Western Cape achieves highest Grade 3 systemic results ever!

11 February 2026

The Western Cape is celebrating a major milestone in early learning: Grade 3 learners have achieved their highest Mathematics and Language systemic test results in history, signalling that the province’s investment in foundational education is delivering real impact.

Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier says the improvement is a big win for early learning in the Western Cape, noting that the province’s #BackOnTrack programme has helped drive the gains. Since 2021, the Mathematics pass rate has surged from 44.3% to 62.0%, while the Language pass rate has risen from 36.9% to 51.2% — both exceeding pre pandemic levels.

“This means more children can read and calculate effectively and that they have a better chance of being successful in higher grades and in their post-school careers.”

The impressive results follow several years of targeted interventions, including a structured language programme rolled out to all primary schools, science of reading training for teachers, expanded instructional time for Reading and Mathematics, and enhanced learning materials. In 2025, more than 91 000 Grade 3 learners wrote the independently administered systemic tests, providing valuable data to guide teaching and support.

Maynier commended Foundation Phase teachers for their dedication and the way they embraced new training, used the tools provided, and worked tirelessly to help learners catch up and excel. “Thank you for the work that you do to every day to ensure that your learners are on the right track!”

Looking ahead, the Western Cape will deepen its investment in early learning with a structured numeracy programme, strengthened monitoring and evaluation, and continued language support, including training for new teachers.