The governing body of a public school may determine an admission policy for the school. However the school’s admission policy must be based on the guidlines determined by the Head of the Provincial Education Department (HOD). If the applicant is refused the HOD must, through the principal of the school, inform the parent of the refusal and the reason thereof.
Every child has the right to be admitted to any public school, and to participate in all school activities. The admission age of a learner to a public school is
- 4 years turning 5 by 30 June in the year of admission, for grade R
- 5 turning 6 by 30 June in the year of admission for grade 1
Parents may however choose to send their children to grade R and grade 1 at a slightly older age, namely 5 turning 6 in the year of admission to grade R and 6 turning 7 in the year of admission for grade 1.
It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure that:
- Their children are registered for the following year, well before the end of the current school year.
- All children between the ages of 6 and 15 years attend school
- Their children attend school regularly
The governing body of a public school may determine an admission policy for the school. However the school’s admission policy must be based on the guidlines determined by the Head of the Provincial Education Department (HOD). If the applicant is refused the HOD must, through the principal of the school, inform the parent of the refusal and the reason thereof.
The following documents are needed to register a child at a public school:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunisation card
- Transfer card or last school report for learners who have been to school
A child may register provisionally if these documents are not available, and the parent must be given reasonable time to submit them.
A parent may register his or her child at any public school if vacant places exist at the school. However, if a feeder zone has been created by the HOD in consultation with the SGB’s:
- Preference must be given to the learners living in the feeder zone of the school or whose parent’s work address is in the feeder zone.
- Other learners will be admitted on a first come first served basis.
Once the school has reached capacity it may not be able to register a child, but must advise the parent to find an alternative school through the district office. The capacity of the school will be determined by the number of classrooms and the educator’s available at the school. The recommended number of learners per classroom is 40 in grades 1 to 6, and 35 in grade 7 to 12.
All schools must admit learners without discriminating against anyone in any way. Schools may not administer any tests, use pre-school experience or language as reasons not to enrol a learner. No learner may be refused admission to a public school because his/her parents/guardians:
- Are unable to pay school fees
- Do not subscribe to the mission statement of the school
- Have refused to sign the indemnity contract
- Are unable to afford all or part of the school uniform.
The following should be considered when decisions on school uniforms are made:
- Parents must be consulted
- Choose the type of uniform easily obtainable at many suppliers
- Parents must not be forced to buy different summer and winter uniforms.
A female learner cannot be refused admission, suspended or forced to leave the school because she is pregnant.
The South African Schools Act (SASA) requires ordinary public schools to admit learners with special education needs, where reasonably practical. Schools are encouraged to make necessary arrangements to make their facilities accessible to all learners.
If a child has been refused admission to a public school, the school principal must give a written explanation of why the learner was not admitted. If the [parent is not satisfied with the explanation he/she may lodge a written appeal with the provincial MEC for Education. National Hotline Number: 0800 202 933
- - Sourced from Department of Education