Western Cape matric pass hits 85.9% after supplementary exams - MEC

Cape Town - The Western Cape matric pass rate has increased to 85.9% following supplementary exams and re-marks, Education MEC Debbie Schafer said on Thursday.

A total of 779 candidates passed the supplementary examinations after writing in February and March, while 120 matriculants passed after applying for re-marks.

"This means that an additional 899 candidates have now achieved their national senior certificate for 2015," Schafer said in a statement.

"In 2015, the Western Cape achieved the highest matric pass rate in the country. While we are proud of our pass rate, this is not our primary indicator of success.

"Our main objective is to increase the actual number passing matric, and the quality of these passes."

Schafer confirmed the percentage of candidates who had qualified for access to Bachelor degree studies had increased from 41.7% to 42%, the highest in the country.