The South African education system is made up of three different types of schools: independent or private; public or government; and Model C schools. Private education is more expensive than public education, but in some instances, can offer remarkably high standards of education. Model C schools are government schools and are administered and largely funded by the parent body. Some of the country’s best schools also fall into this category, and fees are somewhere between private and government rates.

Public Schools in South Africa

Public schools are completely dependent on the government for funding and materials. Each province is responsible for making sure its schools are equipped and have enough money for running costs and teacher's salaries. The standards and facilities can vary immensely, depending on the effectiveness of its management and the overall wealth of the area. Learners (and teachers) in some cases are challenged with the low standard of education due to very little or no government participation, the need for qualified teachers and insufficient materials and equipment.

The level of education and management of public schools is generally better in more affluent suburbs, where families living with higher incomes might not need to necessarily enroll their child into a private education institution. In any case, public schools are based on zoning (geographic catchment areas) which means that the children living within a certain area surrounding a public school will be able to attend the school, and not if coming from a different area/suburb.  In public schools, the teachers are appointed by the Department of Education and their salaries increase with the number of years they work for the department and have a government-paid pension.

Model C Schools in South Africa

Model C schools receive government funding, however they are permitted to top up the funding with fees payable by parents. This means that different Model C schools can have different teacher/student ratios, different budgets and can offer outstanding facilities and a very high standard of education, all based on what parents can afford. Many Model C schools have the latest interactive technologies in the classroom, and excellent sports and extra mural programmes.

Private Schools in South Africa

Traditional private schools offer internationally recognised exams, so children coming from these schools have an excellent acceptance rate for further education worldwide.  It is believed private schools offer better infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities and a larger selection of extra-curricular activities.

Most private schools also boast smaller class sizes, around 15 children to one teacher and one assistant, which parents prefer for their children. Private schools may offer a greater range and unique activities ranging from golf to surfing to rock climbing, and most of the time these will come at an extra cost.

Low-cost private schools are schools that are not government subsidized but cost significantly less than traditional private schools. Schools like CURRO and Spark  offer parents discounts if fees are paid up in advance. There are often a few added extras for stationary and textbooks. These schools are backed by private investors and have innovative business models.

Alternative Learning Schools such as Waldorf and Montessori schools base their education around specific values and beliefs. Cost and location are not a deciding factor in this case; it is more the child's talent, ability or interest, or their parent's beliefs that prompt choosing such a niche school.  

School Fees

Cost is the foremost difference between private and public schooling. The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa has almost 700 member schools of which just more than one-third charge less than R28 000 a year, which is estimated to be the highest fees charged by public schools. Top private schools can cost from R40, 000 a year to as high as R100, 000 for Matric. Public primary schools fees range from R500 to R6000, and secondary between R6000 and R7500.

Location

In some areas there may just not be a public school, or perhaps there is no private school and then location becomes a deciding factor. A parent may register his or her child at any public school, if there are vacancies. Most schools have established 'feeder zones,' the area the school favours when admitting students. The order of preference for admission to schools generally is:

•     Children whose parents live in the school's feeder zone – this includes parents who live at their place of work, such as domestic workers.
•     Children whose parents work in the feeder zone.
•     The rest are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be placed on a waiting list.

However, the provincial department of education is obliged to find a place in school for every learner. The feeder zone system does not apply to private or independent schools, which have their own admission requirements.

Registration Requirements for Schools in South Africa

Once a parent has decided on a school, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to register the child at the school. Public schools registrations normally start in July/August and to make sure you have your seat you must apply in good time. Some parents suggest that you apply to all the schools that match your criteria and confirm with the school when you reach their deadline.