Grade 3 is the final year of the Foundation Phase in the CAPS curriculum. It is one of the most important years in primary school because it prepares learners for the Intermediate Phase, where teaching becomes more formal, content becomes more detailed, and assessments become more strict. Grade 3 is where learners must master reading, writing, and basic numeracy so that they can successfully cope with Grade 4.
Many parents do not fully understand how the Grade 3 pass requirements work, especially because the Foundation Phase uses a different promotion system from the senior grades. This page explains everything clearly and includes a Grade 3 pass-or-fail calculator for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
Grade 3 Pass/Fail Calculator • South Africa (2025–2026)
School Hive colours. CAPS Grade 3 promotion rules.
Learner Details
Subjects and Marks
Result
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What Is the Requirement to Pass Grade 3?
The Department of Basic Education sets very clear national requirements for passing Grade 3. All CAPS schools, both public and independent, must follow these rules.
Grade 3 learners are assessed in the following subjects:
- Home Language,
- First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Life Skills.
To pass Grade 3 and move to Grade 4, the national requirements are:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- Consistent progress and participation in Life Skills,
- The learner must meet the full subject combination.
These requirements apply to both the 2025 and 2026 school years.
Understanding the Grade 3 Promotion Requirements
Grade 3 requires strong foundational skills because Grade 4 introduces heavier reading loads, multiple subjects, and more complex assessments. The promotion requirements focus on the essential literacy and numeracy skills needed for high-level learning.
1. Home Language: 50 percent
This is the most important requirement in Grade 3.
Learners must achieve at least 50 percent in Home Language reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, phonics, and oral work.
This applies to English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, isiXhosa HL, Sesotho HL, Sepedi HL, Setswana HL, and others.
2. First Additional Language: 40 percent
Learners must achieve at least 40 percent in FAL.
This includes reading, listening, speaking, basic writing, and vocabulary.
3. Mathematics: 40 percent
Mathematics in Grade 3 includes:
- Addition and subtraction,
- Fractions,
- Time,
- Money,
- Patterns,
- Problem-solving,
- Multiplication and division basics.
A minimum of 40 percent is required for promotion.
4. Life Skills
Life Skills includes:
- Beginning knowledge and personal development,
- Physical Education,
- Creative Arts.
Learners must show progress and participation across all components.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 3 Achievement
Teachers use performance levels to guide support and identify strengths.
1. Basic Promotion Level
Learners meet the minimum requirements:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in FAL,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- Pass in Life Skills.
2. Moderate Performance Level
Learners perform above the minimum in most subjects and show steady progress.
3. High Performance Level
Learners consistently achieve 60 percent or more in mathematics and languages.
They show strong readiness for Grade 4.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
Learners achieving 70 percent or more in most subjects show advanced literacy and numeracy skills for their age.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 3 Subject
Home Language
Minimum: 50 percent
This is the key for reading and writing development.
First Additional Language
Minimum: 40 percent
Learners must demonstrate basic communication and understanding.
Mathematics
Minimum: 40 percent
This is the foundation for all future maths learning.
Life Skills
Learners must pass the subject with consistent performance.
Comparison Table: Grade 3 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 |
| Life Skills | Progress required | Must pass |
You can add your Grade 3 promotion calculator here.
How to Prepare for Grade 4 While in Grade 3
Grade 4 is a major leap from Grade 3. Learners face:
- More formal tests,
- More writing,
- More subjects,
- More reading,
- More independent learning.
Here are practical ways to prepare:
- Read every day for at least twenty minutes.
- Practise Mathematics regularly, especially word problems.
- Strengthen handwriting and neatness.
- Teach learners how to summarise short paragraphs.
- Use extra worksheets to revise difficult topics.
- Encourage good routines like completing homework and packing the school bag.
- Ask teachers for help before problems become too big.
A strong Grade 3 foundation can prevent Grade 4 learning gaps.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 3?
The official CAPS requirements for Grade 3 promotion are:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- A pass in Life Skills.
These rules apply in all CAPS schools for 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 3 Learners
Grade 3 prepares learners for:
- Independent reading,
- Writing full sentences and paragraphs,
- Problem-solving and calculations,
- Early science and social skills,
- Emotional, physical, and creative development.
A learner who performs well in Grade 3 often finds the transition to Grade 4 much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 3?
You need 50 percent in Home Language, 40 percent in First Additional Language, 40 percent in Mathematics, and a pass in Life Skills.
Can you fail Mathematics and still pass Grade 3?
No. Mathematics must be passed with at least 40 percent.
Why is Grade 3 a difficult year?
Because it is the final Foundation Phase year and prepares learners for the more formal Grade 4 level.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 3?
If English is the Home Language, the requirement is 50 percent.
If English is the First Additional Language, the requirement is 40 percent.
Do Grade 3 marks matter for Grade 4?
Yes. They show whether the learner is ready for formal learning in the Intermediate Phase.
Final Summary
The Grade 3 pass requirements ensure that learners have the essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills needed for Grade 4. Learners must achieve the correct marks in their languages and Mathematics, and show progress in Life Skills. These rules are the same for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
This page also includes a Grade 3 pass-or-fail calculator that helps learners and parents check promotion status instantly.
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