IEB Class of 2025: Kingsmead College matriculants excited for next chapter

The 2025 Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric results were released on Monday, marking a significant milestone for thousands of independent school pupils across the country.

The IEB is an assessment body that examines learners from independent schools, offering a curriculum aligned with national standards while placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent learning, and academic rigour.

Results day brought a mixture of anticipation, relief, and celebration for matriculants, even among those confident of strong performances.

The release of the IEB results comes just a day before the publication of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.

Against this backdrop, schools began reflecting on performance and the systems that support academic success.

One such school is Kingsmead College for Girls, which has once again produced high-achieving matriculants, with several learners attaining multiple distinctions in the 2025 examinations.

Top-achieving learner Zoey Anderson, who attained 10 distinctions, is among Kingsmead College for Girls’ leading performers following the release of the IEB matric results.

Having spent 15 years at the school, Anderson reflected on her academic journey, the support she received, and how balancing academics with sport and service contributed to her success.

“I’ve been at Kingsmead since Grade 0, so this was my 15th year here. I didn’t even consider going anywhere else - I knew Kingsmead was the place for me,” she said.

“The teachers genuinely care about you. They’re invested in you and want you to do the best you possibly can.”

Anderson said she chose subjects she enjoyed most, such as Accounting and Physical Sciences.
She hopes to study Actuarial Science at Stellenbosch University.

“I chose the subjects I enjoyed the most. They happened to be challenging, but enjoying them makes it so much easier to put the work in.”

The headmistress of Kingsmead College for Girls, Lisa Palmer, praised the Class of 2025 for demonstrating resilience, balance, and commitment.
Palmer said the school’s IEB results reflect far more than academic performance alone.

“These results are not just a reflection of academic ability, but of consistency, resilience, and balance,” she said.

Palmer highlighted the importance of developing well-rounded learners, noting that academic excellence is supported by strong pastoral care and meaningful relationships between teachers and pupils.

“We place a strong emphasis on relationships. When learners feel supported, they can perform at their best."

For Emma Simmonds, who achieved multiple distinctions, including one for isiZulu First Additional Language, enjoying her subjects played a key role in her success.

Having been at Kingsmead since Grade 0, she described the school as a constant source of support, saying the emphasis on individual growth rather than competition helped her thrive academically and personally.

She added that balancing demanding academics with sport, music, and leadership roles made the pressures of matric more manageable.

Similarly, Nozipo Magondo, who joined Kingsmead in Grade 8, credited the school’s inclusive and nurturing environment with helping her settle in and excel.

Achieving six distinctions, she said, becoming involved in sport, environmental initiatives, and cultural activities allowed her to grow in confidence while maintaining academic focus.

Magondo also reflected on the challenges of matric, noting that sustained effort throughout the year made the final examinations feel less daunting and ultimately rewarding.