Sacred Heart College, a 101-year-old independent Catholic Marist school in Observatory, Johannesburg, has announced outstanding results for its Class of 2025, achieving a 100% matric pass rate and multiple top 1% national subject results.
The results reinforce Sacred Heart College’s standing as a values-driven institution with a strong focus on academic rigour and learner development in Gauteng.
Strong headline results for Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 achieved:
• 100% matric pass rate
• 86 subject distinctions at 80% and above
• 86% Bachelor pass rate for direct degree entry
• 71% A–C pass rate in the 60–100% range
• Multiple top 1% national subject results in the IEB NSC exams
These outcomes place the school well above national averages and point to high levels of academic readiness for university study.
Understanding the IEB standard
Sacred Heart College is an Independent Examinations Board school. Its learners sit for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations, which are quality-assured by Umalusi. The same statutory standards apply to both public and independent schools, and all candidates must pass at least six of the seven subjects.
A Bachelor pass, achieved by 86% of the cohort, represents the highest level of matric achievement and allows direct access to degree studies. The strong A–C pass rate further reflects depth of understanding rather than minimum compliance.
Top 1% national subject achievers
Sacred Heart College recognised learners who placed in the top 1% nationally in the IEB examinations:
• English Home Language: Mukhethwa Nedohe, Deandré Mackay
• IsiZulu: Risuna Makhubele
Placing in the top 1% means these learners outperformed 99% of candidates nationwide in their subjects.
A focus on academic mastery
Rather than focusing solely on results, Sacred Heart framed 2025 around the academic theme “The Pursuit of Academic Mastery.” The approach emphasised depth of learning, resilience and ownership of academic growth.
“Academic mastery is about understanding concepts, applying knowledge and persevering when learning becomes difficult,” says Executive Head Mr Dhiraj Bharuth. “These results reflect effort, reflection and care.”
Support in a demanding environment
The Class of 2025 completed their schooling in a challenging context. Learners navigated post-Covid learning gaps, increased curriculum demands, socio-economic pressures and emotional strain.
In response, Sacred Heart embedded academic mastery into teaching practice through:
• Regular diagnostic assessments
• Structured academic reflection
• Targeted subject support sessions
• Cross-departmental tracking of progress
• Strong pastoral and emotional support
Teachers acted as academic mentors, with leadership teams ensuring consistent monitoring and intervention.
Standout learner journeys
Five learners were highlighted for different expressions of academic mastery:
• Deandré Mackay from Elands Park achieved seven distinctions while excelling academically, culturally and in sport
• Mukhethwa Nedohe from Houghton earned seven distinctions with strong cultural leadership
• Nereece Pillay from Mulbarton achieved six distinctions after joining the school in Grade 9
• Risuna Makhubele from Alexandra, a scholarship learner, achieved six distinctions through perseverance
• Ethan Fuchs from Observatory achieved four distinctions after repeating Grade 11 to strengthen his academic foundation
The cohort reflects a diverse learner body, including scholarship recipients and first-generation university candidates.
Shaping future academic strategy
According to Bharuth, the Class of 2025 has helped guide Sacred Heart’s academic direction.
“These results confirm the value of early intervention, process-driven learning and sustained support. We aim to produce resilient, reflective and university-ready young adults.”
