More than 71,000 Western Cape matric candidates prepare for October exams

More than 71,000 full-time matric candidates in the Western Cape will sit down for their final exams in exactly 30 days, as the province confirmed the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations will run from October to November.

The examinations will begin on October 13 with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and conclude on November 25, with 71,300 full-time candidates registered to write across the province.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is preparing 485 examination centres for the high-stakes assessment period, while about 2,600 community invigilators and 3,857 markers will be brought in as part of the province’s examination operation.

A total of 123 examination papers will be written.

Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt said teachers, tutors and officials had been working to prepare candidates for the final stretch of their school careers.

485 centres prepared for exams

Of the 485 examination centres, 477 are high schools, seven are primary schools and one is a correctional services facility designated to accommodate part-time candidates.

The province has also intensified academic support ahead of the exams, with more than 31,000 matric pupils having attended #BackOnTrack winter school classes during the mid-year holidays.

The classes were held across all eight education districts and covered a range of subjects.

Further revision classes are scheduled for the upcoming third-term break as candidates make their final preparations.

The WCED has also made previous examination papers and memoranda, study guides, video tutorials and subject-specific academic support available to candidates.

Celebrate later

With only a month remaining, Londt urged candidates to shut out distractions and concentrate on the examinations.

“This is your moment. Breathe, take it in, and put in the necessary time and work. There will be time for celebrations later,” Londt said.

“For now, remain disciplined and focused; your hard work will pay off. The Western Cape is supporting you all the way!”

Parents, guardians and communities have also been urged to protect candidates’ study time during the final weeks before the examinations.

“I want to ask parents, guardians, communities to work with us to support our learners during this time. Let us not disrupt their precious study time or do anything that could negatively impact their focus,” Londt said.

WCED acknowledges exam pressure

The department acknowledged that the final countdown could place increased pressure on candidates and urged learners who are struggling to seek assistance.

“We know how stressful this period can be for learners. We encourage those who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out to the WCED for help,” Londt said.

School staff can seek assistance from district support teams, while the Safe Schools Hotline can connect learners with relevant government departments and non-governmental organisations.

Candidates now have a month of preparation remaining before the first papers are written on October 13, kicking off more than six weeks of examinations before the final papers are completed on November 25.