Matheus David 

Grade 12 learners across the country returned to their admitted schools yesterday, the education ministry confirmed. 

The start of their academic year is to prepare them for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) pathways.

According to the education ministry 2025 results statistics, a total of 38 692 full-time candidates registered for the NSSCO examination in 2025, compared to 40 757 candidates in 2024. There is a decline in full-time registrations, while part-time enrolment has continued to grow. 

In 2025, 42 819 part-time candidates registered for the NSSCO part-time examinations, up from 39 002 candidates in 2024. 

This represents an increase of 3 819 candidates, or 9.8%, highlighting a growing number of learners returning to complete or improve their qualifications.

The ministry also reported an academic progress at Advanced Subsidiary level. The first Key Performance Indicator (KPI), which measures the percentage of full-time candidates who qualify to progress to the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) level by obtaining a minimum grade C in at least three subjects, showed a notable improvement. A comparison of the 2024 and 2025 results indicates a 6.5% increase, rising from 29.5% in 2024 to 36.0% in 2025.

Grade 11 result statistics is showing an increase in number of learners meeting the minimum academic requirements for AS level studies. In total, 13 921 candidates qualified for progression to AS level in 2025, compared to 12 031 candidates in 2024. Across all regions, directorates of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture have issued Grade 12 full-time placement lists for the 2026 academic year. The education ministry urges schools to begin with what is expected to be a demanding but a hopeful academic year. 

–matheusshitongenidavid@gmail.com