Grade 5 is the middle year of the Intermediate Phase. It is an important year because learners build the core skills they will need in Grade 6 and later in the Senior Phase. Many parents do not always understand how the pass requirements work in this phase, which leads to confusion when school reports are released. This page explains the Grade 5 pass requirements clearly and includes a Grade 5 pass-or-fail calculator for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
Grade 5 Pass/Fail Calculator • South Africa (2025–2026)
School Hive colours. CAPS Grade 5 promotion rules.
Learner Details
Subjects and Marks
Result
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What Is the Requirement to Pass Grade 5?
The Department of Basic Education sets the national promotion requirements for Grade 5, and every CAPS school in South Africa must follow these rules. Grade 5 learners take the following subjects:
- Home Language,
- First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences and Technology,
- Social Sciences,
- Life Skills.
To pass Grade 5 and be promoted to Grade 6, the national requirements are:
- 50 percent in your 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,
- You must pass Life Skills,
- You must meet the full subject combination.
These requirements apply to all schools in 2025 and 2026.
Understanding the Grade 5 Promotion Requirements
Grade 5 is where the workload increases and learners start preparing for Grade 6. The promotion requirements are designed to develop reading, writing, numeracy, and scientific understanding.
1. Home Language: 50 percent
This is the highest requirement in Grade 5. Learners must achieve at least 50 percent.
This applies to English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, Sesotho HL, Sepedi HL, Setswana HL, isiXhosa HL, and other official languages.
2. First Additional Language: 40 percent
Learners must achieve at least 40 percent in FAL.
Most schools offer English or Afrikaans as FAL.
3. Mathematics: 40 percent
Mathematics becomes more structured in Grade 5. A minimum of 40 percent is required for promotion to Grade 6.
4. Natural Sciences and Technology: 40 percent
This subject prepares learners for the advanced science and technology content in Grade 6 and Grade 7.
5. Social Sciences: 40 percent
This includes Geography and History.
A minimum of 40 percent is required.
6. Life Skills
Learners must pass Life Skills.
Although there is no specific national mark, consistent performance is required.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 5 Achievement
Teachers use these levels to describe learner progress.
1. Basic Promotion Level
Learners at this level meet the minimum requirements:
- 50 percent in HL,
- 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 achieving 60 percent or more in core subjects demonstrate strong academic progress.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
Learners achieving 70 percent or more across subjects show very strong readiness for Grade 6.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 5 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 the subject with consistent performance across its components.
Comparison Table: Grade 5 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 5 pass-or-fail calculator here.
How to Prepare for Grade 6 While in Grade 5
Grade 6 becomes more demanding, so Grade 5 is the best year to build strong habits.
Helpful strategies:
- Practise Mathematics daily using short exercises.
- Read books, stories, and articles regularly to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Review work every week instead of waiting for test week.
- Complete all class tasks and homework carefully.
- Practise writing paragraphs and summaries.
- Use worksheets to strengthen weak subjects.
- Ask teachers questions during lessons or after school.
A strong Grade 5 performance makes the transition into Grade 6 much smoother.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 5?
The official CAPS rules say 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,
- Progress and performance in Life Skills.
These rules apply in every CAPS school in 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 5 Learners
Grade 5 performance influences readiness for Grade 6, especially in:
- Reading and writing skills,
- Mathematical reasoning,
- Scientific thinking,
- Understanding of Geography and History.
Learners who struggle in Grade 5 often find Grade 6 difficult unless proper support is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 5?
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 5?
No. Mathematics must be passed with at least 40 percent.
Does Grade 5 performance matter for Grade 6?
Yes. Grade 5 marks give a clear picture of how ready a learner is for the Senior Phase.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 5?
English Home Language requires 50 percent.
English First Additional Language requires 40 percent.
Can you fail one subject in Grade 5?
Only if it falls in a non-critical category and the full combination rules are still met.
Final Summary
The Grade 5 pass requirements are designed to ensure that learners are ready for Grade 6 and the final year of the Intermediate Phase. Learners must meet strict minimum marks in their languages, Mathematics, science subjects, and social sciences. These rules stay the same for the 2025 and 2026 school years.
This page includes a Grade 5 calculator that helps learners and parents check their promotion status by entering their subject marks.
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