Guides for parents
Understand South Africa's school system — quintiles, fees, peer comparisons, and how to choose the right school for your child.
What Is a School Quintile? Quintiles 1 to 5 Explained
A plain-language guide to South Africa's school funding classification. What it means for fees, and what it doesn't tell you about school quality.
Understanding Peer Comparisons on SchoolSeek
How we compare schools fairly using contextual peer groups.
Choosing a School in South Africa: A Parent's Guide
Practical guidance for parents navigating school selection in South Africa.
Public vs Private Schools in South Africa
Key differences between public and independent schools in South Africa.
What Is a No-Fee School? South Africa's Policy Explained
Which schools are no-fee, who qualifies, and what it means for your family.
Independent Schools and Exam Bodies in South Africa
Understanding independent schools, IEB vs NSC matric exams, and how to compare them.
How School Admissions Work in South Africa: Grade R, 1 and 8
When to apply, how old your child must be, what documents you need, and what to do if your child is refused.
Matric Pass Requirements: Bachelor's, Diploma and Higher Certificate Passes Explained
What you need to pass matric, what each kind of pass means, and what to do if you fail or want better marks.
Our Methodology
How we process EMIS data, calculate peer comparisons, and present school information transparently.
Read Our Methodology