The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is responsible for providing general and further education and training in schools and colleges in the province.

The department provides education for learners with special education needs and subsidises and supports early childhood development in Grade R and adult education and training, among other, related services.

Our vision is a Learning Home for All. Our mission is to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to:

• Realise their potential
• Lead fulfilling lives
• Contribute to social and economic development
• Participate fully in the life of the country
• Compete internationally, and
• Build communities capable of managing their lives successfully and with dignity.

The following are key statistics for 2008/09:

• 936 106 learners
• 31 619 teachers
• 1 452 public ordinary schools
• 72 schools for learners with special needs
• 6 FET colleges at 39 sites
• 112 adult learning centres at 301 sites
• 446 subsidised pre-primary schools
• 8 971 public servants

The WCED's Head Office is in central Cape Town. The department has eight education district offices, divided into 49 circuits.

The Head Office is responsible for research, planning and strategy, curriculum management, institutional development and coordination and corporate services.

Districts offices are responsible for education management, development and support in districts and circuits. There are four rural and four urban districts.

The WCED is currently implementing a major redesign to bring development closer to schools, where this support is needed the most.

Key features of the redesign include increased capacity for research, policy development and strategic planning, and strong, multidisciplinary teams in each of the provinces 49 education circuits. This support includes advice on teaching, management, governance and special education needs, and social work services.