The North West Department of Education, Superintendent – General Lengane Bogatsu, convened a two-days meeting for the 22 Underperforming Secondary Schools and 59 Underperforming Primary Schools in the province. The meeting took place from Thursday, 19 March to Friday, 20 March 2026 at Milner Secondary School in Klerksdorp.

The identified schools scored below the average of 70% in the last academic year of 2025. This engagement with underperforming schools forms part of the Department’s efforts, which are ongoing to strengthen accountability by improving curriculum delivery and reviving excellence in academics across all schools.
Notably, Letsatsing Science Secondary School in Mahikeng was among the schools that performed below the department’s expectations. This development is serious as the school in its history has been one of the best top-performing schools in the North West.

Mr Lengane Bogatsu the Superintendent General of the Department has emphasised the need for urgency in implementing the targeted intervention strategies through strengthening monitoring and support. School Management Teams of these schools are requested to take full responsibility and accountability to improve learner outcomes.

“We will not allow complacency or continued underperforming in our schools. The time for excuses is now over. All targeted intervention strategies must be implemented immediately because the future of our learners cannot be negotiated,” says Lengane Bogatsu.
The North West Department of Education calls on all stakeholders including School Management Teams, Learners, and Parents to actively participate and play a critical role in ensuring that the targeted 95% pass rate becomes a reality in 2026.

download: Media Statement