From 2026, the province will transition from its long-standing finishing schools’ model to the department of basic education’s second chance matric support programme. This transition will align the Free State’s approach with the national framework while expanding reach and efficiency across all districts.

The change aims to improve access, flexibility, and sustainability in supporting learners who need a second opportunity to complete or improve their national senior certificate results.

Registrations for the 2026 academic year opened on Wednesday, 1 October, and will close on Saturday, 28 February. Learners are encouraged to visit their nearest district office for assistance and placement.

“Finishing schools are not closing, but being adjusted to better support learners,” said Free State education MEC Dr Julia Maboya. “This move is a strategic shift towards a more inclusive, cost-effective, and sustainable system that gives every learner a fair second chance to succeed.

“We are reconfiguring the finishing schools programme to serve more learners and more efficiently. This shift ensures continuity, improved quality, and long-term sustainability that will unlock the potential of thousands of future leaders.

“Under the new model, learners will register at their district offices and be allocated to the nearest accredited second-chance matric support centre. Tuition and study materials will remain free of charge.”

The province operates five full-time finishing schools, one in each district, namely Riverside in QwaQwa, Selokisa in Botshabelo, Tumahole in Parys, Mohokare in Zastron, and Tshepo Themba in Welkom.

Learners at the Riverside Finishing School in Phuthaditjhaba. Photo: Facebook/Riverside Finishing School

These centres together host around 5,000 candidates working towards their senior certificate or national senior certificate. They cater to learners rewriting up to three subjects to meet NSC requirements or improve their results for higher education admission.

Due to increasing financial constraints and the need to extend access to more learners, the department will transition to a part-time model, offering classes on weekdays from 14:00 to 17:00 or on weekends. The restructured model will expand the number of centres from five to at least twelve, enabling more learners, including those in remote areas, to benefit from the programme.

Key subjects that are being offered free of charge include: accounting, agricultural science, business studies, economics, English FAL, geography, history, life science, mathematics, mathematical literacy, and physical sciences.

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