Grading systems / South Africa
CAPS achievement levels 1 to 7: the rating codes explained
Seven rating codes, from 1 (Not achieved) to 7 (Outstanding achievement). Type a learner’s marks to see each subject’s code and the average.
CAPS achievement levels
| Grade | Marks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Outstanding achievement | 80–100% | 7 |
| 6 Meritorious achievement | 70–79% | 6 |
| 5 Substantial achievement | 60–69% | 5 |
| 4 Adequate achievement | 50–59% | 4 |
| 3 Moderate achievement | 40–49% | 3 |
| 2 Elementary achievement | 30–39% | 2 |
| 1 Not achieved | 0–29% | 1 |
In Msingi a school can set its own mark ranges. Grade a whole class →
How it works
The CAPS achievement levels, explained
CAPS reports every subject from Grade 4 to Grade 12 on seven rating codes, each covering a band of percentages: 7 is 80% and above, 6 is 70 to 79%, down to 1 below 30%. Grades R to 3 report the codes only, never percentages.
The year mark weights school-based assessment against the examination differently in each phase, and promotion depends on the subjects passed at the right levels. Msingi works both out for every learner at year end.
What are the CAPS levels?
7 Outstanding achievement (80 to 100%), 6 Meritorious achievement (70 to 79%), 5 Substantial achievement (60 to 69%), 4 Adequate achievement (50 to 59%), 3 Moderate achievement (40 to 49%), 2 Elementary achievement (30 to 39%) and 1 Not achieved (0 to 29%).
What level is a pass?
It depends on the subject and the phase. The promotion requirements for each phase set out which levels a learner needs in which subjects.
Do Foundation Phase reports show percentages?
No. Grades R to 3 report the level only.
Is this the DBE’s own tool?
No. It is a free tool by Msingi that follows the published CAPS scale.
Msingi does this for every learner
Teachers enter marks once. Grades, means, positions and the report card for a whole class come out, the way South Africa schools print them.