Early grade repetition can boost academic performance

A NEW study by Stellenbosch University has found that repeating early school grades can lead to significant and lasting academic improvements for pupils who struggle to meet promotion requirements, particularly in language literacy.

- OWN CORRESPONDENT

The report, authored by Ros Clayton from Stellenbosch University's Research on Socio-Economic Policy Group, examined the impact of grade repetition in grades 1 and 4 using data from nearly all primary school learners across Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZuluNatal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. By comparing pupils who narrowly failed promotion thresholds with those who just passed, the study found that repetition is a meaningful form of remediation, rather than being a deterrent to poor performance.