Mauritius has witnessed a decline in the School Certificate success rate, dropping from 72.65% in 2024 to 67.28% in 2025. This decrease has sparked concerns about the country's education system. Experts point to various factors contributing to this decline, including a lack of motivation among students and an overemphasis on academic performance. The decline has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current education system.
Dr. Hassam Sakibe Coowar, director of the Mauricia Institute, attributes the decline to a loss of motivation among students. He believes that the education system is too focused on academic performance, leading to a lack of stimulation for students to strive for excellence. Coowar also notes that the National Certificate of Education (NCE) is a "non-starter" and that the selection process begins too early, putting pressure on students.
The results of the School Certificate 2025 reveal persistent difficulties in English and mathematics. In English, the success rate dropped from 90.08% in 2024 to 84.72% in 2025, while in mathematics, it decreased from 75.18% to 70.73%. These results indicate that students are struggling with reading comprehension, writing, and mathematical reasoning. Experts suggest that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate these issues if not used to support learning.
Yugeshwur Kisto, president of the Government Secondary School Teachers' Union (GSSTU), emphasizes the importance of written exams in evaluating students' actual skills. He suggests that the education system should be modernized to include more oral expression, argumentation, and critical thinking. Kisto also recommends establishing a national charter defining the conditions for using AI in schools.
Harish Reedoye, a pedagogue, believes that difficulties in mathematics often originate in primary school. He advocates for early detection of difficulties, particularly in calculation, fractions, and reasoning. Reedoye recommends regular assessments, parental involvement, and adapting teaching to students' different levels. He also stresses the importance of reinforcing reading, vocabulary, and comprehension of instructions from an early age.
The subjects that contributed most to the decline in the success rate were English and mathematics. In English, the number of failures increased from 1,352 in 2024 to 2,018 in 2025, while in mathematics, it rose from 3,079 to 3,592. These two subjects account for over two-thirds of the overall increase in failures. However, improvements were noted in subjects like Accounting, Additional Mathematics, Economics, and Physics.
The decline in the School Certificate success rate has sparked a renewed debate about the education system in Mauritius. Experts and educators are calling for a more comprehensive approach to address the issues facing students. With a focus on supporting students and modernizing the education system, there is hope for improvement in the future.
Key points
- The success rate for the School Certificate in Mauritius dropped to 67.28% in 2025 from 72.65% in 2024.
- Experts point to a lack of motivation among students and an overemphasis on academic performance as contributing factors to the decline.
- The education system in Mauritius is in need of modernization to address the challenges facing students.
