School guides for parents

Plain-language guides to applying for schools, school fees, quintiles and choosing the right school in South Africa.

• How to apply for Grade 1 and Grade 8 at a public schoolWhen applications open, which documents you need, age rules for Grade R and Grade 1, and what to do if your child is not placed.
• School quintiles explained: what Quintile 1 to 5 meansHow the school quintile system works in South Africa, how it affects school funding and fees, and how to find a school's quintile.
• No-fee schools and school fee exemptions in South AfricaWhich schools are no-fee schools, who qualifies for a full or partial exemption from school fees, and how to apply.
• Public vs private schools in South Africa: how to chooseThe differences between public, independent and low-fee private schools in South Africa: fees, curriculum, exams, class sizes and admissions.
• What is a school EMIS number and how do I find it?The NatEMIS number is the unique code the Department of Basic Education gives every school. Here is what it is used for and how to look it up.
• What is a Section 21 school?Section 21 schools manage part of their own state funding. What the five Section 21 functions are and what it means for parents.
• Special needs schools in South Africa: LSEN, full-service and schools of skillsThe types of schools for learners with disabilities and learning barriers in South Africa, and how to get a child placed.
• How to choose a high school: a checklist for parentsWhat to look at when choosing a high school in South Africa: subjects, matric results, size, distance, fees and culture.