Grade 4 is the beginning of the Intermediate Phase in the CAPS curriculum. It is one of the most challenging transition years for learners because the teaching style becomes more formal, the subjects increase in complexity, and learners start writing more structured tests and tasks. Many parents find Grade 4 difficult to understand because it is very different from the Foundation Phase.
This article explains the Grade 4 pass requirements clearly and includes a Grade 4 pass-or-fail calculator for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
Grade 4 Pass/Fail Calculator • South Africa (2025–2026)
School Hive colours. CAPS Grade 4 promotion rules.
Learner Details
Subjects and Marks
Result
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What Is the Requirement to Pass Grade 4?
The Department of Basic Education sets the promotion requirements for Grade 4. Every CAPS school in South Africa must follow these rules.
Grade 4 learners take the following subjects:
- Home Language,
- First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences and Technology,
- Social Sciences,
- Life Skills.
To pass Grade 4 and move to Grade 5, learners must achieve:
- 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,
- Meet the required combination of subjects.
These rules apply to the 2025 and 2026 school years.
Understanding the Grade 4 Promotion Requirements
Grade 4 introduces heavier reading loads, longer tests, and more independent learning.
The promotion requirements focus on:
- Strong language skills,
- Basic numeracy,
- Early scientific reasoning,
- Understanding Geography and History,
- Growth in Life Skills.
1. Home Language: 50 percent
The learner must achieve at least 50 percent in Home Language.
This applies to English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, Sesotho HL, Sepedi HL, isiXhosa 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 4, with fractions, word problems, time, money, and number patterns forming the foundation for later grades.
4. Natural Sciences and Technology: 40 percent
This subject supports the development of scientific thinking and basic technology concepts.
5. Social Sciences: 40 percent
This includes Geography and History.
Learners must achieve at least 40 percent.
6. Life Skills
Life Skills consists of Creative Arts, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Wellbeing.
Learners must show consistent progress and pass the subject.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 4 Achievement
Teachers use these levels to identify progress and where support is needed.
1. Basic Promotion Level
Learners at this level meet only the minimum requirements:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in FAL, Mathematics, NST, and Social Sciences,
- Pass in Life Skills.
2. Moderate Performance Level
Learners achieve above 40 percent in most subjects and show improving understanding.
3. High Performance Level
Learners consistently achieve 60 percent or more across key subjects.
They show strong progress through the Intermediate Phase.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
Learners achieving 70 percent or more often move through Grade 5 and Grade 6 with confidence.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 4 Subject
Home Language
Minimum: 50 percent
First Additional Language
Minimum: 40 percent
Mathematics
Minimum: 40 percent
Natural Sciences and Technology
Minimum: 40 percent
Social Sciences (History and Geography)
Minimum: 40 percent
Life Skills
Learners must pass Life Skills and show consistent participation and progress.
Comparison Table: Grade 4 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 add your Grade 4 pass-or-fail calculator here.
How to Prepare for Grade 5 While in Grade 4
Grade 4 is a major adjustment year. Many learners struggle because they move from learning in one classroom to multiple teachers and heavier content.
Here are helpful ways to prepare for Grade 5:
- Read daily to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Practise Mathematics regularly, especially word problems and basic operations.
- Review Natural Sciences every week.
- Use summaries or mind maps for Social Sciences.
- Reinforce handwriting, spelling, and neatness.
- Encourage daily homework planning and organisation.
- Ask for help as soon as a topic becomes confusing.
Good habits formed in Grade 4 create a stronger foundation for Grades 5 and 6.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 4?
According to CAPS promotion guidelines, a learner must achieve:
- 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,
- A pass in Life Skills.
These rules apply to every CAPS school in 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 4 Learners
Grade 4 performance shapes the next few years of schooling. Learners who perform strongly often show confidence and stability in:
- Reading and writing,
- Problem-solving in Mathematics,
- Understanding science topics,
- Identifying places, maps, and timelines in Social Sciences,
- Growing emotional and physical development through Life Skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 4?
You need 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, and a pass in Life Skills.
Can you fail Mathematics and still pass Grade 4?
No. Mathematics must be passed with at least 40 percent.
Does Grade 4 performance matter for Grade 5?
Yes. Grade 4 performance forms the foundation for the rest of the Intermediate Phase.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 4?
If English is your Home Language, you need 50 percent.
If English is your First Additional Language, you need 40 percent.
Can you fail one subject in Grade 4?
Only if it is not one of the compulsory pass subjects, and the full subject combination is still met.
Final Summary
The Grade 4 pass requirements prepare learners for the challenges of Grade 5 and the rest of the Intermediate Phase. Learners must achieve the required marks in languages, Mathematics, science subjects, and social sciences. These rules apply to all CAPS schools for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
This page also includes a Grade 4 calculator to help parents and learners check promotion status based on the correct subject marks.
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