Cape town: The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public to prioritize matric candidates and treat them as the province’s ‘VIPs’ in the lead-up to and during the exam period. “They are already under enough pressure, and do not need the added stress of protests and disruptions in and around schools. Please put the best interests of our children first, so that they are in the best possible mindset for the exams,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.
According to South African Government News Agency, today marks 40 days before matric learners sit for their 2025 National Senior Certificate exams. The exams are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, and conclude on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. “Our matric teachers, tutors and officials have been hard at work preparing our candidates for the final hurdle of their school careers,” added Maynier.
Nearly 22,000 matrics attended ‘Back on Track’ winter school during the mid-year holidays, which took place in all eight education districts in the province. The MEC highlighted that revision classes will also occur during the spring school holidays in October, with weekend revision classes having already taken place during the third term. “Our annual matric support booklet has been delivered to schools, containing past matric papers, administrative details like the exam timetable and pass requirements, study tips and advice for post-school studies.”
The provincial department also announced the distribution of a ‘Tips for Success’ booklet featuring comprehensive guidance on effective study strategies, essential exam concepts, maintaining health and wellness during exams, a sample study timetable, and advice from past matric learners. “The run-up to the matric exams can be a particularly stressful period for our candidates. We encourage all learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out to us for help.”
Maynier advised matrics that it is the home stretch and the time for complete focus and commitment. “The hours you invest over the next 40 days will be of great benefit to you during the exams. We are here to support you, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you when the results are released in 2026,” he added.
To further support the students, the department has amassed a variety of eLearning resources, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries, and study guides. These resources are accessible on the WCED website and the department’s ePortal: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support. School staff can also seek guidance from district support teams, and the department’s Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47 toll-free can connect learners with help from partner government departments and non-governmental organizations.