Changing course: Options for dealing with unexpected matric results
Following the release of the 2024 Matric results this week, countless students are in a position where they can – or are forced to – reconsider their plans for 2025. For those who did better than expected, new doors will have opened. For others, their initial study plans may need to be reviewed due to their marks not fulfilling the requirements of their chosen qualification. Regardless of an individual’s position, it’s important to know how to move forward, an education expert says.
“In the wake of receiving their results, it is important for all Matrics from the Class of 2024 to pause and consider the way forward. Even if your results don’t impact your initial plans, it is still advisable to make sure you know you are on the right path,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s leading private higher education provider.
SCENARIO 1: YOU DID BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Kriel says the first thing to do if you did better than expected is to enjoy the moment and celebrate your success.
“Take pride in your achievement and recognise the hard work and dedication you put in. In preparation for future successes it is also important to reflect on your methods: Think about what strategies worked for you. Did you follow a study schedule? Did you use specific study techniques? Understanding what contributed to your success can help you in future endeavours,” he says.
Then consider your options and plan your next steps. If you have a better than expected endorsement on the National Senior Certificate, you may want to reconsider your initial plans.
“If you applied to a higher education institution to study in 2025, contact them immediately and find out if there is space available in a programme that you would rather follow but did not previously qualify for.
“Alternatively, explore other options to check for available space. In South Africa, public universities and private higher education providers must all register as higher education providers and the qualifications they offer are all subject to a unitary form of accreditation. This means that there may be a world of options now open to you, which you may not even have been aware of.”
SCENARIO 2: YOU DIDN’T DO AS WELL AS EXPECTED
Kriel says it is very important to stay positive and not panic. Performing below par is a temporary hurdle, not the end of the road.
“It’s natural to feel disappointed, but remember that one set of results does not define your future. Reflect on what happened and understand where things went wrong. Was it a lack of preparation, anxiety, or difficulty with certain topics? Identifying the problem is the first step to improvement going forward,” he says.
If your poorer performance didn’t impact your National Senior Certificate endorsement you are probably also set to go. Your reflection on what went wrong is now more important than ever to ensure that you don’t make the same mistakes going forward.
However, if you applied to study next year and you now no longer qualify to follow this route, you have to act quickly to plan how you will get to where you planned to be in the first place.
“Remember, all doors are not closed – you may just need to follow a different route. One really good option is to enrol for a Higher Certificate at a reputable registered and accredited higher education institution. The advantage of doing this is that once you have successfully completed the Higher Certificate, you will be able to continue with degree studies in your chosen discipline.”
It is important to keep in mind that both successes and failures are part of the learning process, Kriel says.
“Use them as opportunities to build resilient adaptability and develop a growth mindset by believing in your ability to grow and improve. A growth mindset can turn challenges into opportunities for learning and development.
“Your final school exam results are an important milestone, but they are just one part of your academic journey. Whether you did better or worse than expected, there are always steps you can take to continue growing and improving. Celebrate your achievements, learn from your experiences, and stay focused on your future goals. Remember, with determination and the right mindset, you can overcome any challenge and achieve your dreams.”
