CAPE TOWN – The final stretch is here for thousands of Western Cape matriculants, with just 30 days remaining before they sit down for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations.

A total of 71 300 full-time matric learners in the province will enter the final leg of their school journey when the national examinations begin on 13 October.

The examinations will run until  25 November, marking the culmination of years of schooling for the Class of 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 13 September, Western Cape Education Minister Jaco Londt outlined the preparations under way to support learners and ensure the province is ready for the examination period.

Thousands of officials involved

The Western Cape will have 485 examination centres in operation, comprising 477 high schools, seven primary schools and one correctional services facility serving as a designated centre for part-time learners.

About 2,600 community invigilators and 3,857 markers will be involved in the examination process, with 123 examination papers scheduled to be written.

Londt said Grade 12 teachers, tutors and officials across the province had been working to ensure matriculants were prepared for the final chapter of their school careers.

More than 31,000 matric learners attended #BackOnTrack winter school classes during the mid-year school holiday.

These classes were held across the Western Cape’s eight education districts and covered various subjects.

Revision classes will also take place during the upcoming third-term school holiday as learners enter the final weeks of preparation.

Support available to learners

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has also made a range of support resources available to Grade 12 learners.

These include examination question papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides, subject-specific academic support and study tips.

Learners can also access information about funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support, as well as free internet and related services through WCG eCentres.

Londt acknowledged that the examination period could be stressful for learners and encouraged those who were struggling, or adults concerned about a learner’s mental health, to seek help.

School staff can seek guidance from district support teams, while the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47 can connect learners with support from government departments and NGOs.

Londt called on parents, guardians and communities to support learners as they enter the final month before the examinations.

He urged communities not to disrupt learners’ study time or do anything that could negatively affect their focus.

To the matriculants, Londt said: “This is your moment.”

He encouraged learners to remain disciplined and focused, adding that there would be time for celebrations later.

“For now, remain disciplined and focused, your hard work will pay off,” he said.

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