Schools where you can repeat Grade 12 in the Eastern Cape

For thousands of learners across the Eastern Cape, the release of Grade 12 results can be a moment of celebration — but for others, it brings disappointment and uncertainty. Failing to pass matric, or not achieving the marks required for further study, does not mean the end of the road. In the Eastern Cape, there are several options available for learners who want to repeat Grade 12 and improve their results.

Education officials and school principals have repeatedly stressed that repeating matric can be a strategic decision, especially for learners who are committed to working harder, improving subject marks, or meeting minimum requirements for university, TVET college, or bursary applications.

Repeating Grade 12 at public high schools

The most common route is repeating Grade 12 at a public high school under the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). Learners who previously attended a public school are usually encouraged to return to the same school, provided there is space available.

Public schools allow learners to repeat matric either as full-time learners (attending classes daily) or, in some cases, as part-time learners, depending on the school’s policy. Admission is subject to the school’s capacity, subject availability, and approval by the principal.

Learners who wish to repeat at a public school must provide:

• Their latest Grade 11 or Grade 12 results

• A school transfer letter

• Certified copies of an ID or birth certificate

• A parent or guardian’s consent

Applications are usually handled between January and February, although some schools may close admissions earlier due to high demand.

Schools where you can repeat Grade 12 in the Eastern Cape

A list of schools where you can repear grade 12 in the Eastern Cape:

24. Ntsizwa High School (Mt Ayliff)

25. Saphukanduku High School (Mt Ayliff)

26. Mlungiselele High School (Mt Ayliff)

27. Zanokhanyo High School (Ngqeleni)

28. Manzamnyama High School (Mt Frere)

29. Toleni High School (Mt Frere)

30. Ngwekazi High School (Mt Frere)

31. Colana High School (Mt Frere)

32. Zinyosini SSS (Mt Frere)

33. Osborne High School (Mt Frere)

34. Lusikisiki Christian High School (Lusikisiki)

35. Bodweni SSS (Flagstaff)

36. Dumsi High School

37. Sukude High School (Ntabankulu)

38. Dumezweni High School (Tabankulu)

39. Ngabarha High School (Dutywa)

40. Mazizini SSS (Dutywa)

41. Jongilanga SSS (Dutywa)

42. Menziwa SSS (Dutywa)

43. Executive Academy (Dutywa)

44. Idutywa School of Excellence (Dutywa)

45. Jongintaba SSS (Mthatha)

46. Gobizizwe High School (Mthatha)

47. KCC – (Mthatha)

48. Riverside High School (Mthatha)

49. Mpeko SSS (Mthatha)

50. Menziwa High School (Mthatha)

51. Gcinumthetho High School (Port St Johns – PSJ)

52. Gobinamba High School (PSJ)

53. Nkosi Mvinjelwa High School (PSJ)

54. Majali Technical High School (PSJ)

55. Tanga High School (Butterworth)

56. Bethel High School (Butterworth)

57. Nolitha Comprehensive Technical High School (Butterworth)

58. Mizamo High School (Mdantsane NU 15)

59. Sakhisizwe High School (Mdantsane NU 13)

60. Solomon Mahlangu High School (Mdantsane)

61. Rubusana High School (Queenstown / Komani)

62. Ndlovukazi High School (Queenstown / Komani)

63. Khanya SSS (Mount Fletcher)

64. Bethania High School (Mount Fletcher)

65. Khorong High School (Mount Fletcher)

66. Edward Zibi High School (Mount Fletcher)

67. Imiqhayi SSS (Mount Coke, King William’s Town)

68. Manzolwandle High School (Mqanduli)

69. Qingqolo High School (Mqanduli)

70. Mangala High School

State-supported matric rewrite centres

In addition to ordinary schools, the Eastern Cape also makes use of state-supported matric rewrite centres, sometimes referred to as second-chance or re-enrolment centres. These centres are aimed at learners who want to improve specific subjects rather than repeat the entire year.

Learners attend classes for selected subjects and write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations at the end of the year. These centres are particularly popular among learners who narrowly missed passing or who need higher marks in gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Accounting.

Adult Education and Training (AET) and community learning centres

Older learners, especially those over the age of 21, often choose Adult Education and Training (AET) or Community Learning Centres (CLCs). These centres operate under the Department of Higher Education and Training and offer opportunities to complete or improve matric outside the traditional school environment.

While not all centres offer the full Grade 12 curriculum, many provide NSC or Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) pathways, which are recognised for employment and certain study opportunities.

Community Learning Centres are available in many towns across the Eastern Cape, including rural areas, making them accessible to learners who may not be able to return to a traditional high school.

Private schools and matric colleges

Another option for repeating Grade 12 in the Eastern Cape is enrolling at a private school or matric college. These institutions often cater specifically to learners rewriting matric and may offer smaller classes, focused support, and flexible learning schedules.

Private institutions charge fees, which vary depending on the school and the subjects taken. While this option may not be affordable for everyone, it is popular among learners who want a structured environment dedicated to matric improvement.

Parents and learners are advised to ensure that any private institution is properly registered with the Department of Basic Education before enrolling.

Online and distance learning options

With the growth of digital learning, some learners choose online or distance matric programmes while registered to write the NSC examinations. These options are usually combined with self-study and external exam centres.

Although online learning offers flexibility, education experts warn that it requires strong self-discipline and support at home. It may not be suitable for learners who need close supervision or daily classroom engagement.

Important considerations before repeating matric

Education specialists in the province caution that repeating Grade 12 should be a carefully considered decision. Learners are encouraged to reflect on why they did not succeed the first time — whether due to academic challenges, personal circumstances, or lack of support — and to put systems in place to address those issues.

Repeating matric works best for learners who:

• Are motivated to improve

• Have a clear plan for their subjects

• Receive academic and emotional support

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has also urged parents to be actively involved, as family support plays a major role in a learner’s success during a repeat year.

A second chance, not a setback

For many learners in the Eastern Cape, repeating Grade 12 has proven to be a turning point rather than a failure. Each year, thousands of candidates improve their results, qualify for further studies, or gain better employment opportunities after giving matric another try.

As education officials often remind learners: matric can be repeated, but giving up should never be an option.