Although the Department experienced a difficult year in 2012, they were pleased to report a significant improvement in Grade 12 pass rate as well as in the Grade 1 - 11 pass rates. The provincial pass rate had improved from 68.76 percent in 2011 to 74.63 percent in 2012 (an increase of 5.87 percent). There were also notable increases in district performances. The number of underperforming schools in the Province decreased from 34 schools in 2011 to 22 schools in 2012 (the majority being in the JTG District). The Department was in the process of analysing the results and has started to engage with these schools.