By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Department of Education has confirmed that five Finishing School Model (FSM) centres will be phased out in 2026 as government transitions to a new post-matric support system.
The FSM centres – Riverside in QwaQwa, Selokisa in Botshabelo, Tshepo Themba in Welkom, Tumahole in Parys and Mohokare in Zastron – have been operating full-time across the province’s districts, supporting an estimated 5,000 learners annually who either failed to meet National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements or sought to improve their marks for university entry.
According to the department, the decision forms part of a restructuring process that will replace the Finishing School Model with a new Second Chance Matric Support Programme (SCMSP), to be rolled out from 2026.
Education MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya said the shift represents a strategic transition towards a more inclusive and cost-effective system that expands access and improves outcomes for post-school learners.
“This reorganisation ensures that more young people – even in remote areas – can access quality teaching and learning support without financial barriers,” Maboya said.
“Our focus is on broadening access to quality education and empowering learners to re-enter the higher education sector with confidence.”
The FSM allowed learners to repeat up to three subjects at the five centres. Under the new second-chance programme, the number of centres will be increased to 12 – at no cost to learners.
“I want to emphasize that this evolution is not about closing doors, but opening more of them,” added Maboya.
