50 YEARS STRONG: St Benedict’s Tradition of Excellence Continues with Best-Ever Distinction Ratio

• 72 distinctions per boy from the Class of 2025
• Group average of 73.7%
• Six boys achieve 90% and above

St Benedict’s College is proud to announce a historic milestone as its matriculants achieve their 50th year of a 100% pass rate, demonstrating once again the College’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The 124 learners of the Class of 2025 produced an outstanding 337 distinctions, translating to a distinction ratio of 2.72 distinctions per matriculant – the highest in the school’s recent history. Additionally, the Class of 2025 attained an impressive overall average of 73.7% (B), highlighting the dedication and hard work of its students and staff.

This remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy as this cohort represents the first group to return to “normal” schooling after the disruption of COVID-19. Having entered Grade 8 in the wake of the pandemic, these young men learned resilience and adaptability quickly, skills that have clearly contributed to their exceptional academic performance.

New Benchmark

“These results represent an exceptional milestone in the life of the College and, in many respects, set a new benchmark of excellence to which future generations of Bennies boys can aspire,” says College Head Dave Jeffrey. “While it is customary to celebrate our top academic achievers, these results are, in fact, a collective success. They reflect the commitment, resilience, and perseverance of every boy who sat for the examinations, each of whom contributed meaningfully to this remarkable outcome.”

The College continues to uphold its tradition of producing well-rounded, high-achieving individuals. Of the 124 boys who passed the NSC exams, 99% qualified for University Entrance (Bachelor Degree) passes, with 100% of boys qualifying for tertiary studies.

As a Catholic school that prides itself on academic excellence, St Benedict’s ranks highly amongst IEB schools with 14 subjects exceeding the IEB national subject averages (including Further Studies subjects). This year four of their students featured on the IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List, three on the IEB Commendable Achievers’ List and 10 were listed among the top 1% national achievers within a subject.

St Benedict’s prides itself in being an institution that provides a solid foundation for future world leaders and the achievement in key subjects like Information Technology (81.52% average), Mathematics (76.85% average), Physical Sciences (75.02% average), Business Studies (73.11% average) and English (72.73% average) proves that these future trailblazers have received the necessary grounding for future success.

Record-Breaking Top Achievers

St Benedict’s top achiever Jordan Dos Santos led the Class of 2025 with a stellar average of 93.6% and 10 distinctions. Dos Santos demonstrated an exceptional breadth of achievement, featuring in the top 1% nationally in an impressive five subjects: English, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. He also earned a place on the IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List (Top 5% nationally in six subjects and a distinction in Life Orientation). His remarkable all-round performance reflects the College’s commitment to developing young men of character, competence, and conscience.

Close behind was Charlton Chung, who achieved an equally impressive 91% average with a remarkable 10 distinctions. Chung earned top 1% national recognition in both Geography and Mathematics and featured on the IEB Commendable Achievers List (Top 5% nationally in five subjects and a distinction in Life Orientation). His exceptional mathematical and analytical abilities position him well for future academic pursuits.

Christian Moll achieved a superb 92.1% average with nine distinctions, earning top 1% national recognition in History and Life Orientation, as well as a place on the IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List. Also achieving nine distinctions were Adham Gittings (91.7% average), Diego Brazao (90.4% average). Gittings achieved top 1% nationally in Business Studies and featured on the IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List, while Brazao earned top 1% recognition in Mathematics and featured on the IEB Commendable Achievers List.

Pundit Forka achieved an outstanding 91% average with eight distinctions, earning top 1% national recognition in English and Life Orientation, as well as a place on the IEB Outstanding Achievers’ List. Andrew Scott-White also achieved eight distinctions with an 89.4% average, earning top 1% recognition in both Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

National Recognition

In an outstanding demonstration of sustained academic commitment, 15 candidates obtained seven distinctions or more: Jordan Dos Santos – 93.6% average (10 Distinctions); Charlton Chung – 91% average (10 Distinctions); Christian Moll – 92.1% average (9 Distinctions); Adham Gittings – 91.7% average (9 Distinctions); Pundit Forka – 91% average (8 Distinctions); Diego Brazao – 90.4% average (9 Distinctions); Keegan Kung – 89.3% average (9 Distinctions); Andrew Scott-White – 89.4% average (8 Distinctions); Kevin Hubbard – 89.3% average (7 Distinctions); Ryan Van Zyl – 87.3% average (7 Distinctions); Adrian Emwanu – 86.7% average (8 Distinctions); Diego Dos Anjos – 85.3% average (7 Distinctions); Cameron Adams – 84.9% average (7 Distinctions) Gabriel Bastos – 84.4% average (7 Distinctions) and Ikechukwu Ejike – 81.4% average (7 Distinctions).

Kevin Hubbard achieved an impressive seven distinctions with an 89.3% average and earned top 1% national recognition in Geography and Mathematics, while also featuring on the IEB Commendable Achievers List.

The boys who achieved results in the top 1% nationally within a subject include: Jordan Dos Santos in English, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, and Physical Science; Pundit Forka in English and Life Orientation; Charlton Chung in Geography and Mathematics; Andrew Scott-White in Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Kevin

Hubbard achieved an impressive seven distinctions with an 89.3% average and earned top 1% national recognition in Geography and Mathematics, while also featuring on the IEB Commendable Achievers List.

The boys who achieved results in the top 1% nationally within a subject include: Jordan Dos Santos in English, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, and Physical Science; Pundit Forka in English and Life Orientation; Charlton Chung in Geography and Mathematics; Andrew Scott-White in Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Kevin Hubbard in Geography and Mathematics; Christian Moll in History and Life Orientation; Diego Brazao in Mathematics; Kwanda Magagula in Life Orientation; Kaleb Teka in Business Studies; and Adham Gittings in Business Studies.

A Powerful Partnership

Jeffrey adds, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of our boys, and this year’s results give us every reason to celebrate. They reflect the culmination of 13 years of hard work, determination, and commitment by our boys. Such success is never achieved in isolation. These results are the product of a powerful partnership between our dedicated boys, supportive and engaged parents, and a passionate, nurturing teaching staff who consistently go above and beyond in their calling.”

Looking to the Future

In closing, Jeffrey says, “As you embark on this exciting new chapter, we send you forth, our young trailblazers, with a reminder to lead with integrity, pursue knowledge with curiosity, and carry the values of our school into all that you do. This Class of 2025 has already demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. You adapted when the world changed, you persevered when uncertainty prevailed, and you have emerged stronger. May your journey be marked by excellence, resilience, and compassionate leadership, as you strive to create a brighter future for yourselves and others.

“Over the years, we have been proud to produce outstanding sportsmen, advocates, judges, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and principled leaders. We are confident that the Class of 2025 will continue this legacy. You possess the essential qualities needed to excel in all areas of life and to make meaningful contributions to your communities, society, and the world at large. Go forward with confidence and purpose for you are a light in the world.”