Holy Rosary’s Class of 2025 crowned strongest-performing cohort in school history

Holy Rosary School for Girls has marked its 85th Jubilee with a historic academic milestone, as the Class of 2025 emerged as the strongest-performing matric cohort in the school’s history. The school is proud to announce a 100% Matric pass rate and a 100% Bachelor’s Degree pass rate. In an extraordinary display of collective academic strength, every graduate secured an overall average above 60%, ensuring all students are on a high-level pathway to tertiary education.

Unparalleled Academic Scorecard

The Class of 2025 achieved a combined total of 181 distinctions, translating to an exceptional average of 3.21 distinctions per pupil.

Highlighting the breadth of achievement, 87.5% of the candidates earned at least one distinction, while 16% achieved seven or more distinctions. The cohort excelled in STEM and languages, with 20 distinctions in Mathematics, 7 distinctions in English, and 83% of students earning distinctions in Information Technology.

The school’s academic excellence also extended nationally, with three students ranking in the Top 1% of all IEB candidates:

• Bella Chang: Top 1% in Mandarin, Mathematics, and Further Studies Mathematics.

• Tyraleigh De Bruin: Top 1% in Business Studies.

• Jade Sullivan: Top 1% in Mathematical Literacy.

Holy Rosary surpassed IEB National Averages in nearly every subject, with notable leads in Information Technology (+15%), Mathematics (+14%), and Physical Sciences (+14%).

Leadership Reflections

Commenting on the results, High School Principal Belinda Damhuis said: "These are the strongest results Holy Rosary has achieved in many years, and they serve as a fitting tribute to our 85th Jubilee. Every young lady exceeded our expectations, truly embodying our 2025 theme of Thrive. Their dedication and commitment to excellence have not only resulted in personal triumphs but have elevated the academic standing of the entire school."

Head of School Dr. Deon Oerson added: "I am moved by the grit and tenacity displayed by the Class of 2025. They have not only achieved historic academic outcomes but have left a profound impact on the culture and climate of our school through their leadership and sisterhood. These results affirm our mission of nurturing God-given talents and prove that when a student turns steadfastly toward their goals – much like our symbol of the sunflower – they don't just succeed; they flourish."

Triumphs of Character and Grit

Several students achieved remarkable academic and personal feats:

• Madeleine Laros (Dux Scholarum): Eight distinctions with an 89% average, top marks in IT (91%) and Life Orientation (93%), and Deputy Leader of Outreach.

• Bella Chang: Seven distinctions, 90% average, top national academic in multiple subjects, and recipient of the Chriss Ingram Memorial Fellowship Trophy for kindness and empathy.

• Jaanki Arora: Eight distinctions, White Honours Blazer, top award in English Creative Writing, and distinction in Further Studies English.

• Tyraleigh De Bruin: Six distinctions, top mark in Business Studies (96%), provincial and national netball and basketball representative.

• Gina Da Silva: Highest mark in Consumer Studies (80%), showcasing academic versatility.

Artistic Expression and Resilience

The Visual Arts department demonstrated the students’ storytelling and resilience. Aathika Khan achieved the highest Art mark (91%) for work commenting on global conflict, while Isabella Morais (85%) processed personal loss during Covid-19 through her creative work, demonstrating resilience and emotional intelligence.