Windhoek: The 2025 national examination results for both the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) levels have shown an improvement in key performance indicators (KPIs) compared to 2024 despite persistent challenges in parts of the system. Minister of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, announced the results and highlighted changes in enrolment patterns as well as performance metrics.
According to Namibia Press Agency, full-time NSSCO enrolment decreased from 40,757 candidates in 2024 to 38,692 in 2025, while part-time enrolment increased from 39,002 to 42,819. Steenkamp noted that the decline in full-time candidates might indicate challenges within earlier stages of the schooling system, whereas the increase in part-time enrolment underscores a growing demand for second-chance opportunities. The ministry is urged to support learners on their first attempt and to strengthen alternative pathways.
All KPIs at the NSSCO level reflected noticeable improvement in 2025. The percentage of full-time candidates qualifying to progress to the NSSCAS level by achieving a minimum grade three (C) or better in three subjects increased from 29.5% in 2024 to 36.0% in 2025. This indicates a broader pool of learners eligible for AS level studies. Performance under the previous benchmark of 20 points in five subjects rose from 53.7% to 60.2%, while achievement under the new benchmark of 25 points in five subjects increased from 34.6% to 40.3%.
Regional performance rankings also showed considerable changes. Kavango East recorded the largest improvement, rising from seventh to first place in the national NSSCO ranking, while Khomas moved from eighth to fourth place. Kavango East led in progression to the NSSCAS level with 52.7% of its candidates qualifying, surpassing the national average of 36%. Nationwide, 13,921 candidates qualified for AS level, compared to 12,031 in 2024.
AS level enrolment experienced a significant rise, with NSSCAS full-time candidates increasing from 9,835 in 2024 to 11,968 in 2025, marking a 21.7% increase. Part-time candidates also increased from 779 to 1,182. Rukonga Vision School, Onawa SSS, and Oshigambo High School were among the top performers at both levels.
Steenkamp highlighted improvements across rural and urban centres, demonstrating excellence in various learning environments. At the Advanced Subsidiary level, regional rankings shifted again, with Kavango West retaining first place, Hardap rising from 12th to third, and Oshikoto falling from fourth to eighth place. Steenkamp emphasized the importance of sustained academic support across all regions to maintain quality teaching and learning as national standards rise.
The ministry stressed the need for more effective interventions, particularly for part-time learners who repeatedly re-enrol without achieving success, and reiterated the importance of guiding learners toward suitable alternative pathways.