The Free State Ministry of Education is giving its Second Chance Matric Support Program (SCMSP) – known as the Finishing School Model – a major overhaul to open doors to more students pursuing a quality education.
From 2026, the province will abandon the Finishing School setup and fully adopt the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) SCMSP Part-Time model. This move is intended to increase resources within tight budgets.
The Free State currently has five Finishing Schools, one in each district:
- Riverbank in Qwaqwa
- Selokisa in Botshabelo
- Tumahole in Paris
- Mohokare in Zastron
- Tshepo Themba in Welcome
These centers accommodate approximately 5,000 candidates working towards their Senior Certificate (SC) or National Senior Certificate (NSC). The Finishing School approach, exclusive to the Free State, provided full-time tuition for retaking up to three subjects and rewriting examinations. It targeted two groups: those who did not meet the NSC grade, and others who wanted to increase the scores for entry into the varsity.
Free State Education MEC, Dr MJ Maboya said: “The schools will not close but will be adapted to better support students.”
The new DBE SCMSP part-time model offers flexible class schedules, with classes from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM or on weekends. Students can register at district offices and be directed to SCMSP centers in their region.
Key topics offered for free include:
- Bookkeeping
- Agricultural sciences
- Business Administration
- Economy
- English FAL
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Mathematical literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life sciences.
Due to financial pressures, the department cannot continue to fund the Finishing School model beyond 2025. Instead, it will roll out the part-time version across the province, scouting more centers in each district to reach additional exam failers or result improvers so they can qualify for tertiary studies.
“We want to improve the quality of education,” said MEC Maboya. “Finishing schools are undergoing adjustments to provide students with better support and resources. Our purpose remains unchanged: to empower students to achieve success. Finishing schools are being refined to meet changing needs.”
She added that the department is reconfiguring the program to provide cost-effective and exceptional education and opportunities to the province’s students. “Change is coming to Finishing Schools, but our commitment to students remains strong. Stay tuned for updates,” she said.
For more information about the SCMSP Part-Time Model or to find the nearest center, please visit your local district office.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
warren@mahareng.co.za
Warren Hawkins
www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za