A slight drop has been recorded in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) results compared to last year.
This year’s JC examinations recorded a national pass rate of 82.07%, representing a decline of 1.08% from 83.15% in 2024.
According to the summary of results, 3 114 candidates failed the 2025 JC examinations, compared to 2 782 failures recorded in 2024, indicating an increase of 332 candidates.
About 844 candidates attained Merit passes, marking a 0.63% increase from the previous year.
First Class passes stood at 1 630, reflecting a 0.69% decline compared to 2024.
The number of Second Class passes increased by 1.5%, with 8 932 candidates achieving this grade in 2025, up from 8 742 in 2024.
Similarly, Third Class passes increased to 2 845, from 2 625 in 2024, representing a 0.47% increase.
This year, 17 674 candidates sat for the JC examinations, compared to 16 777 in 2024. Candidates who were absent totalled 309 in 2025, down from 356 the previous year.
Notably, 17 674 candidates registered for the JC examinations in 2025, compared to 16 777 registrations in 2024, reflecting a 4.74% increase in candidature.
On that note, Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) President Armstrong Dlamini expressed disappointment over the results, saying the outcome fell short of expectations.
Dlamini said the results had, however, renewed teachers’ commitment to improve their performance in the coming academic year.
“This is not what we anticipated but we are determined to make significant improvements next year. It is important that we turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and excellence within our education system,” he said.
He emphasised the responsibility of school leaders to create inclusive learning environments that catered for all learners, regardless of academic standing.
Dlamini urged headteachers to admit learners who obtained Third Class passes and to re-admit those who failed, stressing the importance of equal opportunity.
“Let us give every learner an equal chance, irrespective of their results. We must also re-admit those who have failed,” he said, adding that compassion and support should be central to the education framework.
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Meanwhile, Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Lot Vilakati raised concern over the high number of learners who failed their examinations, warning that this could have implications on curriculum delivery.
“The number of learners who failed is worrying and must be addressed as we move forward. It raises questions about how effectively the curriculum is meeting the needs of all learners,” he said.
Eswatini Schools Committee and Parents Association President Cedric Chirwa urged parents to accept the outcomes of their children’s exams, emphasising the importance of encouragement, even in the face of disappointing results.
Chirwa recognised the significant contributions parents had made in ensuring their children’s education by consistently paying school fees and supporting their academic pursuits.
“Let us celebrate the efforts of our learners, regardless of the outcome. For those who may not have achieved the results they hoped for, it is vital that we extend our support and encouragement, inspiring them to keep striving toward success,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chirwa encouraged parents to begin preparations for the upcoming academic year. He highlighted the necessity of securing school placements for their children, ensuring that no learner was left behind in their educational journey.
“As we move forward, let’s focus on providing our children with the best opportunities available,” he said.
He also urged headteachers to accept learners with low marks and not give them a difficult time when looking for Form IV space.
Manzini tops again in JC
The Manzini region again proved to be the best performer in academic excellence, attaining pass rates of 85.23% in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) results.
Hhohho region followed with a pass rate of 81.93%, while Lubombo came third with 79.82%. Shiselweni region recorded the lowest JC pass rate at 79.08%.
Manzini Regional Education Officer (REO) Sizwe Kunene said since 2021, the region had been excelling across all result categories.
He explained that their success was driven by a deliberate strategy focused on building strong leadership.
“Every year, we have a team talk with our headteachers to outline how we need to inspire our learners,” said Kunene.
He noted that since the implementation of this approach, Manzini region has consistently performed at a high level.
“For the past four years, the region has been shining and will continue to do so because we are working as a team and our headteachers are motivated,” he said.
Kunene added that in previous years, Manzini region schools were not performing well, prompting education stakeholders to convene and explore ways of providing support.
It was during these engagements, he said, that they realised collective discussions around challenges facing schools led to practical solutions and improved performance.
28 schools attain 100% pass rate
BY NOMALUNGELO PHIRI
Mbabane
A total of 28 schools across the country achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2025 Junior Certificate (JC) examinations.
Leading the list is St Michael’s High School, which recorded outstanding results with all 182 candidates passing.
The school achieved no failures, no Third Class passes and produced an impressive 80 Merit passes.
Ka-Boyce High School followed closely, with all 126 candidates passing. The school also recorded no Third Class passes and produced 55 Merits.
Other schools that attained a 100% pass rate included Nyamane High School, St Mary’s High School, Florence Christian Academy, Herman Gmeiner School and Lechwelight High School, among others.
The number of schools achieving the 100% pass rate had increased compared to the previous year. In 2024, a total of 22 schools recorded a 100% pass rate in the JC examinations.
Ka-Boyce High School led the results last year as well, with all 117 candidates passing. The school recorded no failures or Third Class passes and produced 39 Merit passes.
Schools such as Zandondo Secondary School, Entwandweni High School, Holy Rosary High School, Ulundi High School and Mzimnene High School were also among those that achieved a 100% pass rate in last year’s examinations.
Meanwhile, Ngcoseni Central High School, which was listed among the worst-performing schools in 2024, showed remarkable improvement this year by achieving a 94% pass rate.
The improvement has been welcomed as a positive sign of progress and renewed commitment to academic excellence.
LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH 100% PASS RATE
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Yuan Tong High School
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Ngozi FEA High School
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Emphumelelweni High School
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Boyane High School
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Enhlitiyweni High School
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Sikhandzabantfu High School
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Cathula High School
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Dlume High School
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Florence Christian Academy
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Nyamane High School
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St Mary’s High School
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St Michaels High School
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Encabaneni High School
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Ka-Boyce High School
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Mantambe Secondary
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Londuduma High School
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Herman Gmeiner High School
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Esigcaweni Secondary School
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Lubuli Secondary School
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Lechwelight High School
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Maphilingo High School
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Mlindazwe High School
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Fonteyn Secondary School
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Joppa High School
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Dinani High School
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Sihlangwini High School
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Dvudvusini High School
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Mountain View High School
WORST SCHOOLS
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Zamani High School – 35.90%
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Mahamba High – 36.84%
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Ensingweni High – 43%
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Ndzevane High – 48.28%