ADvTECH Updates
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) VOLUNTARY TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 The board hereby advises on its expectations of the financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2025. The group reports normalised earnings per share ("NEPS") as a way of excluding the effect of one-off transactions and corporate action costs from its results. Basic NEPS, Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) and Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) for the six months ended 30 June 2025 are expected to be between 13% and 18% higher than the comparative reporting period for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("the comparative period") or between 110.3 and 115.3 cents per share as compared to NEPS and HEPS of 97.7 cents per share and EPS of 97.6 cents per share for the comparative period. The financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or audited by the group’s external auditors. ADvTECH expects to release results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service on or about Monday, 25 August 2025. 12 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
The school group shaping tomorrow’s classrooms across Africa From leafy Johannesburg suburbs to Nairobi’s bustling education corridors, South Africa’s ADvTECH is slowly but surely planting its flag across the continent. This week, the private education powerhouse confirmed it had acquired Regis Runda Academy in Kenya for R172 million, in a bold move that solidifies its ambition to become Africa’s most prominent education group. The new acquisition will operate under the Makini Schools brand and be renamed Makini Schools Runda . With space for up to 2,000 students, the Runda-based school is positioned in one of Nairobi’s most rapidly developing areas. It joins a growing network of six Makini schools in Kenya, all under the ADvTECH umbrella. “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students,” said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte. Why Kenya? Why now? Kenya’s private education sector has seen a notable boom over the last decade. With a growing middle class, an appetite for globalised curricula, and increased competition among international and regional schools, Nairobi has become a hotspot for premium education investments. Regis Runda’s acquisition gives ADvTECH strategic access to one of East Africa’s most promising education corridors. Runda, just northeast of Nairobi, is a magnet for upwardly mobile families, making it a prime location for the group’s next flagship school. This isn’t ADvTECH’s first rodeo in Kenya. Its Crawford International brand is already present in the region, alongside its existing Makini campuses. The group is clearly betting big on Kenya, and based on the numbers, it’s a calculated bet. Africa-wide ambitions take shape This latest move follows ADvTECH’s R135 million acquisition of five Flipper International Schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, back in November 2024. Add to that its three schools in Gaborone, Botswana, and its soon-to-launch Rosebank International University College in Accra, Ghana — and you start to see a clear pattern emerge. While other South African education brands have focused inward, ADvTECH is going continental. In fact, the new Ghanaian university, expected to open in September 2025, is part of a long-term plan to expand the group’s tertiary education footprint across key African cities. It’s a smart play — following the student journey from nursery to university under one trusted banner. Social media sentiment and local buzz Reactions to the acquisition have been largely positive, with Kenyan parents and education commentators noting the move as “a welcome boost to quality learning options in Nairobi’s northeast.” South African LinkedIn users, meanwhile, applauded ADvTECH’s forward-thinking strategy, with one comment reading: “Love to see a South African brand going global the right way — focusing on quality education and building African futures.” The big picture: South Africa’s export isn’t just wine or gold — it’s education At a time when local universities are grappling with funding challenges and public schooling faces deep systemic issues, the growth of ADvTECH shows that private education remains one of South Africa’s most valuable exports . Its move into other African countries signals something bigger: that local companies don’t need to look to Europe or the US for global growth. The next frontier is right here, on the continent — and the classroom is where the future is being built. Source: Business Tech
ADvTECH acquires Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi 2 000 student capacity school will be integrated into the fast-growing Makini brand
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH”) VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT – ADvTECH acquires established Kenyan based Regis Runda Academy and further expands its footprint in East Africa ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, has expanded its Makini Schools offering in Nairobi, Kenya, by acquiring Regis Runda Academy for KSh1,23 billion (approximately R172 million). Situated in the fast-developing Runda area, northeast of Nairobi, the school, with a current capacity of 2 000 students and a full K – 12 offering, will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda. ADvTECH has committed to investing in AI-powered digital learning tools and significant enhancements to sporting facilities at the Regis site to elevate student experience and maximise academic outcomes. In November 2024 ADvTECH acquired Flipper International School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These developments reinforce the group’s commitment to providing superior private education across the African continent. Commenting on the acquisition of Regis Runda Academy, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students in one of the fastest developing regions of Nairobi.” 