The results were released at midnight as pupils received their results via websites and app alerts.

JOHANNESBURG - The Independent Examination Board (IEB) matric class of 2018 has achieved a pass rate of 98.92%.

The results were released at midnight as pupils received their results via websites and app alerts.

Students were filled with nerves and excitement in the last 48 hours as they awaited their results.

IEB CEO Anne Oberholzer: "The class of 2018 has done exceptionally well with a pass rate of 98.92% which is slightly up from last year (2017), which I think is wonderful. I love to celebrate young people who do well."

Staff members are also celebrating the results.

Kingsmead College principal Lisa Kaplan: "I'm absolutely delighted with the Kingsmead class. The girls have shown that their hard work and perseverance has paid off. I thank the dedicated teachers who guided them throughout their school careers."

One of 2018's top performers was Lara Irons of Holy Rosary. She received a full house of 10 distinctions, including distinctions for Advanced Maths and Advanced English.

Irons says that she sacrificed a lot last year: "Matric is a lot like a marathon - you've got to start running and just keep going. This doesn't mean that I didn't sacrifice lots of family time. A good education is definitely worth it."

Saheti's Stefanie Babiolakis received nine distinctions and she says that balance is important.

"I'm just feeling so over the moon and just so ecstatic. Doing well in matric is definitely hard work and it's very important to have a balance. I'd like to thank everyone that's been there for me."

Gerry Reynders, also from Saheti, received nine distinctions and says that hard work does pay off.

"I feel quite happy and excited as this is what I was aiming for. I'm also feeling very grateful and it is nice to know that hard work really does pay off."

Theresia Kitele from Holy Rosary explains how she feels about her 7 distinctions.

"I feel excited and very blessed to have done so well. To the 2019 matrics, don't lose sight of your goals."

The national senior certificate results will only be released on Friday morning.

To get your results, visit matric.ewn.co.za

You will be able to see your results by clicking on the tab and entering your exam number.