GOOD LUCK CLASS OF 2026!

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

The 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations are upon us, and we want to wish the Class of 2026 good luck!

Learners are starting on 13 October with Computer Applications Technology Practical and will conclude on 25 November 2026.

71 302 full-time and 13 834 part-time and repeat NSC candidates will be sitting for the exams in the Western Cape.

The 2025 class achieved a pass rate of 88.2% for the NSC exams, a marked improvement from 2024’s 86.6%. This year, we are hopeful of improving on last year's result.

Our province also had the highest retention rate last year, and we are continuing to concentrate on the quality of our passes, especially considering National Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s announcement of a move towards new quality indicators.

Thank you to all our principals, Grade 12 teachers, tutors and officials across the province who have been working hard to make sure our matriculants are prepared for their exams.

Thank you to the parents and guardians who have been supporting the matriculants in their household. This is a stressful time for your children, so they need all your love, care, and support right now. If you know of any learners who are struggling, reach out to the WCED for help. Schools can call the Safe Schools Hotline [0800 45 46 47 toll free] that can connect learners with help from our sister departments and NGOs.

I want to ask communities to also work with us to ensure a calm and peaceful environment for our matriculants. They have worked hard to get to this moment and deserve all our support!

Remember there are various academic support resources available on the WCED website (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support). Here you will find Grade 12 exam question papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides and subject-specific academic support, study tips, information on funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support resources, and free internet and related services through WCG eCentres.

To the matriculants: It is now the final stretch. For the next couple of weeks, please remain focused. 

Do not be tempted to take a shortcut, it is simply not worth it. You have all signed a pledge to adhere to the exam rules, so please abide by these.

Hard work, discipline, and constructive breaks in between studying are needed right now. Celebrations will come later.

Make yourselves, your families and your communities proud!