KZN schools accused of barring matric learners from exams over pass-rate concerns

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education said it was concerned about reports involving eight learners at schools in the province. The allegations relate to learners being stopped from writing examinations because of their attendance at extra classes, their expected performance or concerns about a school’s overall pass rate.

Three schools under scrutiny

At Thokozamnganga High School in eNtshongweni, in the Pinetown District, a learner was allegedly prevented from writing her History examination last week. The department said the learner was allegedly punished after failing to attend extra classes held on a Saturday.

At Shallcross Secondary School in the uMlazi District, six learners were allegedly barred from writing Mathematics Literacy Paper 1. The reported reason was that their performance could compromise the school’s target of achieving a 100% pass rate.

The department also referred to an incident at Ntwenhle High School, where a learner was allegedly denied the opportunity to write an Accounting examination.

The allegations have raised questions about the way school performance targets and additional academic support are being managed during the matric examination period. While schools may set goals and offer extra lessons, the department said those measures must not be used to prevent learners from completing their examinations.

MEC condemns alleged denial of exam access

Hlomuka said denying a learner the opportunity to write an examination was a serious matter. He stressed that extra classes were intended to provide academic support and should never become a punishment that compromised a learner’s right to complete the examination process.

“No learner should be made to feel that their future is at risk because they did not attend an extra class or because they may not achieve a distinction. Every learner deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities during examinations.”

The MEC’s comments place the focus on the individual learner’s right to participate in the NSC examinations, rather than on the effect a learner’s results might have on a school’s performance figures.

A school’s pass rate can be an important measure of academic performance, but the department’s position is that such targets cannot be pursued at the expense of learners. The reported incidents also underline the difference between encouraging learners to attend additional lessons and using attendance or expected results as a basis for restricting examination access.

Department to investigate reports

The Education Department said it would investigate all the reported incidents. The investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding each case and determine what action, if any, is appropriate.

Investigations will be important in clarifying what happened at each school, including the decisions made before the affected examinations and the reasons given to the learners. The department has not indicated the outcome of any investigation.

Where misconduct is established, the department said it would take appropriate internal disciplinary action against those found responsible. This means that any consequences will depend on the findings of the investigations rather than on the allegations alone.

Support promised for affected learners

In addition to examining the conduct of the schools, the department said it would prioritise support aimed at restoring the affected learners’ confidence and emotional well-being.

The department said this support was intended to help the learners continue writing their examinations in a supportive environment. The emphasis on emotional well-being reflects the pressure associated with matric examinations and the potential impact of being prevented from writing a paper.

For learners, an examination is an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities developed during their schooling. Being told that they cannot write a paper can create uncertainty at a time when concentration and confidence are particularly important. The department’s stated approach is therefore focused both on accountability and on helping affected pupils continue with the examination process.

Commitment to a fair NSC process

Hlomuka said school performance targets must never be prioritised over learners’ educational rights and well-being. The department reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of all pupils and ensuring that the NSC examination process is conducted with integrity, fairness and respect for every candidate.

The cases remain subject to investigation. For now, the department has made clear that learners should not be denied the opportunity to write an examination as a punitive measure or because of concerns about a school’s overall pass rate.

The outcome of the investigations will determine whether disciplinary steps are taken at any of the three schools. The department’s immediate priority, it said, is to support the affected learners while ensuring that the examination process remains fair to every candidate.