WC academic year gets off to a smooth start

CAPE TOWN - The 2025 school year got off to a smooth start in the Western Cape this morning.

At least 1.2 million pupils are enrolled in public schools across the province this year.

Of that number, at least 107,000 pupils start big school.

Another 100,000 are starting their high school journeys.

The first day of the academic year was a roller-coaster of emotions for some parents in Cape Town after dropping their children off at school.

EWN visited Soneike Private School in Kuils River to speak to parents and eager learners.

One parent said that she was conflicted about Wednesday's events.

"I feel so sad that my daughter will be starting her first day of school today. At the very same time, she is so excited, she had been looking forward to this day."

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it had placed almost all grade one and eight learners who applied for placement at a school last year.