Matriculation Exam Success Rates Reveal Deep Divides Across Israel
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
New data from Israel's Ministry of Education reveals significant disparities in matriculation exam success rates, with affluent cities like Ramat Hasharon nearing 100% eligibility while peripheral towns like Ofakim fall below 50%. The national eligibility rate rose slightly to 77.9% in the 2025 academic year, with notable increases in Arab and Haredi sectors. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch vowed to address these gaps and promote excellence for all students.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Affluent cities like Ramat Hasharon report nearly 100% matriculation exam eligibility, while Ofakim is below 50%.
- Israel's national matriculation exam eligibility rate rose to 77.9% in the 2025 academic year.
- Arab and Haredi sectors saw increases in matriculation exam eligibility rates.
- Haredi cities like Modi'in Illit and Bnei Brak remain at the bottom of the eligibility rankings.
- Minister of Education Yoav Kisch pledged to reduce educational gaps and promote excellence.
New data from the Ministry of Education's "Educational Picture" report highlights significant disparities in matriculation exam success rates for the past academic year, pitting affluent cities against peripheral areas. In Ofakim, a town heavily impacted by the October 7th attacks, only 49.7% of students were eligible for a diploma, starkly contrasting with Ramat Hasharon, where nearly 100% achieved eligibility. Despite the ongoing conflict and various accommodations, the overall national eligibility rate for the 2025 academic year saw a slight increase of 1.3%, reaching 77.9% of students who took the exams. However, the ministry did not release figures on the total number of students in the cohort who received diplomas, excluding tens of thousands of Haredi students who do not typically take these exams.
The report also indicated progress in certain sectors, with eligibility rates in the Arab sector rising by 5.6% and in the Haredi sector by 0.9% compared to the previous year. The highest success rates were observed in Druze and Arab communities in the north, as well as in large, established cities. Conversely, Haredi cities like Modi'in Illit, Bnei Brak, and Beitar Illit remained at the bottom of the list. While some smaller northern villages like Gush Halav, Horfesh, and Sajur reported 100% eligibility, this was attributed to having only one high school and a small number of test-takers.
Among larger cities, Givat Shmuel, Givatayim, and Ramat Hasharon led with nearly 100% eligibility. Cities excelling in advanced matriculation, including five units in English, mathematics, and a science subject, were predominantly affluent areas such as Ramat Hasharon, Givat Shmuel, Kiryat Ono, Givatayim, Hod Hasharon, Herzliya, and Ra'anana.
Peripheral towns and Israel's capital showed lower figures. Migdal HaEmek had a 68.3% eligibility rate, Yavniel 62.2%, Hazor HaGalilit 55%, Jerusalem 51.7%, Tzfat 50%, and Ofakim 49.7%. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch commented on the findings, stating, "Despite the war and the challenges, Israel's students continue to progress and excel. It is our responsibility to promote excellence and reduce gaps, to give every student a real opportunity to win."
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