NORTH WEST PROVINCE READY TO ADMINISTER 2025 YEAR-END EXAMINATIONS

With only a day to go before the commencement of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the North West Department of Education has confirmed that it is fully prepared to administer the year-end examinations across the Province.

This year, a total of 45,336 full-time candidates have registered to sit for the final examinations, an increase of 335 candidates compared to the 2024 cohort.
The Province has also recorded a growth in the number of registered examination centres, from 448 in 2024 to 453 in 2025, reflecting the addition of five new public schools in the Bojanala District.

For special schools, four examination centres have been designated, one per district to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all learners. The Department has finalised all processes related to the printing and secure handling of examination materials in line with national standards and the training of all examination officials has been concluded on 14 October 2025. All examination centres have been audited to ensure compliance with examination regulations and security protocols.

Independent schools have undergone full compliance checks covering accreditation, teaching personnel, registration status, and secure storage facilities for examination papers.

Centres have been categorised according to their risk profiles:
* Low-risk centres will be managed by their Chief Invigilators.
* Moderate-risk centres will be monitored by the provincial team for every paper written.
* High-risk centres will be fully managed by the Department.

To ensure smooth administration of examinations, two to three officials per school have been trained as invigilators. Training of Chief Invigilators was conducted from 28 July to 4 August 2025, followed by cluster-based invigilator training from 11 to 14 August 2025 before the preparatory examinations. Training of examination monitors was completed across all districts from 11 to 14 August 2025, with all monitors duly accredited.

The marking process will be conducted at approximately 20 marking venues across the Province, staffed by centre managers, deputy centre managers, chief markers, examination assistants, and security personnel.

MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, has expressed confidence in the province’s state of readiness.
“Our systems are in place, our officials are prepared, and our learners are ready. The Class of 2025 stands on the shoulders of hard work, resilience, and commitment. We encourage all candidates to approach the examinations with focus, honesty, and determination,” says Motsumi.

The Department wishes all learners in the North West Province the very best as they embark on this important milestone of their educational journey.