Grade 9 is the final year of the Senior Phase in the CAPS curriculum. It is one of the most important decision-making years for learners because it determines your subject choices for Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12. Your performance in Grade 9 decides whether you qualify to move into the Further Education and Training Phase, where your career path becomes clearer. That is why understanding the Grade 9 pass requirements is very important for learners, parents, and teachers.
This page also includes a Grade 9 pass-or-fail calculator that helps you check your promotion status for both the 2025 year-end exams and the 2026 academic year.
Grade 9 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 9?
The Department of Basic Education sets the national promotion requirements for Grade 9. All CAPS schools must follow these rules. Grade 9 learners write nine subjects, not seven like in the FET Phase.
The Grade 9 subject package includes:
- One Home Language,
- One First Additional Language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences,
- Social Sciences,
- Life Orientation,
- Technology,
- EMS (Economic and Management Sciences),
- One Creative Arts subject.
To pass Grade 9 and be promoted to Grade 10, you need:
- 50 percent in your Home Language,
- 40 percent in your First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in three other subjects,
- 30 percent in two remaining subjects,
- You must pass the required number of subjects according to CAPS rules.
These are not school rules. These are national rules.
Understanding the Grade 9 Promotion Requirements
The Grade 9 pass requirements are slightly stricter than the FET Phase. Here is how it works:
1. 50 percent in Home Language
Your Home Language is your most important communication subject. Failing your HL blocks promotion.
2. 40 percent in First Additional Language
This includes English FAL, Afrikaans FAL, and other official FAL subjects.
3. 40 percent in Mathematics
Mathematics is compulsory for all Grade 9 learners.
You must achieve at least 40 percent to qualify for promotion.
4. 40 percent in three additional subjects
Subjects like Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, EMS, or Technology must reach 40 percent in at least three of them.
5. 30 percent in two remaining subjects
As long as you meet the higher requirements above, you may achieve 30 percent in your last two subjects.
6. Pass the required total number of subjects
Most schools require learners to pass at least seven out of nine subjects, but the exact combination must include the subjects listed above.
Performance Levels Used to Understand Grade 9 Achievement
Even though Grade 9 does not award Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor-level passes, teachers and parents use performance ranges to understand readiness for Grade 10.
1. Basic Promotion Level
This means the learner meets the minimum:
- 50 percent HL,
- 40 percent FAL,
- 40 percent Mathematics,
- 40 percent in three subjects,
- 30 percent in two.
Learners at this level should improve before entering Grade 10.
2. Moderate Performance Level
This indicates that the learner is coping well with the Senior Phase:
- Strong passes in all languages,
- 45 percent or more in Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
- Consistent results in EMS and Technology.
3. High Performance Level
These learners show potential for Mathematics, Sciences, Accounting, and technical subjects in the FET Phase:
- 60 percent or more in Mathematics,
- 60 percent or more in Natural Sciences,
- Strong language abilities,
- Good SBA performance.
4. Excellent Achievement Level
This level often predicts future Bachelor-level performance in Grade 12:
- 70 percent or more in most subjects,
- Ability to handle content-rich subjects,
- High accuracy in mathematics and science questions.
Pass Mark Requirements Per Grade 9 Subject
Home Language (HL)
Minimum pass: 50 percent
This applies to English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, isiXhosa HL, Sesotho HL, Setswana HL, Sepedi HL, and others.
First Additional Language (FAL)
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Mathematics
Minimum pass: 40 percent
Mathematics in Grade 9 becomes more complex, and this mark determines whether learners can safely continue with Mathematics in Grade 10.
Natural Sciences
Minimum for promotion (if used in the 40 percent group): 40 percent
Social Sciences
Geography and History combined. Minimum: 40 percent
Schools often look for consistency in both components.
EMS (Economic and Management Sciences)
Minimum: 30 percent or 40 percent depending on your subject combinations
Technology
Minimum: 30 percent or 40 percent
This subject helps identify learners with an interest in Engineering Graphics and design-related subjects in Grade 10.
Creative Arts
Minimum: 30 percent
Life Orientation
Minimum: 40 percent
Comparison Table: Grade 9 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 | Must pass |
| Two subjects | 30 percent | Optional lower pass |
You can add your Grade 9 promotion calculator here.
How to Prepare for Grade 10 While in Grade 9
Grade 9 is the gateway to subject choices in Grade 10. Here are strategies that help learners enter Grade 10 confidently:
- Practise Mathematics daily because Grade 10 Mathematics is much harder.
- Read more to improve vocabulary for all subjects.
- Use past Grade 9 papers to understand question patterns.
- Ask teachers which FET subjects match your strengths.
- Improve your SBA marks early, because term tasks matter.
- Solve Natural Sciences questions, not only memorise notes.
- Work on time management and exam discipline.
Subject choice mistakes in Grade 10 usually start from weak foundations in Grade 9.
What Are the Official Pass Requirements for Grade 9?
Here is the formal DBE rule set:
- 50 percent in Home Language,
- 40 percent in First Additional Language,
- 40 percent in Mathematics,
- 40 percent in any three other subjects,
- 30 percent in any two remaining subjects,
- You must meet the combination that the school uses for promotion.
These requirements are the same for 2025 and 2026.
Future Pathways for Grade 9 Learners
After completing Grade 9, learners can:
- Continue to Grade 10 in a CAPS school,
- Enter Technical High Schools,
- Apply for TVET College NQF Level 2 programmes,
- Enrol in skills programmes at accredited centres.
Grade 9 performance decides which of these options are open to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the requirement to pass Grade 9?
You need 50 percent in Home Language, 40 percent in First Additional Language, 40 percent in Mathematics, 40 percent in at least three subjects, and 30 percent in the remaining two.
Can you fail Mathematics and still pass Grade 9?
No. Mathematics is compulsory and must be passed with at least 40 percent.
Can you fail two subjects in Grade 9?
You may fail only the subjects that fall within the 30 percent group, but you must meet the full combination.
Does Grade 9 count for subject choices?
Yes. Your Grade 9 marks directly influence which subjects you can take in Grade 10.
What is the pass mark for English in Grade 9?
If English is your Home Language, you need 50 percent.
If English is your First Additional Language, you need 40 percent.
Final Summary
The Grade 9 pass requirements determine whether you are ready to move to Grade 10. You must achieve specific marks in your languages, Mathematics, and a combination of other subjects. Grade 9 is a foundation-building year that shapes your academic direction for the rest of high school.
This page includes a Grade 9 calculator to help you check your promotion status. Enter your nine subject marks and instantly see whether you qualify for promotion for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
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