Rydal Park Seconday defies social challenges with perfect matric results

AGAINST a backdrop of poverty and social challenges, Rydal Park Secondary achieved the remarkable when it celebrated its first 100% matric pass rate in 43 years.

Rydal Park Secondary School in Phoenix has made history by achieving a 100% matric pass rate for the first time in 43 years, overcoming poverty, social challenges, and a previously underperforming status.

Under new principal Lionel Veeraragulu's leadership, the school implemented comprehensive support systems and rigorous academic interventions to transform the lives of pupils from one of KZN's most challenged communities.

Veeraragulu, 39, said: “We have come very, very far. We serve a poverty-stricken community plagued by drugs and social problems. These results have put us on cloud nine.

“There have been pupils who came to school hungry, some without a place to stay. Our staff went beyond teaching. They supported pupils emotionally and, at times, practically. We understood that if we did not put systems in place, learning simply could not happen.”

In 2021, the school’s matric pass rate stood at 70.8%, the lowest in its history.

In 2023, it was officially classified as an underperforming school, and the leadership team was called into meetings where the poor results were publicly addressed.

“It was not a good place to be. The staff morale was low. We were brought into meetings and asked to account for our results. It is not a nice feeling,” he said.

Veeraragulu said the turnaround strategy was comprehensive and demanding.

The school introduced extra classes seven days a week, brought in external tutors, used circuit intervention programmes, and closely monitored underperforming pupils.

Parent involvement was also strengthened, and pupils received psychological and emotional support.

“We had psychologists stationed at the school through the department. We also had motivational talks from community members, including a pastor who reminded pupils that they were not alone. We gave them support and love, because many parents, through no fault of their own, did not have the educational background to help their children.”

In 2024, the school saw a major improvement, achieving a 97% pass rate. That success became the catalyst for the historic 100% achieved this year.

Reflecting on the journey, Veeraragulu remains humble about the achievement.

“I do not think I am in a position to give advice to other principals. I am still learning. But if you put the child first, listen to them, and stay strong, you would not go wrong. Not every school achieved a 100% pass rate, and we are extremely proud that Rydal Park Secondary did. This pass rate stands as proof of our resilience,” said Veeraragulu.

The class of 2025 consisted of 61 matriculants. Of these, 75% achieved bachelor passes, 24% obtained diploma passes, and one pupil achieved a higher certificate pass. The school recorded 14 distinctions, with the highest aggregate at 73%, achieved by a pupil who earned two As and five Bs.

“Our lowest-performing subject was mathematics, which is still above the national average. Other subjects, like Afrikaans, achieved pass rates above 90%,” said Veeraragulu.

This year’s matric  pupil, Aariya Ramdath, 16, described the achievement as highly motivating. 

“This motivates us to work harder and maintain the standard. I really want to make my mom proud. That’s what drives me,” she said.

Aariya, who achieved a 90% aggregate despite losing her mother during her Grade 11 exams, said studying required discipline and consistent study.

Matthew Arjun, 17, said the results had inspired him to improve his study habits. 

“This year is going to be tough, but I need to manage my time better and stay positive. I want to study BCom Accounting.”

Joshua Reddy, 17, who plans to study computer science, said the school’s success proved that circumstances did not define outcomes. 

“There are many challenges in this area, but as long as you are dedicated, you can navigate through them. Put your head down, work hard, and you will get there.”

The top achievers of the matric class of 2025 also shared the same sentiment. 

Mario Pillay, 18, described the achievement as “bittersweet but amazing”.

“It is unbelievable. However, the teachers and the principal really saw potential in us, even when we did not see it ourselves. If a teacher believes in you, you need to listen.”

Pillay plans to study sports science at UKZN. 

Cruz Kemraj, 18, who will be studying for a Bachelor of Finance at UKZN, credited discipline and support systems for the success. 

“Time management and procrastination were the biggest challenges. But I remembered my goals. My teachers and family also supported me every step of the way.”

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