Matrics breathe sigh of relief as final exam papers bring emotional end to 12-year journey

The 2025 National Senior Certificate exams officially drew to a close in November, bringing overwhelming relief and exhaustion to matriculants nationwide. From tears over challenging maths papers to pride in perseverance, pupils across South Africa share their deeply emotional journey to the finish line.

The 2025 National Senior Certificate exams officially drew to a close at the end of November, marking the end of a long, high-pressure journey for matric pupils across South Africa.

For many, the final bell brought an overwhelming mix of relief, exhaustion and pride, emotions earned after six intense weeks of exams and a demanding school year.

Across provinces, pupils told News24 that the end of the exams felt surreal. After years of school routines, revision timetables, late-night studying and constant pressure, the reality of closing this chapter was only beginning to sink in.

'Very challenging exam season'

For Faith Fortuin from Humansdorp Secondary School in the Eastern Cape, the end of exams was a profoundly emotional milestone.

"I felt very relieved and proud of myself for making it till the end because it was a very challenging exam season," she said.

"I was under so much pressure because I was doubtful, but the support of my family helped me in those times."

Fortuin said accounting and economics had been her most challenging subjects, but she credited her teachers for strong support and guidance. She walked out of her business studies, English, and Afrikaans papers feeling confident.

With the school year finally behind her, she plans to take a break while waiting for her results.

'It feels unreal'

Western Cape matriculant Tanisha Agulhas from Bridgton Secondary School described the end of exams as a moment loaded with emotion.
"Honestly, I felt a mix of relieved, emotional and exhausted," she said.
"It's like a huge weight was finally off my shoulders, but, at the same time, everything was catching up with me, the stress, the late nights, the pressure."

Agulhas said the mathematics paper 1 exam "broke" her.

"I walked out feeling defeated. When I got home, I actually cried because I felt like all the work I put in didn't show in that paper," she said.
Despite the emotional blow, Agulhas said she felt more confident about subjects like biology and physical sciences.

Her immediate plan was to rest and reset: "This year really took a lot out of me. I'm giving myself a moment to breathe before deciding on my next steps for next year."

'The stress killed me'

In Johannesburg, Parktown Boys' High School pupil Ryan Featherstone said the final stretch hit him hard.
"I felt relieved. The stress killed me," he said bluntly.
Featherstone said business studies challenged him the most, while English was the paper in which he felt he performed best.
For now, he planned to focus on "relaxing and resetting" after a taxing academic year.

'I waited years, weeks and days for this'

In the Eastern Cape, Kaylene Ferreira from Hankey Secondary School said finishing school was both joyful and emotional.

"I was so proud of myself for making it so far because Grade 12 has so much pressure and challenges," she said.
"I reminded myself to stay consistent throughout the finals and let nothing distract me."

But crossing the finish line came with bittersweet feelings.
"I felt relieved that I was finally done with school because I waited years, weeks and days for this moment to arrive," she said.
She added:
“At the same time, I felt emotional because I'll never sit in those desks again or see my classmates and the crazy moments we shared together and the teachers I had bonds with.”

Ferreira said mathematics had been the most challenging paper, but she believed she performed well in her other subjects. She planned to take a break and look for a casual holiday job while awaiting her results.

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will announce the examination results on 12 January 2026, while the individual results will be released to candidates the following day.

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