Grade 6 is the final year of the Intermediate Phase. It is an important year because it prepares learners for the Senior Phase, where schoolwork becomes more detailed and demanding. The subjects in Grade 6 help build a strong foundation for Grade 7, Grade 8, and Grade 9. For this reason, understanding the Grade 6 pass requirements is very important for parents, teachers, and learners.
This page also includes a Grade 6 pass-or-fail calculator that checks your promotion status for both the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
Grade 6 Pass/Fail Calculator • South Africa (2025–2026)
School Hive colours. CAPS Grade 6 promotion rules.
Learner Details
Subjects and Marks
Result
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What Is the Requirement to Pass Grade 6?
The Department of Basic Education sets the national promotion requirements for Grade 6. All CAPS schools in South Africa follow these rules. Grade 6 learners take the following subjects:
- Home Language,
- First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences and Technology,
- Social Sciences,
- Life Skills.
To pass Grade 6 and move to Grade 7, the national requirements are:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in Natural Sciences and Technology,
- 40 percent in Social Sciences,
- You must pass Life Skills,
- You must meet the full required subject combination.
These rules apply to all South African schools in 2025 and 2026 unless DBE updates the policy.
Understanding the Grade 6 Promotion Requirements
The promotion requirements in Grade 6 focus on literacy, numeracy, and foundational knowledge in science and social studies. This helps ensure that learners are ready for Grade 7 and the Senior Phase.
1. Home Language: 50 percent
This is the strongest requirement. A learner must achieve at least 50 percent in Home Language.
Examples include English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, isiXhosa HL, Sepedi HL, Sesotho HL, Setswana HL, and others.
2. First Additional Language: 40 percent
The learner must achieve at least 40 percent in FAL.
3. Mathematics: 40 percent
Mathematics becomes more structured in Grade 6. A minimum of 40 percent is required for promotion.
4. Natural Sciences and Technology: 40 percent
This subject supports science and engineering concepts taught in Grade 7.
5. Social Sciences: 40 percent
This includes History and Geography. Learners must achieve at least 40 percent.
6. Life Skills
Although Life Skills does not have a strict minimum like the others, learners must show consistent progress and pass the subject.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 6 Achievement
Grade 6 teachers use performance bands to understand how well a learner is coping with the curriculum.
1. Basic Promotion Level
Learners at this level meet the minimum requirements:
- 50 percent in HL,
- 40 percent in FAL, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, and Social Sciences,
- Pass in Life Skills.
2. Moderate Performance Level
Learners achieve above 40 percent in most subjects and show steady progress.
3. High Performance Level
Learners consistently achieve 60 percent or more in Mathematics, languages, and sciences.
They often handle Grade 7 content with confidence.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
Learners achieve 70 percent or more across most subjects.
This indicates strong academic readiness for the Senior Phase.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 6 Subject
Home Language
Minimum pass: 50 percent
First Additional Language
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Mathematics
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Natural Sciences and Technology
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Social Sciences (History and Geography)
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Life Skills
Learners must pass the subject with consistent performance.
Comparison Table: Grade 6 Promotion Requirements
| Subject Category | Minimum Requirement | Promotion Value |
|---|---|---|
| Home Language | 50 percent | Must pass |
| First Additional Language | 40 percent | Must pass |
| Mathematics | 40 percent | Must pass |
| Natural Sciences and Technology | 40 percent | Required |
| Social Sciences | 40 percent | Required |
| Life Skills | Progress required | Must pass |
You can insert your Grade 6 pass-or-fail calculator here.
How to Prepare for Grade 7 While in Grade 6
Grade 6 requires regular practice and strong study habits. These habits make the transition into high school smoother.
Helpful strategies include:
- Practise Mathematics frequently because Grade 7 Mathematics becomes more complex.
- Read regularly to improve comprehension and language ability.
- Review work weekly instead of waiting for test periods.
- Complete all classwork and homework carefully.
- Use worksheets, reading passages, and extra notes to strengthen weak areas.
- Improve writing and summarising skills.
- Ask teachers questions when you do not understand something.
The stronger your foundation in Grade 6, the easier Grade 7 becomes.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 6?
The official CAPS promotion rules state:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in Natural Sciences and Technology,
- 40 percent in Social Sciences,
- Pass in Life Skills.
These rules apply to 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 6 Learners
Grade 6 performance determines readiness for Grade 7. Learners who perform well in Grade 6 tend to adapt faster in the Senior Phase because they already have strong reading, writing, problem-solving, and comprehension skills.
Good Grade 6 performance supports future subjects such as:
- Geography,
- Natural Sciences,
- EMS,
- Mathematics,
- Technology,
- Life Orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 6?
You need 50 percent in Home Language, 40 percent in your First Additional Language, 40 percent in Mathematics, 40 percent in Natural Sciences and Technology, 40 percent in Social Sciences, and a pass in Life Skills.
Can you fail Mathematics and still pass Grade 6?
No. Mathematics must be passed with at least 40 percent.
Do Grade 6 marks affect Grade 7?
Yes. Strong Grade 6 marks indicate readiness for Senior Phase content.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 6?
If English is your Home Language, you need 50 percent.
If English is your First Additional Language, you need 40 percent.
Can you fail two subjects in Grade 6?
You may only fail subjects that are not part of the compulsory minimum pass group. You must still meet the national combination rules.
Final Summary
The Grade 6 pass requirements help educators decide whether a learner is ready for Grade 7. Learners must meet specific minimum marks in their languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Social Sciences, and Life Skills. These requirements stay the same for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
This page includes a Grade 6 calculator that lets you check if you passed based on your nine subject marks.
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