THE principal of a Limpopo school that produced a zero percent pass rate in last year's Matric examinations is optimistic that they will do better this time around.

Joel Komane, who heads Seroletshidi High School in GaMampa village outside Burgersfort, yesterday said "several interventions the school had put in place throughout the year" had given him hope of an "improved performance".

The school, together with Makidi Secondary School and Sterkrivier High School, were among the three worst-performing in Limpopop.

But Komane, who was appointed in February last year, said they had done enough to ensure that the school's performance improved.

In 2011 all 10 of the school's matric pupils failed.

Last year the school had 15 pupils in matric.

Komane said in a bid to improve the school's matric pass rate they had extended learning hours, which included "supervised morning, afternoon and Saturday studies throughout the year".

"We are hopeful that these measures will improve our matric pass rate," he said.

He said the general lack of resources at the school was in some way responsible for a commitment from both pupils and parents.

"When I came to the school I started by emphasising the importance of education. I also insisted on commitment from both parents and pupils," he said.

"With the right commitment and hard work I think things can only improve."

- frankm@sowetan.co.za