NSC (matric)
National Senior Certificate
- When
- End of Grade 12
- Run by
- Department of Basic Education and the provincial education departments
The FET phase ends with the National Senior Certificate, the school-leaving qualification known as matric.
South Africa · CAPS guide
School in South Africa: Grade R to Grade 12 and free worksheets
Grade R to matric in four phases, the age rules for starting school, and free worksheets for every grade.
South African schooling runs from Grade R (the Reception year) to Grade 12, in four phases: the Foundation Phase (Grade R–3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6), Senior Phase (Grade 7–9) and the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grade 10–12).
Age rules are set nationally: a child may start Grade R in the year they turn six, and must be admitted to Grade 1 in the year they turn seven. So at the start of the school year most Grade 1 learners are 6, and most Grade R learners are 5. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, signed in September 2024, makes Grade R compulsory; check with your province how this is being introduced.
What is taught in every grade and subject is set out in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS).
At a glance
- Phases
- 4
- Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, FET
- Grade 1
- Turns 7
- In the year of admission
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Grade R to Grade 12
- School year
- 4 terms
- January to December
South Africa
Classes and ages
The typical age of a child at the start of each school year. Tap a class to open its free worksheets.
At 5, most children are in Grade R. That is part of Foundation Phase (Grade R–3).
Grade R worksheetsAt 6, most children are in Grade 1. That is part of Foundation Phase (Grade R–3).
Grade 1 worksheetsAt 7, most children are in Grade 2. That is part of Foundation Phase (Grade R–3).
Grade 2 worksheetsAt 8, most children are in Grade 3. That is part of Foundation Phase (Grade R–3).
Grade 3 worksheetsAt 9, most children are in Grade 4. That is part of Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6).
Grade 4 worksheetsAt 10, most children are in Grade 5. That is part of Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6).
Grade 5 worksheetsAt 11, most children are in Grade 6. That is part of Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6).
Grade 6 worksheetsAt 12, most children are in Grade 7. That is part of Senior Phase (Grade 7–9).
Grade 7 worksheetsAt 13, most children are in Grade 8. That is part of Senior Phase (Grade 7–9).
Grade 8 worksheetsAt 14, most children are in Grade 9. That is part of Senior Phase (Grade 7–9).
Grade 9 worksheetsAt 15, most children are in Grade 10. That is part of FET Phase (Grade 10–12).
Grade 10 worksheetsAt 16, most children are in Grade 11. That is part of FET Phase (Grade 10–12).
Grade 11 worksheetsAt 17, most children are in Grade 12. That is part of FET Phase (Grade 10–12).
Grade 12 worksheets- Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
- Senior Phase (Grade 7–9)
- FET Phase (Grade 10–12)
National exams and assessments
The main exams children meet on the way through school.
South Africa
Free worksheets for every class
Printable, playable on screen and marked instantly. Each class page has fresh sheets for every subject.
Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
Senior Phase (Grade 7–9)
Curriculum
CAPS
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements define what is taught in every grade and subject. Our sheets are organised by grade and age and cover core skills such as mental maths, number work, phonics, reading and handwriting.
Tips for this school system
- In the Foundation Phase, a few minutes of counting, phonics and reading every day matter more than long homework sessions.
- Use the holidays between terms for one short sheet a day, so the first weeks of the new term feel easy.
- Read with your child in English and in your home language. Talking about a story builds the vocabulary that comprehension needs.
- Generate a different version of the same worksheet for each group, so learners practise the same CAPS skill with fresh numbers.
- Project a sheet for whole-class mental maths, then print the answer key for quick self-marking.
- Learners with a phone or tablet can play the same sheet on screen at home and get instant marking.
Keep learning
Programmes, phonics and short explainers that work with any school system.
Learning programmes
Step-by-step paths in maths and reading, with stars and progress.
Phonics and early reading
Sounds, blending and decodable mini-books, one step at a time.
Learning Wiki
Short, clear explainers of school topics, with practice to match.
Check-ups
Quick checks, marked instantly, to see what your child knows.
Lesson plans
Ready-to-teach plans that wrap fresh practice sheets.
Parents' area
Guides by age, weekly packs and your child's progress.
Questions parents ask
What age do children start Grade 1 in South Africa?
A child must be admitted to Grade 1 in the year they turn seven, so most learners start Grade 1 aged 6 and turn 7 during the year.
Is Grade R compulsory?
The BELA Act, signed in September 2024, makes Grade R compulsory. Ask your school or provincial department how and when this applies to your child.
What is matric?
Matric is the common name for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the qualification learners receive at the end of Grade 12.
Are the worksheets free?
Yes. Every class page has free sheets you can print, play on screen or write on with a finger or stylus. Some actions need a free account, and a few items marked Premium are part of a paid plan. There are no ads and no trackers.
Other countries
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources (last reviewed October 2026).