Choosing a School in South Africa: A Parent's Guide

Where do you start when choosing a school?

The first decision is the phase your child needs: primary school (Grades R–7), secondary school (Grades 8–12), or a combined school (Grades R–12). Location is a practical constraint too — daily transport affects your child's energy, your budget, and your schedule. Use SchoolSeek's map explorer to find schools near your home or workplace.

How do school fees work?

No-fee schools (Quintile 1–3) do not charge mandatory fees but may request voluntary contributions. Fee-charging schools (Quintile 4–5) set their own fee levels; independent schools set fees without government regulation. All public schools must offer fee exemptions — the test is based on your household income: if the annual fee equals 10% or more of your household's annual income, you qualify for full exemption; if fees fall between 3.5% and 10% of income, a partial exemption applies. Learners in foster care or receiving social grants qualify automatically. When comparing schools, ask for a full cost breakdown: fees, uniforms, stationery, transport, and extracurricular activities.

What language of instruction will the school use?

Schools may teach in English, Afrikaans, or one of the other official languages, or offer dual-medium instruction. The language of instruction is set at school governing body level. Check the school's language policy directly, especially for Foundation Phase (Grades R–3), where mother-tongue instruction is supported by education research.

What can the data not tell you about a school?

SchoolSeek's data gives you a starting point: learner-to-educator ratios, quintile context, and peer comparisons. But numbers cannot capture a school's culture, the dedication of individual educators, the safety of the environment, or how well a school suits your child's particular needs. Always visit, talk to current parents, and observe a school day if you can.

What questions should you ask during a school visit?

How does SchoolSeek help you decide?

SchoolSeek helps you narrow your search by filtering schools by area, phase, sector, and quintile. Use the peer comparison to see how a school's resources compare to similar schools, and the map to check proximity. Then visit your shortlist to make the final decision.