UJ Academy, the University of Johannesburg’s affiliated secondary school, has once again delivered a perfect 100% pass rate in the 2025 matric exams. Founded in 1992 to open access to quality education for learners from less-privileged communities, the school continues to demonstrate how early and consistent academic support can make a real difference.

More than a conventional school, UJ Academy serves as a bridge between schooling and higher education, preparing learners for a successful transition to university. Its model is rooted in early exposure to university culture, academic expectations and clearly defined post-school pathways.

To celebrate this milestone, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi visited the school, accompanied by senior members of the University’s leadership, including Professor Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director: University Relations and UJ Sport, as well as Deans Professor Nadine Petersen (Education) and Professor Anna Moteetee (Science), who both serve on the school’s advisory board.

They were warmly welcomed by the school’s principal, Ms Rehana Jardine, the School Management Team (SMT), and Grade 12 learners who serve on the Representative Council of Learners (RCL).

“What a privilege it is to have you here. We appreciate that you could take time out today to be with us. We believe every interaction is an opportunity, a chance to improve. Our subjects in the 2025 matric examinations performed very well. In Afrikaans, which most of our students do not speak as a first language we had 16 distinctions. In Accounting we had 22 distinctions. Our economics class has had 100% pass at matric for the last eight years. Our economics educators have also been frequently requested to assist other schools in the district as well. We were also informed that our school received the highest mark in the district for Life Sciences as well. We are happy to have had such achievements,” said Jardine.

In his remarks, Prof Mpedi congratulated the school community on the 100% pass rate.

“Please allow me to congratulate you principal, your team and the learners. I believe that it is through sustained teamwork that you were able to achieve what you have achieved. We know that a lot of hard work went into making this a reality. We are proud to be associated with this school,” he said.

He further reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting the school.

“We are here today to celebrate with you, to take stock of what worked, and how we can support you further in the mission to give quality education to the learners. To strengthen what we already have in place. We cannot relax and say we have arrived; we can never arrive. We must continue in the pursuit of excellence. This cohort will need to be supported in different ways, and this is where we come in to say how do we make this possible. We are also here to give you our assurances, especially myself as the head of this University to say you can count on us, we are in this together”.
Prof Mpedi also shared words of encouragement with the 2026 matric class, urging them to stay focused and disciplined as they enter a crucial academic year.

“We are here to congratulate you on making it this far. But also, to show you that you have our full support. The learners that came before you showed you what is possible, and I am sure there is some pressure on you as well. Don’t let those that went before you down. Work hard, do your best and know that we believe in you. As the University of Johannesburg, we are rooting for you and we’ll be visiting you to support you throughout. All the best for the year!”