17 ‘Top in World’ awards granted
146 awards presented to students from 44 schools
The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) has celebrated the exceptional achievements of 128 students at an Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on Thursday 21 May.
Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards recognise high performance in Cambridge examinations worldwide, celebrating the success of learners across more than 40 countries. The awards recognise both individual subject excellence and sustained academic performance, with categories including ‘Top in the World’, ‘Top in Country’ and ‘Best Across’, reflecting the highest levels of achievement in Cambridge examinations.
Outstanding results for South African students
A total of 146 awards were presented to learners from 44 schools across the country, an increase of 12 awards year-on-year. The awards recognise students’ performance in Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations in the June and November 2025 exam series.
At the ceremony, 17 ‘Top in the World’ awards were presented to students for achieving the highest standard mark globally in a single subject, while 70 awards for the accolade of ‘Top in South Africa’ were presented. A further 53 awards were presented in the ‘High Achievement’ category – this is granted to learners who have achieved outstanding results in less commonly taken subjects, while six learners were recognised with ‘Best Across’ awards for attaining the highest cumulative standard marks across a defined number of subjects.
“I was really surprised to have won an award because with the rigour of the Cambridge curriculum and a subject that really mattered to me, it was the cherry on top. In the Cambridge syllabus, you really learn to contextualize. The syllabus is exceptionally structured and very much a guided approach to learning a wide range of topics. That allows you to use this approach in essentially any discipline outside of the Cambridge curriculum, and it’s a skill for the future,” commented Kabir Budlender from St John’s College in Johannesburg, who was acknowledged as Top in the World for Cambridge International A Level Geography.
“Being awarded Top in South Africa for Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology was unbelievable for me, but also amazing that I was able to be top in South Africa for such an amazing and important subject. Technology and AI are increasingly becoming a part of everything we do in our daily lives. This subject provides you with the core skills you need in order to use technology and AI efficiently and easily,” said Sthabile Mhlongo from Wembley College in KwaZulu Natal.
Local recognition for a global benchmark
“It’s a pleasure to attend the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards and meet the talented South African learners who are achieving at such a high level. Milestone events such as this are important to honour the dedication, resilience and talent of learners, as well as the commitment of the teachers and schools who support them. The awards are a testament to the calibre of education and global standards achieved locally,” said Louise Hendey, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
All award winners received official certificates in recognition of their achievements, underscoring the importance of academic excellence and the value of international benchmarking in education.
The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards form part of Cambridge’s broader commitment to recognising and celebrating student success, while supporting schools to raise the profile of academic achievement within their communities. Many Cambridge students progress to tertiary studies at both local and international higher education institutions, a testament to the value and global recognition of Cambridge qualifications.
About Cambridge
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators.
With recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE, International AS & A Levels, and the AICE Diploma), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.
Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org
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