The Western Cape has welcomed 1,2 million learners back to school for the 2026 academic year, marking another milestone in the province’s educational journey.
Among those starting their educational adventure are 73 000 Grade R and 102 000 Grade 1 learners beginning “big school” for the first time, alongside 97 000 Grade 8s taking the crucial step into high school as they move towards their future studies and careers.
Premier Alan Winde marked the occasion by celebrating the province’s learners and teachers. “We wish all Western Cape learners well as they kick off the new school year. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together. We will be behind you every step of your educational journey,” he said.
“These young people will go on to be South Africa’s doctors, traffic police, retail professionals, technicians, tradespeople, accountants, farmers, engineers and businesspeople. School is a critical first step towards independence and we are delighted to see the future in such good hands.
“To our teachers and school staff, you are the backbone of the education system. Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice never go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do in preparing young people for their careers, ensuring they are adequately equipped to become an active part of our economy.”
Infrastructure expansion
With 1,2 million learners in Western Cape public schools this year, the province continues to face increasing demand for school placement. The Rapid School Build programme continues expanding access to education to meet this demand.
Nine new schools, opened in phases, have been fully completed for 2026. These schools are located in Lwandle, Wallacedene, Blue Downs, Philippi, Tafelsig, Darling, Fisherhaven and Plettenberg Bay.
The province is also opening the first phases of two additional schools: Ilitha Park High School in Khayelitsha and Brantwood High School in Kuils River.
On enquiry, the provincial education department confirmed that property demarcation for the proposed high school in Somerset West within the City of Cape Town municipal boundary has been completed. The project remains in the planning phase, with rezoning requirements currently being processed. Construction will commence once rezoning is finalised and building plans receive approval, with timelines to be confirmed.
Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, elaborated further, stating the proposed Somerset West High School application is currently at the “additional information requested” stage, awaiting proof of payment of application fees and an updated site development plan from the applicant.
The rezoning process involves changing erf 6840 from undetermined to community zone 1 to permit a place of instruction, with completion expected within 90 days of the advertisement closing date, or an additional 60 days if objections are appealed.
Once the outstanding information is received, a public participation process will commence, including press advertisements, notices to surrounding property owners, and circulation to relevant departments for comment, estimated at 30 days plus two weeks for preparation.
Following public consultation applicants have 21 days to respond to comments, after which a planning report will be prepared for decision by the relevant authority within 30 to 60 days, depending on whether objections are received.
Public consultation will adhere to statutory requirements with press advertisements, site notices and formal notices served on adjacent property owners.
Building plans for the school are courtesy plans that will be approved by the provincial education department once rezoning is successfully concluded, with questions regarding construction budgets, contractor selection and timelines to be addressed by the department.
Project on track
Regarding the ongoing Sir Lowry’s Pass High School construction, Jandre Bakker, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Infrastructure, confirmed work was progressing well. Site handover occurred in last August, with the latest verified progress report showing the project at 8% completion by the end of last November.
It remains on track for anticipated completion during the 2027 calendar year, with the school designed to accommodate 1 110 learners across 30 classrooms and provision for future expansion.
The department further stated that additional brick-and-mortar classrooms have been added to 12 existing schools in the province, with 175 new-classrooms added to the system in total. A further 21 classrooms are under construction by school governing bodies, using departmental funding.
Schools ordered top-up textbooks last May, with full delivery completed by last October at a cost of R58,7 million. Stationery for non-Section 21 schools, valued at R25,3 million, was delivered by last November, with an additional R31,6 million worth of school-related goods delivered last month.
Ongoing admissions
Departmental officials continues working to place all children seeking placement, a challenging task as hundreds of new applications arrive weekly. Parents who are yet to apply are urged to do so immediately at their district office. Crucially, parents must ensure they provide accurate current contact details so they can be reached when places become available.
“We understand this will be a frustrating period for some parents, but we assure them we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find places for every learner in the Western Cape,” officials said.
Details of district officials who can assist are available on the department’s website at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions.
