At least three independent and authoritative reports both nationally and provincially reported that the province performance in the Foundation Phase was on the increase with the Intermediate Phase on the decrease (with Grade 9 performance increasing). The Grade 12 results indicated that the province was on an improvement trajectory. The number of learners in the schooling system was on the increase. It had been confirmed in a DBE report that the province had the highest number for learner retention in South Africa. It was observed that the intervention strategies in the province were working well. The province had planned to make teacher development a focus area going forward. The eight interventions the province included: