South Africa › South Africa Guide › Education › Schools in South Africa

Schools in South Africa

Public and private schools

In South Africa there are three kinds of schools: public fee-free schools, public private schools, and private schools. The quality of the education offered in these schools ranges widely.

Public fee-free schools are subsidised by the government. These schools are only available in the poorest areas along with the National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The NSNP feeds 1.6 million children every day and established almost 2,000 school gardens.

Public private schools are subsidised by the government as well, but they charge school fees. These fees cover basic utensils like books and uniforms and extras depending on the class size, facilities, and teaching quality. In some cases, parents can apply for exemption or a reduction on fees.

Independent private schools have a long history and their concept is attracting a large number of students today. Independent private schools are either privately-governed or traditional private schools with a religious background that were established by missionaries.

Some of the best private schools in the world are South African:

King David
Michaelhouse
St John's Colleg
Bridge House School
Diocesan College
Brescia House
Hilton College
Kearsney College
St Stithians College and St David's Marist Inanda
St Andrew's College
Grahamstown St Conrad's College
Klerksdorp

School times and holidays

Students attend school from Monday to Friday. Classes take place from 8 AM to 2.30 PM. After 2.30 PM, students can take part in after class activities or visit the local after care centre.

South African academic year is from January to December. It is split up into four terms:

The first term begins on mid - January and ends in April. It is followed by Easter Holidays, which last 10 days.
The second term is from mid - April to June. It is followed by the Winter Holidays, that last 21 days.
The third term begins in mid – July and ends in September. Spring Holidays follow it, and last 10 days.
The fourth term is from October to December. Christmas Holidays are 40 days long.

The teaching system

The teaching system in South Africa is called Outcome Based Education (OBE). It combines formal knowledge with everyday knowledge and requires students to research information themselves. They are encouraged to analyse and criticise the gathered information first for themselves instead of just absorbing and repeating what they have been taught.

Computer-based education is available in some areas, and the government is working on implementing it on disadvantaged communities as well.