More than 300 000 Grade 10 pupils enrolled in South African public schools in 2024 repeated the grade in 2025, according to data cited in reporting on the school system this week. The figure highlights severe bottlenecks in the senior secondary phase.

The Department of Basic Education has previously warned that weak foundations, absenteeism, and poor learner support contribute to high repetition and dropout rates before matric, raising concerns about long-term skills and employment outcomes.