As CEO of Star Schools, Vimala Ariyan has seen many students face uncertainty after receiving their matric results. She believes that failing matric is not the end of the world and should not be a roadblock to success. There are various options for pupils to consider if they have failed or are not satisfied with their marks.
The release of matric results is a time of high anxiety for families across the nation. While some celebrate a successful end to their high school journey, others face disappointing matric results and uncertainty for options after matric. This pressure can have serious consequences. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that 9.5% of teenage deaths in South Africa are due to suicide, with disappointment over matric results identified as a potential trigger.
If your family is in this situation, the most important message is one of hope. “Failing matric isn’t the end of the world – don’t let it become a roadblock to your success,” says Vimala Ariyan, CEO of Star Schools.
The good news is that there are many alternative paths to a successful future. This guide explores the options after matric in South Africa, with special considerations for homeschooling families who may be navigating different curricula.
If you or your child are feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, please contact SADAG on their 24-hour helpline: 0800 567 567.
Options After Matric for National Senior Certificate (NSC) Students
For homeschoolers who completed their matric through the National Senior Certificate (NSC), several well-established options are available.
1. Consider the Matric Rewrite Programme:
Whether you have failed or are simply dissatisfied with your marks, you can rewrite your final exams. You must rewrite the same subjects you wrote previously; you cannot change them. Importantly, there is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your matric. Many institutions, like Star Schools, offer programmes to support students through this process. “Many programmes… have been extremely successful over the years, with many pupils gaining successful entry into higher education institutions,” Ariyan notes.
2. Upgrade Specific Subjects:
If you did poorly in only one or two subjects that are preventing you from meeting minimum requirements for a desired course, you can choose to upgrade just those specific subjects at certain institutions.
3. Request a Remark or Re-check:
If you believe there was an error in the marking of your exam, you can apply for a remark. This comes at a fee, but it could lead to a positive outcome that gets you into your institution of choice. Be aware of the strict deadline: you must apply within 21 days of the official release of results.
Options After Matric for Other Homeschooling Curricula
Many homeschooling matric options fall outside the NSC. Here’s how to approach results for other common qualifications.
- Cambridge Assessment International Education: If your child’s AS or A-Level results are not what you hoped for, the Cambridge system allows for re-sits. You can register to retake specific exams in the next available exam session to improve your marks for university applications.
- General Education Development (GED): The GED is a pass/fail qualification. However, if your child needs a higher score for a specific college or university application in South Africa or abroad, they can retake any of the four subject tests to improve their score.
Powerful Alternatives to a Traditional University Path
A university degree is not the only route to a successful career. There are many excellent alternatives to university in South Africa.
1. TVET Colleges Are Great Options After Matric:
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer practical skills and knowledge for specific trades. These government-subsidised institutions provide qualifications in fields like engineering, hospitality, tourism, and information technology. You can find a list of public TVET colleges on the Department of Higher Education and Training website.
2. Skill Development Courses:
Short courses are ideal for gaining job-ready skills quickly. They equip you with the knowledge to be functional in a work environment, start your own business, or become self-employed. Platforms like Coursera and local providers offer certified courses in high-demand fields such as digital marketing, web development, and project management.
3. Apprenticeships and Learnerships:
These programmes combine paid, on-the-job training with theoretical learning. They are a fantastic way to gain practical experience, earn a qualification, and get a foot in the door of a specific industry without incurring student debt.
Whatever path you choose, remember that matric is a hurdle, not a definitive measure of your child’s ability or worth. What other options after matric in South Africa have you explored?Share your experiences and advice in the comments below to help other homeschooling families. For more guidance, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.