He did fail, he failed in that his result was lower than expected and he got knocked down to a normal class as a result.
Not a success is it?
Normal class? All classes are normal.
He did not meet expectations, although he did not fail as his overall results were very positive. Even if you want to consider that he is a failure for one result by getting a general acreditation, it is not hardship nor the real crux of the question posed.