By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Maria Freercks, 18, a pupil at Collegiate Girls’ High School in Gqeberha, has been named among South Africa’s top 40 achievers in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, and is now setting her sights on a future in medicine.
She placed second nationally in Quintile 5 and was recognised as the Eastern Cape’s top learner.
Her parents, Lisa and Robert Freercks, told Inside Education they were proud of her achievement and the work that went into earning a place in the Top 40.
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The Freercks family said Maria’s success was not only academic, but also rooted in faith.
“Just following the Lord’s path for her. The Lord’s given her amazing gifts and she embraced them, and we’re just excited to see where she takes that path,” Mrs Freercks said.
They said her commitment to excellence had been clear throughout her schooling.
“She continues to give her best in all things, which is what she’s done today,” the couple agreed.
Freercks, from Collegiate Girls’ High School in the Nelson Mandela Bay district, achieved seven distinctions, including 99.3% for Mathematics and 98% for Music.
She said her results reflected a year of steady effort and disciplined study.
“I studied hard. But I think consistency is key and I think starting from term one [helped]. In every little step of the way, study hard and try your best at everything that you can,” Freercks said.
Her subject choices included English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Life Orientation and Music.
She said she prepared by working consistently throughout the year, rather than relying on last-minute studying.
One of her biggest challenges was time management, as she balanced academics with sport, cultural activities, and leadership roles at school.
Despite the pressure, she said she relied on past exam papers, school resources, and support from teachers.
“Collegiate was brilliant with its teachers, and you could always go to them for help. So the resources provided by the school really helped,” she said.
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Freercks also praised her parents’ support, describing them as “positive and encouraging” throughout her matric year.
Looking ahead, she hopes to study at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She encouraged current matric pupils to work hard while maintaining balance.
“Don’t focus solely on academics, but involve yourself in other aspects of the school, such as sports and culture,” she said.
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