Education and Schools in South Africa

The standard of education and schools in South Africa is a mixed bag across the public and private sectors. The South African education system consists of independent and government schools.

Private education is far pricier than public education but generally offers high standards and ample resources. Fees are steep, though, and these schools are attended mostly by children from middle- and high-income families.

Government schools are funded by provincial education departments, and standards vary widely. Schools wholly dependent on government funding are typically short of resources and provide a poor standard of education.

On the other hand, there are fee-paying government schools run by governing bodies consisting of parents and alumni. These schools are in a much better position to offer high-quality education. Some of the country’s best schools fall into this category, though in some cases, fees can be almost as expensive as private schools.

Public schools in South Africa

Education in South Africa is divided into primary and secondary schools. The first nine years of schooling are compulsory, but most students continue until Grade 12 when they graduate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC).

• Primary school lasts for seven years (ages 6 to 13, depending on whether children start school at 6 or 7)
• Secondary school (ages 14 to 18)

Many South African public schools depend on the government for funding and supplies. Each province is responsible for ensuring its schools are equipped and have enough money to run properly. As a result, standards vary immensely, depending on the province’s efficiency and wealth.

Many children receive low standards of education due to a lack of qualified teachers and sometimes an outright absence of classroom equipment. Due to these shortcomings, parents who can afford it prefer to send their children to private schools.

In the bigger cities, public school standards are generally better and, in some cases, may meet expat requirements. Public schools draw students and funds from their suburbs; wealthier areas typically have better schools. The best government schools tend to be those that are partially administrated and funded by parents and a governing body.

Useful links

• National Department of Basic Education

Private schools in South Africa

Except for some expats living in high-income areas, most seek private education for their children. Depending on your location, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to private schools.

Many private schools have religious origins and aim to provide pupils with a spiritual foundation to complement their academic offerings. Others subscribe to a particular teaching philosophy.

Similar to other countries, private schools typically have better facilities, smaller classes and a more extensive selection of extracurricular activities. This is also true of international schools in South Africa.

Useful links

• Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) – Schoolfinder

International schools in South Africa

There are several international schools in South Africa that offer a variety of globally recognised curricula, such as those of the UK, the US, and the International Baccalaureate. Many expat parents find that international schools offer a sense of familiarity and continuity to children who can carry on with their home curriculum. International schools are also a great way to meet fellow expat families.

That said, there are two major downsides to international schooling. Firstly, fees can be exorbitant, and secondly, securing a place in some of the more popular schools can often be difficult. Parents should start the application process as early as possible to stand the best chance of being admitted. To mitigate costs, expats moving to South Africa for work should try asking for provisions for school fees as part of their relocation package.

Homeschooling in South Africa

Homeschooling is increasingly popular with expat parents wanting to educate their children in South Africa. To do this, they have to apply to the head of the relevant provincial Department of Education and register their child. The lessons they offer must follow Department guidelines, and records of the child’s coursework must be maintained.

Useful links

• Homeschooling Association SA

Special educational needs in South Africa

There are several special-needs schools across South Africa, both public and private, catering for a variety of conditions. However, parents of children with special needs generally find that government schooling, in practice, offers few resources and little support. For this reason, it’s best to opt for a private school if possible.

Many mainstream private schools take an inclusive approach to catering for special-needs students alongside the general student population, providing extra support where necessary. This may come with extra charges over and above annual school fees. You should consider a private special-needs school if your child requires a more specialised environment.

Useful links

• South African Government Official Information and Services – School Guide

Tutors in South Africa

In South Africa, tutors are frequently hired to assist students with subjects that they find difficult, such as maths or science. They are also often enlisted to help students prepare for the final school-leaving exams in Grade 12.

Tutors can be particularly helpful for expat children adjusting to a new curriculum or new language, providing extra support through the transition period.

There are several reputable tutoring agencies and companies throughout South Africa. TeachMe2 and Tutor Elite both come highly recommended and have tutors all over the country who can assist with various subjects.

Useful links

• TeachMe2
• Tutor Elite