The 2026 school year is off to a flying start in the Western Cape!

The 2026 school year is off to a flying start in the Western Cape!

15 January 2026

On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 1.2 million learners arrived at schools across the province, ready to begin the new academic year. Among them were 73 000 Grade R learners, 102 000 Grade 1s, and 97 000 Grade 8s starting their high school journey.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Education Minister David Maynier visited Tamboerskloof Primary School to welcome learners. The Premier wished all learners well, saying: “Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together. We will be behind you every step of your education journey.

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 goes 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.”

The first day also delivered an unforgettable moment at Excelsior Primary and Goodwood Park Primary when three Grade 1 learners touched down at school in a helicopter, after winning a competition hosted by a local radio station.

To meet the growing demand for space in schools, the Western Cape Education Department has strengthened its infrastructure for the year ahead. The department added 175 new classrooms to 12 existing schools, fully completed nine new schools that were opened in phases, and opened the first phases of two more new schools.

In preparation for the school year, the department delivered R58.7 million in textbooks, ensured that R25.3 million in stationery reached schools by November 2025, and supplied an additional R31.6 million worth of school-related goods by December 2025.

We wish all our learners, teachers, school staff, and parents an exciting, inspiring, and successful 2026 school year!