Western Cape Education Department (WCED)
The Western Cape Education Department runs public schooling in Western Cape: 1 935 schools, 1 308 546 learners and 47 952 educators across 8 education districts. In 2025, 88.2% of the province's matric candidates passed.
Official website · Online school admissions · All schools in Western Cape · Best matric results
Education districts in Western Cape
| District | Schools | Private | Learners | Matric pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Winelands | 322 | 40 | 176 540 | 84.5% |
| Eden and Central Kar | 250 | 48 | 142 713 | 89.1% |
| Metro Central | 288 | 65 | 168 887 | 87.0% |
| Metro East | 263 | 67 | 238 919 | 90.2% |
| Metro North | 285 | 66 | 232 512 | 89.2% |
| Metro South | 262 | 44 | 211 989 | 87.7% |
| Overberg | 108 | 22 | 55 905 | 92.4% |
| West Coast | 143 | 15 | 79 654 | 87.4% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the official website of the Western Cape Education Department?
The Western Cape Education Department's official website is www.westerncape.gov.za/education. Online school applications are made at admissions.westerncape.gov.za.
How many schools does the Western Cape Education Department manage?
Western Cape has 1 935 registered schools: 1 556 public schools run by the department and 379 independent schools that it registers and monitors, with 1 308 546 learners in 2025.
How many education districts are there in Western Cape?
The department works through 8 education districts, listed above. Each district office supports the schools in its area and handles matters such as admissions appeals, learner transfers and school support.
Which district is my school in?
Search for the school on SchoolsInfo; its page shows the education district and circuit. You can also open a district above to see every school in it.
SchoolsInfo is independent and not part of the Western Cape Education Department. School and district data: DBE EMIS School Masterlist, Quarter 3 of 2025.