Western Cape matric exams: 71,300 candidates, 485 centres ready
More than 71,000 Western Cape matric candidates have entered the final month of preparation before the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams begin on 13 October.
In the Western Cape, 71,300 matric candidates are preparing for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams. The Western Cape Education Department has set up 485 examination centres to accommodate the candidates. Community invigilators and markers will be in place to facilitate the exams, which will commence on October 13 and conclude on November 25.
The exams will feature Computer Applications Technology (CAT) on the first day and will encompass a total of 123 papers. Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt emphasized that teachers, tutors, and officials have been diligently preparing the candidates for their final school examinations. Out of the 485 centres, 477 are high schools, with seven primary schools and one correctional services facility designated to accommodate part-time candidates.
The province has also bolstered academic support, with over 31,000 matric pupils attending #BackOnTrack winter school classes during the mid-year holidays. Additional revision classes are scheduled for the upcoming third-term break. The WCED has made various resources available to candidates, including previous examination papers, memoranda, study guides, video tutorials, and subject-specific academic support.
As the exams approach, MEC Londt encouraged candidates to remain focused and disciplined, urging them to put in the necessary time and effort for the successful completion of their examinations.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
