Grade 7 is the start of the Senior Phase in the CAPS curriculum. It is a major step for learners because the work becomes more challenging, the assessments become more detailed, and the performance in Grade 7 shapes a learner’s confidence and readiness for Grade 8 and the rest of high school.
Parents and learners often ask what is needed to pass Grade 7, especially because the promotion rules are stricter than in the Intermediate Phase. This page explains everything clearly and includes a Grade 7 pass-or-fail calculator that works perfectly for the 2025 year-end results and the 2026 academic year.
Grade 7 Pass/Fail Calculator • South Africa (2025–2026)
School Hive colours. Senior Phase promotion pattern.
Learner Details
Subjects and Marks
Result
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What Is the Requirement to Pass Grade 7?
The Department of Basic Education sets the national promotion requirements for Grade 7, and all CAPS schools must follow these rules. Grade 7 learners take the following subjects:
- Home Language,
- First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences,
- Social Sciences,
- Life Orientation,
- Technology,
- EMS (Economic and Management Sciences),
- Creative Arts.
To pass Grade 7 and move to Grade 8, you must meet the following national requirements:
- 50 percent in your Home Language,
- 40 percent in your First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in three additional subjects,
- 30 percent in two remaining subjects,
- You must meet the full required subject combination.
These rules are the same for 2025 and 2026, unless DBE publishes an update.
Understanding the Grade 7 Promotion Requirements
Grade 7 marks the beginning of the Senior Phase, so the expectations are higher than in Grade 6. The promotion requirements are built around literacy, numeracy, and core academic skills.
1. Home Language: 50 percent
This is the highest requirement in Grade 7. Learners must achieve at least 50 percent in Home Language. This includes English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, Sesotho HL, Sepedi HL, Setswana HL, Xhosa HL, and other official HL subjects.
2. First Additional Language: 40 percent
Learners must achieve at least 40 percent in FAL.
This is usually English FAL or Afrikaans FAL.
3. Mathematics: 40 percent
Mathematics becomes more abstract in Grade 7. A minimum of 40 percent is required for promotion.
4. Three subjects at 40 percent
At least three of the remaining subjects must reach 40 percent.
These could include:
- Natural Sciences,
- Social Sciences,
- EMS,
- Technology,
- Life Orientation.
5. Two subjects at 30 percent
The last two subjects can be passed with 30 percent, as long as the higher requirements above are met.
6. Full combination must be correct
Even if you pass most subjects, you can still fail Grade 7 if the combination does not meet the national rules.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 7 Achievement
The levels below help parents and teachers understand how well a learner is coping with Senior Phase work.
1. Basic Promotion Level
This means the learner meets only the minimum requirements:
- 50 percent in HL,
- 40 percent in FAL,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in three subjects,
- 30 percent in two subjects.
2. Moderate Performance Level
Learners in this level perform above the minimum in most subjects.
They cope well with the Senior Phase workload.
3. High Performance Level
Learners consistently achieving 60 percent or more in Mathematics, languages, and sciences usually perform strongly in Grade 8 and Grade 9.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
Learners achieving 70 percent or more across subjects show strong academic potential and can take on advanced subjects later.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 7 Subject
Home Language
Minimum: 50 percent
First Additional Language
Minimum: 40 percent
Mathematics
Minimum: 40 percent
Natural Sciences
Minimum: 40 percent (if used in the required subject group)
Social Sciences (History and Geography)
Minimum: 40 percent
Life Orientation
Minimum: 40 percent
EMS (Economic and Management Sciences)
Minimum: 30 percent or 40 percent, depending on subject grouping
Technology
Minimum: 30 percent or 40 percent
Creative Arts
Minimum: 30 percent
Comparison Table: Grade 7 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 |
| Three subjects | 40 percent | Required |
| Two subjects | 30 percent | Optional lower pass |
This is where you can place your Grade 7 pass-or-fail calculator.
How to Prepare for Grade 8 While in Grade 7
Grade 7 is the foundation of high school, so developing good habits now makes Senior Phase easier.
Here are helpful strategies:
- Practise Mathematics daily because Grade 8 becomes more challenging.
- Read more to improve vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension.
- Complete all SBA tasks with effort, because they shape your final mark.
- Do not rely only on notes. Use worksheets and practice questions.
- Learn how to summarise chapters and sections.
- Ask teachers for feedback early instead of waiting until term tests.
- Build good organisation habits such as planning homework and breaking tasks into smaller pieces.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 7?
The national CAPS rule is clear:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in three additional subjects,
- 30 percent in two subjects.
These rules apply to all South African schools using the CAPS curriculum in 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 7 Learners
Grade 7 opens several pathways for learners as they move toward high school:
- Strong learners move into advanced subject choices in Grade 10.
- Learners interested in technology may later take Technical Mathematics or Engineering Graphics and Design.
- Learners with strong language skills may perform well in subjects like History and Business Studies.
- Parents can already see early career strengths based on Grade 7 patterns.
Good performance in Grade 7 gives learners a strong start to the Senior Phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 7?
You need 50 percent in Home Language, 40 percent in First Additional Language, 40 percent in Mathematics, 40 percent in three other subjects, and 30 percent in two remaining subjects.
Can you fail Mathematics and still pass Grade 7?
No. To be promoted, you must achieve at least 40 percent in Mathematics.
Can you fail two subjects in Grade 7?
Yes, as long as those two subjects fall into the 30 percent group and all other requirements are met.
Does Grade 7 count for high school readiness?
Yes. Grade 7 performance is the foundation for success in Grade 8 and Grade 9.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 7?
If English is your Home Language, the pass mark is 50 percent.
If English is your First Additional Language, the pass mark is 40 percent.
Final Summary
The Grade 7 pass requirements help determine whether a learner is ready to move into Grade 8 and begin the Senior Phase of high school. Learners must meet specific marks in their Home Language, First Additional Language, Mathematics, and other subjects.
This page includes a Grade 7 calculator that helps learners and parents check promotion status for both the 2025 and 2026 academic years. Enter your nine subject marks and get immediate feedback on whether you passed or not.
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