Hundreds of thousands of learners on the coast are starting the new academic year.

Schools reopened this morning after a lengthy break.

In the Western Cape over 1.2 million learners are expected to return. Overseeing these learners are more than 35 000 teachers and some 7 500 public service staff.

At least 212 additional classrooms have also been completed in time for the opening of the 2023 school year.

Almost all grade one and eight pupils have been placed. But Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier notes that the system remains under pressure due late applications. More than 25 000 of these applications have been received, meaning some learners will miss the first weeks of school as education officials search for space.