Arab Towns Lead Israeli Matriculation Exams, Outpacing National Average
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Arab towns and communities in Israel achieved leading results in the 2025 matriculation exams, surpassing the national average with an 83.9% eligibility rate. Several Arab schools also ranked highly in "excellence matriculation" and science tracks. The national average eligibility rose to 77.9%, with exam accommodations during wartime contributing to the increase. Despite progress, educational disparities persist due to funding differences between Jewish and Arab localities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arab communities in Israel achieved leading results in the 2025 matriculation exams, surpassing the national average.
- Several Arab towns reported 100% matriculation eligibility, with the overall Arab community rate rising to 83.9%.
- Five Arab schools ranked among the top six nationwide for "excellence matriculation" results.
- The national matriculation eligibility rate increased to 77.9%, with exam accommodations implemented during wartime.
- Despite progress, educational disparities persist due to funding differences between Jewish and Arab localities.
Arab towns and communities in Israel have achieved leading results in the 2025 matriculation exams, with the Arab community showing significant progress that surpassed the national average. Several Arab schools also secured top positions in "excellence matriculation" and science tracks, according to data released by the Israeli Ministry of Education.
Specific localities like Julis in the Upper Galilee, Hurfeish, and Sajur reported 100% matriculation eligibility, followed by Ma'alot Tarshiha at 99.1% and Yanuh-Jat at 99%. In the occupied Syrian Golan, Buqa'ata achieved 100% and Mas'ada 99.1%. The top ten authorities also included the settlement of Elkana and the Tamar Regional Council, both at 100%.
The overall matriculation eligibility rate in the Arab community rose from 78.3% to 83.9% in one year, exceeding the national average of 77.9%. The Bedouin Arab community saw an increase from 71.1% to 73.7%. Five Arab schools were among the top six nationwide for "excellence matriculation," including Al-Bashayer in Sakhnin (second place at 82.4%) and the Druze School for Science and Leadership in Yarka (third place at 80.6%).
Nationally, the overall eligibility rate increased from 76.6% to 77.9%, with approximately 101,000 students qualifying. Eligibility for "excellence matriculation" rose to 14.4%, and for advanced math units to 17.1%. These improvements occurred amidst exam accommodations and modifications implemented during wartime, following demands from students, parents, and local authorities, particularly for students in areas near Gaza and in the north.
Educational and financial gaps are also being addressed. The eligibility gap between the strongest and weakest economic sectors decreased from 17.5 percentage points in 2020 to 12 points. While the average number of students per class in Arab elementary schools decreased, class sizes in Israel still exceed OECD averages. Despite comparable per-student spending in elementary education, higher local authority budgets in Jewish towns contribute to persistent educational disparities.
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