“None Left Behind”: A Look at Brilliant Free State Science Teacher With Decade-Long 100% Pass Rate
- Lerato Ramabodu, 31, a physics teacher, has achieved a 100% pass rate in physical science every single year since 2017
- The Free State teacher starts extra classes at 6 am and sometimes teaches until late at night
- Mzansi is calling for him to be paid more and kept in the classroom rather than being promoted away from teaching
- Briefly News spoke to educator Cieoreese Summersgill on what helps students develop a love for learning
Source: Facebook
A 31-year-old teacher from the Free State has captured the nation's attention after achieving a 100% pass rate in physical science for his matric class of 2025, marking nine consecutive years of this impressive feat. Lerato Ramabodu was born in Phomolong near Hennenman and originally dreamed of becoming a radiographer. However, when space limitations at the University of Free State prevented him from pursuing that path, he decided to try teaching for just one year. By the second year, he had fallen in love with the profession and realised it was his true calling.
Ramabodu first achieved his 100% pass rate at the young age of 21 when he was teaching at Lekgulo Senior Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba in 2017. In 2022, he was appointed head of department for physical science at Sekgutlong Secondary School in Monontsha in QwaQwa. Last year, he took on the role of deputy principal at Makwane Secondary School, where he once again achieved a 100% pass rate for the matric class of 2025. Despite being in a management position, he continues to teach because he wants to help other teachers become even better than him.
At Makwane Secondary School, the physical science pass rate was 81% in 2024, but it jumped to 100% when he took over teaching the subject in 2025. He shared a clip of his students in 2025 celebrating.
Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, educator Cieoreese Summersgill shared what helps students develop a love for learning:
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“Children are more likely to enjoy learning when it is made fun, encouraging, and if you praise their efforts, being patient, and allowing them to explore their interests can help build confidence and curiosity. When children feel supported rather than pressured, they develop a love for learning.”
Watch the Facebook clip here.
Mzansi wants him to keep teaching
Social media users shared their thoughts on Lerato Ramabodu's achievement, stating:
@kabelo_disney_mogatwe wrote:
"Pay him more and let him do what he does BEST, which is teaching the students."
@rene_herselman_stroebel gushed:
"Respect, sir. It's not a subject that everyone understands."
@bonginkosi_nkabinde said:
"Make him the minister of education."
@tyler_wababa added:
"How does he do it? He must share the notes! So that we can have many who can emulate him. The country is in dire need of science learners."
@nuemi_kelly stated:
"He has a passion for the subject he teaches, and he clearly has a passion to teach youngsters...that will always show in his students' marks❤️❤️❤️"
@abednego_makgamathe commented:
"In olden days, we used to call teachers or students like you 'Dikreke' meaning toooo much intelligent."
Ramabodu's recipe for success?
In an interview, Ramabodu explained his approach to teaching. He shared that absenteeism is strictly monitored, and he contacts parents immediately if a student misses class. He conducts 6 am classes throughout the year to assist struggling learners and ensure the entire curriculum is completed well before exams.
When the need arises, he goes beyond regular hours, sometimes teaching until 10 pm to make sure students benefit.
Source: Facebook
3 Other stories about matric success
- Briefly News recently reported on a Reddam House Waterfall learner who achieved eight distinctions despite facing unexpected academic setbacks.
- A young woman's video questioning an alleged 0% matric pass rate at a Limpopo school reignited national conversations about education inequality.
- A deaf KwaZulu-Natal matric top achiever's inspiring reaction to her results captivated South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za
Cieoreese Summersgill (Grade R teacher) Cieoreese Summersgill is a passionate Grade R teacher with over six years of experience at Impala Crescent Primary. Holding diplomas in Educare and Grade R Teaching, alongside a Foundation Phase degree, she creates nurturing, child-centred classrooms that inspire confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
