Resilience, excellence, values define class of 2025

Lorraine Srage, principal of King David High School Linksfield 

King David High School Linksfield celebrates an extraordinary set of matric results that speak not only to academic excellence, but to commitment, character, and values. 

The class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate among the 150-strong group. Collectively, the cohort earned an outstanding 580 distinctions, with a grade average of 78.8%. Forty-nine percent of the students achieved an A aggregate. 

Academic distinction was evident at the highest level. 

• Five students were placed on the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Outstanding Achiever list; 

• Four were recognised on the IEB Commendable list; and 

• 41 students ranked in the top 1% nationally in their respective subjects. 

The spread of distinctions further highlights the depth of achievement across the cohort: 

• One student achieved nine distinctions; 

• 19 students achieved eight distinctions; 

• 20 students achieved seven distinctions; 

• 12 students achieved six distinctions; 

• 13 students achieved five distinctions; 

• 13 students achieved four distinctions; 

• 14 students achieved three distinctions; 

• 14 students achieved two distinctions; and 

• 20 students achieved one distinction. 

However, the true success of the matric class goes far beyond the numbers. These results represent 150 individual journeys by students who immersed themselves fully in school life, balanced academic rigour with cultural, sporting, leadership and community involvement, and who grew into confident, values-driven young adults. 

This achievement is a testament to the students’ dedication, resilience, and drive, the unwavering support of their parents, and the exceptional commitment of a highly dedicated teaching staff. It also reflects an education deeply rooted in Jewish values, where academic excellence is pursued alongside integrity, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. 

The school proudly celebrates this exceptional group of students, which is a credit to their families and the school. The school wishes them every success they wish for themselves, confident that they will continue to make a meaningful contribution wherever their paths may lead. 

Shane Brorson, principal of Herzlia High School 

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I report on the final Grade 12 academic results for 2025. Our matric class achieved a 100% pass rate, a significant accomplishment that reflects not only academic diligence, but the strength of our inclusive and values-driven school community. 

These results affirm our belief that academic excellence thrives in a nurturing environment grounded in Jewish values and menschlichkeit. Our students are encouraged to strive for personal bests while demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and respect for others. 

Our Grade 12 students have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom can coexist with meaningful participation in sport and cultural activities, fostering resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve them well beyond school. 

We are proud that these achievements were realised within an inclusive school setting, where individual learning needs are recognised and supported. This success is a testament to the teaching, academic support, and counselling staff who are deeply committed, professionally dedicated, and unwavering in their belief in every student’s potential. 

In celebrating these results, we recognise not only academic success, but the development of confident, compassionate young people ready to contribute meaningfully to the Jewish community and broader society. We congratulate the class of 2025, and wish its members every success in the next chapter of their lives. 

Mandy Gruzd, head of school of King David High School Victory Park 

The matric results of the King David High School Victory Park class of 2025 are a testament to resilience, focus, and unwavering determination. This year’s matriculants have shown that even in the face of challenges, grit and commitment remain the most valuable tools a young person can possess. 

This group of 43 students was bound by shared history, mutual support, and a collective desire to do the best they could. Together, they navigated a demanding year – including the announcement of the closure of their beloved school – with purpose and courage. This curve ball tested not only their academic ability, but their character. Their success stands as proof that excellence is rarely accidental; it is earned through perseverance, discipline, and belief. 

Beyond academic achievement, this cohort embraced school life in its fullest sense, actively participating across sports, art, and culture, Judaica, and service. Their involvement reflected commitment to a holistic education which values growth beyond the classroom, recognising the importance of balance, leadership, and a positive attitude. 

The results are nothing short of remarkable. Every student achieved a Bachelor’s degree pass for university entrance, a significant accomplishment. Nearly 50% of the group attained an A average, highlighting academic excellence and consistency and dedication over time. Importantly, each student worked towards achieving his or her own personal best, measuring success not against others, but against individual potential and effort. 

The strong partnerships forged between students and their teachers were crucial. With guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support, educators walked alongside this group, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate victories. These bonds fostered confidence, accountability, and growth. 

Kol hakavod to all the matriculants and all the very best going forward. There is immense pride in the students who persevered, and gratitude to the community that supported them. As these young adults now step into the next chapter of their lives, their matric results form a solid foundation upon which future choices and journeys will be built. Armed with focus, determination and grit, they leave school not only with outstanding achievements, but with the tools to face whatever lies ahead. 

Rabbi Eliyahu Sasson, principal of Torah Academy Boys High 

As we open the chapter on another academic year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey of our matrics of 2025. In the world of matric, we often measure success by numbers and grades. At Torah Academy, that’s only one part of the story. Yes, a 100% pass rate is important. Of course, we are proud of the three-distinction average achieved, and the 81% average among all papers written, but we also measure success by character, growth, and in the quiet moments of dedication that so often define the matric year. 

This cohort has exemplified the power of perseverance. Navigating the demands of our dual curriculum, balancing the intensive academic requirements of general studies with the spiritual depth of Kodesh is a challenge that requires extraordinary discipline and commitment. Our students didn’t just meet these demands, they exceeded them with a grace that speaks volumes about their internal compass and values. 

