Concerns have recently been raised regarding the delay in the final approval of examination timetables for some schools in the Cape Winelands.
According to a trusted source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, for the affected schools in Paarl, Wellington and Robertson “this is not the first time approval for exam timetables has been withheld. It has happened before.
“The exam timetables I am referring to are for Grade 8 to 11. Last year our timetables were released after the exams had already started and after a parent had contacted the Western Cape Education Department [WCED].
“I have no idea why exam timetables have to be submitted for approval to it before being released to the learners. When timetables are released at such a late stage it makes planning very difficult. The delay in exam timetables is detrimental to our children. It also causes considerable anxiety because they do not know how to do their planning.”
Paarl Post reached out to the WCED to enquire about the situation. Exams for Grade 8 to 11 were expected to start next week.
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Bronagh Hammond, a spokesperson for the WCED, provided feedback for the enquiry.
“Schools received Circular 009/2025 very early in the year, indicating when they should start and end the November exam session,” says Hammond.
“Schools were allowed to request an earlier start (three days) for practical subjects and to motivate why this was necessary, given their subject load for Grade 10 and 11 as well as possibly having to release several NSC markers by 28 November. These requests were considered and immediately approved.”
She further added: “Some schools applied for earlier concessions, which could not be approved. Unfortunately, some schools sent out non-compliant timetables before asking permission to deviate. These earlier deviations could not be approved. The district addressed each of their concerns and requests in writing.”
