Israeli Matriculation Exam Pass Rates Rise Slightly Amid Security Challenges

Israel's Ministry of Education has released its matriculation exam (Bagrut) pass rate data for the 2025 academic year, revealing a slight increase despite ongoing security concerns. The national pass rate rose to 77.9% from 76.6% in the previous year. This improvement is attributed to accommodations implemented by the ministry due to the security situation, including a 20% reduction in curriculum, 15% extra time for all students, and the cancellation of oral exams. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch described the students as a "generation of victory" that grew up during wartime.

The data also highlighted significant disparities between central and peripheral areas. While Ramat Hasharon reported nearly 100% pass rates, Ofakim in the south had only 49.7%. High pass rates were also observed in northern Druze and Arab towns like Sakhnin and Yarka, alongside affluent central cities such as Herzliya. Conversely, peripheral cities like Migdal HaEmek and Hazor HaGelilit showed lower rates at 68.3% and 55% respectively. Jerusalem's pass rate stood at 51.7%, and Safed at 50%.

Ahead of the upcoming elections on October 27, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Yachad" party, sharply criticized Minister Kisch's tenure. Bennett claimed the education system is at its worst point since the state's founding, citing a shortage of 31,000 teachers and accusing Kisch of turning the ministry into a patronage machine for Likud activists. Bennett outlined his plans to reform the ministry, including leveraging AI as a personal tutor for each student and redefining the teacher's role from information dispenser to personality builder. The incoming Minister of Education will face the challenge of improving student achievements after three years of security-related disruptions.