Gauteng Grade 12 pupils begin their preliminary examinations on Tuesday, 25 August, with the assessment period running through to Friday, 18 September, provincial schools have been told.
Timetable and key papers
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has stressed that the prelims are not national examinations but are set and administered at provincial level. Learners across Gauteng will face a packed schedule covering languages, sciences, mathematics, commerce and technical subjects.
The first day of tests will include English First Additional Language (FAL) and Afrikaans FAL, each scheduled for two-and-a-half hours. The timetable unfolds as follows, with a number of subjects having two papers:
- 25 August: English FAL Paper 1; Afrikaans FAL Paper 1 (2.5 hours each)
- 26 August: Life Sciences Paper 1
- 27 August: Business Studies Paper 1
- 28 August: Accounting Paper 1
- 31 August: Accounting Paper 2
The September portion of the timetable remains busy, with mathematics and related papers carrying longer time allocations:
- 4 September: Mathematics Paper 1; Mathematical Literacy Paper 1; Technical Mathematics Paper 1 (three hours)
- 7 September: Mathematics Paper 2; Mathematical Literacy Paper 2; Technical Mathematics Paper 2 (three hours)
- 8–11 September: History Paper 1 (8 Sept); Geography Paper 2 (9 Sept); Tourism (10 Sept); Physical Sciences & Technical Sciences Paper 1 (11 Sept)
- 14–18 September: Physical/Technical Sciences Paper 2 (14 Sept); Business Studies Paper 2 (15 Sept); History Paper 2 (16 Sept); Economics Paper 2 (17 Sept); Life Sciences Paper 2 (18 Sept)
| Term | First day | Last day |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary examinations | 25 August 2026 | 18 September 2026 |
| School closing date | 23 September 2026 | |
DBE clarification: prelims are provincial
“The Prelim Exams are not a national exam but are provincially set and administered in terms of individual provincial timetables,”
The DBE emphasised this distinction to curb confusion among learners and parents who sometimes treat prelims as formal national assessment events. Provincial prelims are intended to prepare candidates and to help schools identify gaps before the final national examinations.
What this means for learners and parents
Preliminary examinations give teachers, learners and parents a chance to assess readiness and to identify topics that require extra attention before the national matric exams. Schools will use the results to plan revision, extra lessons and support for learners who are struggling.
Practical points to note:
- Check the specific timetable issued by your school or the provincial education department — some sessions and start times may vary by centre.
- Arrive early on exam days and bring authorised stationery and identification as required by your school.
- Observe school dress codes and exam-room rules; breaches can lead to disciplinary action.
Logistics and local impact
Across Gauteng, schools will be managing exam venues, invigilators and transport arrangements for learners. The period can put pressure on families who must balance work, study and transport. Many Gauteng schools schedule extra classes and revision sessions in the weeks leading up to 25 August.
Public transport and traffic patterns around schools can be busier during the exam window, especially for centres with large numbers of candidates. Parents and learners should plan journeys with extra time to spare.
Next steps
After prelims conclude on 18 September, most schools will spend the final days before term ends on 23 September reviewing scripts, providing feedback and putting revision plans in place for the national exams. Learners should treat prelims as a serious dress rehearsal — the results will inform preparation but will not replace the national examinations.
For exact start times and room allocations, candidates must consult their school’s official timetable and communications. Any queries about the provincial schedule should be directed to the Gauteng Department of Education or individual school administrations.
Report from Johannesburg.
