By Charmaine Ndlela
More than 70,000 Western Cape matriculants are preparing to begin their trial examinations on Wednesday, as they enter the final stretch of preparation for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The Western Cape Education Department’s trial examination period is scheduled to run from 26 August to 23 September, giving Grade 12 learners an opportunity to assess their readiness and identify areas requiring further revision before the final examinations begin in October.
Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt wished the Class of 2026 well ahead of the exams.
“These examinations are an important milestone in a matriculant’s academic year as they prepare for the final National Senior Certificate examinations,” Londt said.
He said the trials would allow learners to assess their academic progress, identify their strengths and determine which areas require additional focus before sitting for the final NSC examinations.
The WCED is encouraging learners to make use of academic and wellbeing support available through its matric support platforms as they prepare for both the trial and final examinations.
Learners can access past examination question papers and memoranda, study guides, revision materials, subject-specific academic support and study tips.
The department also provides access to Telematics Schools Project videos for Grade 12 learners, information on funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support, as well as free internet and related services through WCG eCentres.
“I hope every learner approaches these examinations as a valuable learning opportunity. Stay focused, remain disciplined, and have confidence in your ability to succeed,” Londt said.
The province is seeking to build on the performance of the Class of 2025, which recorded its highest-ever NSC pass rate of 88.2%, alongside its highest-ever bachelor’s pass rate of 49.2%.
The department has said that it wants to place greater emphasis on the quality of matric results rather than focusing only on the overall pass rate.
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Then-Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said in January that the province wanted to raise its bachelor’s pass rate to more than 60% over time, while also increasing the number and proportion of learners achieving 60% and above in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
The WCED’s formal 2026/27 annual performance target for the bachelor’s pass rate is 49.5%, with further improvements planned in subsequent years.
The longer-term targets are aimed at increasing the number of learners who leave school with results providing access to degree-level studies and broader opportunities after matric.
Maynier, speaking at the province’s 2025 NSC awards in January, said improving the quality of education outcomes would require a sustained focus on performance.
“We must commit to excellence, and we must deliver excellence, in education in the Western Cape,” he said.
The department has urged learners to remain disciplined and confident as they prepare for the final NSC examinations.
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“The Western Cape is behind you every step of the way. Good luck, work hard, and make yourselves proud!” Londt said.
The final 2026 NSC examination programme is scheduled to begin on 13 October and conclude on 26 November.