One of the most poignant reflections of their commitment occurred during the height of the exam season. On mornings during prelims and finals, when matrics were officially “off” to focus on their private studies, these young students were up early in the morning to attend davening, do some learning, and then return home to continue studying. To see them put their connection to Torah and Hashem at the core of their journey amidst the pressure of exams was a moving testament to the “lived Yiddishkeit” that is the heartbeat of our school. 

One of my personal highlights was the opportunity for one-on-one parsha learning sessions with our matric boys. In these moments of shared study, I witnessed firsthand their curiosity and desire to understand and learn. They approached the Torah not merely as a subject to be mastered, but as an inheritance to be cherished. 

As they embark on their next steps in life, whether at the local Rabbinical College of South Africa or Machon Shmuel in Yerushalyim, we see the beautiful fruits of their labour. While we celebrate their academic results, we are even more profoundly proud of the process. We are proud of the growth, resilience, and fine people they have become. 

To our graduates: go from strength to strength. You have shown that you are an indispensable part of the tapestry of the Jewish people. Know that you are deeply cared for, and that you will always have a home here in the Torah Academy family. 

Rabbi Shlomo, dean of Jewish International (Cape Town Torah High) 

Every parent and school hopes to give a child many things: knowledge, skill, and opportunity. Yet above all else, the most important gift we can give our children is a deep understanding of who they truly are: their passions, unique strengths, and soul’s mission in life, and how, through those gifts, they can help make this world a better place, a home for Hashem. 

This is what we have sought to instil in our students in 2025. Not a uniform path, but a strong inner compass rooted in identity, purpose, and values. In watching our matrics grow up, it has been clear that they have not only absorbed this message, but made it their own, emerging as confident young Jews ready to step forward with clarity and courage. 

Today, as the world experiences the increasing darkness of antisemitism, this becomes more vital than ever. An inspired Jewish identity, a deep connection to our souls, our history, and our Torah is not simply an educational goal, it is a source of strength, resilience, and light. Your children carry this fire within them. Our job is to hand them the match. 

Rabbi Steven Krawitz, principal of Hirsch Lyons Boys High 

Hirsch Lyons schools are proud of our class of 2025. It was the last year for our boys school, which as reported in the pages of the SA Jewish Report is merging with Yeshiva College Boys High. Our Girls High School will continue to operate on its campus and carry the torch of the rich Hirsch Lyons legacy. 

Our matrics achieved unbelievable results, in line with the Hirsch Lyons historical pattern. Fifteen students achieved 64 distinctions, an average of 4.2 distinctions per student. Having being part of the Hirsch Lyons team for 26 years, these results fill me with strong emotions. 

Our matric results are only a fraction of the overall impact Hirsch Lyons has had on many students over the past few decades. Our students have the polish and shine of an ehrlich gentleness and sensitivity. The way they speak, interact with people, and treat others with dignity and respect are hallmarks of Hirsch Lyons graduates. This year’s graduates are part of this long chain. The amount of chesed each student performed, the Torah learning and work on their middos (character traits) will prepare them for the demands of the artificial-intelligence age. At Hirsch Lyons, we have always believed that authentic people who are constantly striving for improvement in their relationship with Hashem, others, and themselves is the most important goal to strive for in a world besieged by technology and the shallowness of social media. 

Our Hirsch Lyons Girls High Class of 2025 achieved unbelievable levels of chesed and Torah learning, while achieving an unsurpassed 5.1 distinctions per student in the IEB matric exams. These girls are truly the crown of our community, and under the leadership of Morah Dina Goldfein, they and the student body at Hirsch Lyons Girls High, will continue to develop the youth of Johannesburg. 

My positions as principal of Hirsch Lyons Boys High School, a Chumash teacher, and a matric history teacher has given me the privilege of developing our community’s youth in preparation for the life challenges they will face. It has been an honour to give our youth a foundation of Torah, derech eretz, and critical thinking. I’m looking forward to continuing to teach at Hirsch Lyons Girls High and to starting at Yeshiva College Boys High, where I look forward to spreading the ever important lessons honed over 26 years to a wider student body and community. 

Robert Long, director of academics: Yeshiva College

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” This quote from Franklyn Roosevelt sums up the attitude of the Yeshiva College 2025 matric cohort – resilient, hard-working, selfless, and involved. Under the guidance of our head students, Dae’l Bassarabie and Ayala Sifris, this group led the school with aplomb. They have set a positive standard that will challenge matric groups that follow.

We are incredibly proud of the young men and women that they have become, and privileged to share in the rewards that they received due to their positive attitude, work ethic, and dedication to task. I congratulate the matrics of 2025 on their excellent results. They earned 4.4 distinctions per candidate; 100% university exemption; and a 78.96 % subject average – superb achievements. These results also speak to the wonderful relationship and co-operation between teachers, students, and parents.

Teachers in both the lumidei kodesh and core curriculum are dedicated to teaching and developing well-rounded and community minded young men and young women who are able to take their place in and contribute to the world, where ever it may be. Education is a journey that begins in early childhood and continues throughout one’s lifetime. I thank all our teachers in nursery school, primary school, and high school for the part they have played in guiding the Yeshiva College matriculants of 2025 to reach their potential.

I wish the class of 2025 everything of the best as it moves on to the next exciting chapter of its lives. Hatzlocha for your future endeavours. May you carry Torah values into the world, act with compassion and courage, and always know that your actions matter.