consistency.

“I couldn’t have done this without the backing of my parents, my teachers and my friends,” said Ramsumer, who will study medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

“If I could give any advice, it would be to do a little every day. Matric is not as scary as it seems if you feel properly prepared.”

Ashton International College Ballito

Ashton’s IEB class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate and a combined grade average of 71.6%.

Eight pupils earned a full house of at least seven distinctions and Naidoo made the Outstanding Achievers List, along with two incredible individual results of 100% in mathematics and 99% in physical science, both comfortably in the top 1% countrywide. Rahul Bodasing, Levi Wingrove and Tahir Nurbadh also finished in the top 1% for a subject.

Dylan Hugo and Riddhi Ramcharan both earned seven distinctions to finish second and third in the grade respectively.

Naidoo said he was thrilled with his results, particularly the maths mark.

“I felt very shocked and first thought ‘this can’t be right’! I would say consistency was key for me in my studies, working through every past paper really helped,” said the Palm Lakes resident.

“I haven’t decided on where I want to study yet, but I know I will be doing actuarial science.”

Ashton’s Cambridge class recorded strong AS and A-Level results, with several pupils recording averages above 90%.

A combined total of 107 A and A+ symbols were awarded, averaging 4.12 A’s per student. The AS-Level group achieved an overall average of 73.21%, while the A-Level group recorded an average of 73.76%, with more than 76% of candidates achieving only A and B symbols.

Top A-Level achiever Kimaya Subraylu achieved an average of 92% with seven distinctions and plans to study medicine at UCT. Top AS-Level achiever Ashton Dennis achieved an average of 85.8% with six distinctions and plans to study engineering, also at UCT.

Curro Salt Rock

Curro’s 2025 class achieved the best results in the school’s history and a 100% pass rate.

Outgoing head boy Luka Adriaan Venter was the top pupil, registering eight distinctions and top 1% national finishes for mathematics and Afrikaans. The 18-year-old will study actuarial science at the University of Pretoria later this year.

“It is important to get your priorities right. Enjoy life, but make sure you make enough time for your studies,” said Venter.

Damian Kluza and deputy head boy Emile Kriek finished second and third respectively with six distinctions apiece. Kluza plans to study engineering at UCT and Kriek will study chemistry at Stellenbosch University. Both pupils credited past exam papers for their strong results.

Reddam House Ballito

Reddam’s matrics rocked an impressive 100% pass rate and topped last year’s class by a fraction with a 75.2% average.

The school’s top three pupils arrived at the school on Monday morning looking ready to conquer the world.

Hannah Taylor (18) is a confident young woman who worked hard for her results. So hard that she was not at all surprised by her eight distinctions.

“I am excited about going to Stellenbosch to study data science,” said the Ballito resident.

Joining her at Stellies to study the same degree is Priyasha Govender (18) who bagged seven distinctions. Govender said she was fascinated by the AI component of the degree.

Rounding out the top three, also with seven distinctions, was Samishka Govender (18), who hopes to study dentistry at the University of the Western Cape.

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