{"id":848110,"date":"2026-01-17T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=848110"},"modified":"2026-01-17T07:06:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T05:06:48","slug":"the-government-school-outperforming-most-private-schools-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/lifestyle\/848110\/the-government-school-outperforming-most-private-schools-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"The government school outperforming most private schools in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has\u00a0announced\u00a0Afrikaanse Ho\u00ebr Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies) as the top-performing government school in the province based on its 2025 matric results.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the school, 247 learners from Affies sat the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collectively, the class of 2025 achieved 791 distinctions, excluding 10 distinctions in Advanced Mathematics, amounting to an average of 3.2 distinctions per learner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of these distinctions, 165 were high distinctions of 90% and above. The school achieved an average grade of 75.82% and a bachelor\u2019s pass rate of 98%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven subjects at the school recorded an average above 80%, while 12 subjects achieved averages above 70%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AHMP\u2019s five top achievers each received eight distinctions. \u201cThe broad distribution of distinctions among the matriculants reflects the group\u2019s overall academic strength,\u201d the school said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe results confirm the value of consistent academic focus and dedicated teaching, as well as the learners\u2019 perseverance, resilience and humility with which they faced challenges and achieved success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the school celebrated the exceptional success of its 2025 matric cohort, it operates under the words of its first principal, F.J. le Roux.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA school\u2019s value must not only be estimated by the quality of its academic work. The tone of a school, its cultural life, spiritual value and its capacity for building character cannot be measured by any examination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afrikaanse Ho\u00ebr Meisieskool Pretoria opened its doors in 1920 at 218 Visagie Street. At the time, it had only 44 pupils and three staff members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school grew quickly, and by the time it expanded and moved to its current location on Bond Street, it had 314 pupils. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, there are about 1,300 girls enrolled in the school, which has seen its surroundings change from the dusty, tree-lined avenues lined with stately houses in the 1930s to today\u2019s bustling urban neighbourhood in the heart of Jacaranda City.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 100 years of excellence<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Afrikaanse Ho\u00ebr Meisieskool Pretoria around a century ago. Photo: Afrikaanse Ho\u00ebr Meisieskool Pretoria.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When it began, the school was co-ed, with both boys and girls, but due to rapid growth in its first few years, it was divided into two single-sex schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1930, the school chose its motto: \u201cEk sien haar wen\u201d <\/em>or \u201cI see her winning\u201d taken from the poem by Jan F.E Celliers \u201cBy die Vrouebetoging\u201d <\/em>about the scene of the women\u2019s rights demonstration in 1915. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school celebrates its 106th birthday this year on January 28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its long history, it has garnered numerous accolades for its high academic standards, being named the country\u2019s top Academic school in Quintile 5 by the Department of Education in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1922, the school had two candidates write the matriculation exam. Both students passed successfully. Since then, academic excellence has become a core value of the school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor 37 years, AHMP has maintained a 100% matric pass rate \u2013 a testament to the school\u2019s high teaching standards and commitment to academic success,\u201d the school said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school offers an array of extra-curricular activities in addition to its rigorous academic offerings, including athletics, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, equestrian, mountain biking, golf, chess, softball, cross-country, table tennis and water polo.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school has a full-time biokineticist on site to assist with conditioning programmes and rehabilitation after sports injuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural activities include choir, orchestra, public speaking, debate, drama, arts and the school\u2019s newspaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the school\u2019s old, stately buildings are a testament to its long history, while its modern upgrades and state-of-the-art facilities make sure that each girl can reach her full potential in academics, sports, and culture.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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