7 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), South Africa’s leading private higher education provider, has set a new benchmark for technology-enabled learning in the country by designing a comprehensive education technology ecosystem with Brightspace, the flagship platform of global EdTech leader D2L, as its foundation. This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative, technology-driven learning experience for over 65,000 students across The IIE’s tertiary education brands and Evolve Online School, representing the largest implementation of the Brightspace platform in South Africa to date. Brightspace is a cutting-edge learning management system (LMS) that moves beyond the limitations of traditional, static content delivery of traditional LMS platforms. It seamlessly integrates advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and interactive features to create engaging, data-informed educational experiences. “This strategic investment underscores The IIE’s commitment to redefining higher education in South Africa through innovation, scalability, and student-centric design,” says Louise Wiseman, Managing Director of The IIE ’s Varsity College, Vega & IIE MSA. Brightspace serves over 20 million students globally across schools, higher education institutions, enterprises, and membership organisations. Its adoption by The IIE marks a groundbreaking shift in South Africa’s higher education landscape, as it is among the first platforms of its kind to seamlessly integrate sophisticated content authoring tools, world-class accessibility features, a student-centric design, and advanced learning analytics. “Unlike traditional learning management systems used in South Africa, Brightspace offers a seamless, intuitive user experience with unparalleled customisation and interactivity. Its implementation across The IIE’s portfolio of over 130 programmes, from Higher Certificate to Doctorate level, positions it as a pioneering solution tailored to meet the unique demands of South African students and educators,” says Wiseman. Dr Mario Landman, Head of Education Technology and Innovation at The IIE, says the institution selected Brightspace after an extensive evaluation of the world’s leading LMS platforms. The selection process prioritised feature richness, user experience, scalability and alignment with the organisation’s commitment to delivering an enhanced and future-focused academic product. “Brightspace emerged as the optimal choice as its advanced tools, customisation capabilities and collaborative features perfectly align with our vision of fostering an enriched learning experience for our students and faculty,” he says. Brightspace stands out from other platforms in the South African market due to its innovative features and alignment with modern educational needs. One of its key strengths is its interactive, AI-enhanced content creation tools, which allow educators to develop dynamic course materials - such as videos and gamified elements - without the need for advanced technical expertise. This capability promotes greater student engagement and personalisation of learning by moving beyond the static content delivery model typical of traditional LMS platforms. Additionally, the platform provides Advanced Learning Analytics that enable educators to monitor student progress, identify challenges, and optimise outcomes. This data-driven approach empowers institutions to make informed decisions to enhance teaching and learning. It also supports modern pedagogies, and is scalable and flexible. “Brightspace is a game-changer for the higher education sector in South Africa, where diverse student populations require tailored educational solutions to ensure each student has the opportunity and ability to perform to the best of their ability, and to ensure consistently superior academic outcomes,” Wiseman says.
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DISPOSAL OF SECURITIES BY CLIENTS OF PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION SOC LIMITED (“PIC”) AND DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT – VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT In accordance with section 122(3)(b) of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 as amended and section 3.83(b) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that ADvTECH has received formal notification in the prescribed form that PIC’s clients have, in aggregate, disposed of an interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, such that the total interest in the ordinary shares of the Company held by PIC’s clients has decreased from 20.550% to 19.641% of the total issued ordinary shares of the Company. In terms of section 122(3)(a) of the Act, the Company has also filed notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel. The board of directors of ADvTECH accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to ADvTECH is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. Johannesburg 7 July 2025 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
JSE-listed ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Sikiotis to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), effective 1 August 2025. Sikiotis brings a wealth of experience in strategy, IT, business development and commercial leadership across a wide range of industries in multiple geographies including Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He is a qualified CA(SA) and holds the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst. He is also a member of SAICA. The new role of GCOO has been established to support ADvTECH’s dynamic growth and expanding operations locally and internationally. “John’s strategic expertise and global perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” commented ADvTECH Group CEO, Geoff Whyte.
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY DIRECTORS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, PRESCRIBED OFFICERS AND THE GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY In terms of paragraphs 3.63 to 3.74 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements (“JSE Listings Requirements”), the following transactions, in respect of which prior written approval pursuant to paragraph 3.66 of the JSE Listings Requirements have been obtained, is hereby disclosed.
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY AN ASSOCIATE OF A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by an associate of a Director of a major subsidiary (The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd) of the Company.
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”
