Several schools in the Western Cape have returned for their final term, with added notches on their belt.

The National Education Excellence Awards honoured schools and schooling districts in the province last week, for their achievements in a number of categories.

“These awards are focused on the quality of matric results and other indicators, and celebrate excellence in learning outcomes that will ultimately give our children a better future.” – Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier.

World’s Best School nominee, Rustenberg Girls High School, was ranked the “Top Quintile 5 school in the country”.

Rhenish Girls High School and Bloemhof Girls High School was also recognised in this category.

Thomas Wildschutt Primary School and Crestway Secondary School were honoured for their achievements in health promotion at their respective schools.

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Various schooling districts in the Western Cape were also ranked among the best, nationally.

The Metro North and Central Education Districts received honours for outstanding performance.

The Metro North Education District ranked in the top three of four different categories at the awards, including first place for Excellence in District Leadership and Management and second place as the Top Performing District for the Highest Percentage of Bachelor Passes.

The Provincial Education Department also received second place in the Special Ministerial Award for provinces with the highest number of Bachelor passes in the past five-year period.

MEC, David Maynier, expressed his thanks to all those involved in the department’s successes.

“Thank you to every one of our learners, teachers, officials, and school stakeholders for the hard work that has made these achievements possible, which underlines our commitment to quality education for every learner, in every classroom, in every school in the Western Cape.”

*This article was updated to contain more accurate information.