WCED says it's prepared for the 2026 academic year

With just under a week to go before schools open, the Western Cape Education Department says it's prepared and ready for the 2026 school year.

The first term starts when teachers return to work next week Monday, with learners expected to enter the school gates on Wednesday.

The beginning of a new school year will see hundreds of thousands of young people starting their learning journey.

Bronagh Hammond, the provincial education spokesperson, explained: "We urge parents to ensure that they are fully prepared for the start of the school year by reading all communication from their child's school carefully. 

“Notices often include important details such as stationery lists, uniform requirements and other essentials."

She added that textbooks and other stationery essentials have been delivered to schools across the province.

"For example, schools were able to order top-up textbooks as early as May 2025 with full delivery completed in October amounting to R58.7 million. Stationery for non-section 21 schools valued at R25 million was delivered in November and an additional R31 million worth of goods were also delivered by December."