How to Support Matric Learners: Guidance from School Leadership

In Johannesburg, Sacred Heart College stood out with a 100% pass rate, 86 distinctions, an 86% Bachelor pass rate and several learners ranked in the top 1% nationally. For executive head Dhiraj Bharuth, the numbers tell only part of the story. He argues that behind every result lies a partnership between school and home and that parents are often the decisive factor in how matric learners cope with the pressures of their final year.

The Home Environment

“Learners thrive when they feel emotionally safe, supported and understood at home,” Bharuth explains. “A stable home environment builds confidence, resilience and motivation, which directly impacts how learners engage at school.” Parents who show interest, provide structure and encourage effort (rather than perfection) equip their children to manage the challenges of matric with greater ease.

Emotional Support and Communication

Matric is often described as a year of extremes: high stakes, relentless pressure and the looming weight of future opportunities. Bharuth insists that parents must act as stabilisers. Emotional support, he says, begins with presence and empathy. Listening without rushing to fix problems, acknowledging feelings and reassuring teens that setbacks are part of growth can make the difference between burnout and resilience.

He further argues that communication is less about monitoring and more about trust. Parents should ask open-ended questions, listen actively and avoid reacting emotionally.

“When communication is built on trust, teens are more likely to share concerns early, allowing for timely support,” he says.

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Managing Stress and Building Confidence

Stress peaks during exam periods and Bharuth advises parents to maintain calm at home, encourage preparation over cramming and reinforce healthy habits. Just as important is reassurance.

“Remind teens that exams do not define their worth and that effort is valued,” he shares.

According to Bharuth, confidence is the currency of performance. Teens who believe in their abilities are more willing to engage, ask questions and persevere. Parents can nurture confidence by acknowledging effort, allowing mistakes and reinforcing strengths. A supportive home environment where failure is seen as part of learning builds lasting self-belief.

Partnerships That Deliver Results

Sacred Heart’s 2025 results were not achieved in isolation. Bharuth credits strong collaboration between parents and educators. Open communication, shared expectations and mutual trust also created a consistent support system. Parents reinforced routines, provided emotional encouragement and engaged proactively when challenges arose.

He warns against two common mistakes: placing excessive emphasis on results and becoming overly controlling. Both increase stress and reduce independence. Instead, he urges parents to set realistic expectations, encourage autonomy and recognise effort.

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Looking Ahead

Consistency, communication and compassion remain the pillars of parental support. “High school is a journey with ups and downs. Parents who stay engaged, adapt to changing needs and maintain dialogue with schools ensure learners feel supported at every stage,” Bharuth explains.

South Africa’s record matric results in 2025 show progress, but disparities remain. Sacred Heart College’s success illustrates what is possible when schools and parents collaborate. For families across the country, the lesson is clear: supporting matric learners is not about perfection but about balance, resilience and confidence.