Why there was a dramatic decline in pupils repeating grades after Covid-19

The number of pupils repeating Grades 10 and 11 dropped dramatically in 2020 after tests at school were "relaxed" to compensate for learning losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is one of the findings of a study by a team of researchers from Stellenbosch University released in December 2023.

Titled "What rich new education data can tell us", the report stated that the "leniency" in assessments improved school-based assessment (SBA) marks and "led to more learners advancing to higher grades and a significant reduction in school dropout rates".