Mbekweni Primary School
Mbekweni, Paarl, Western Cape 483 m
Public high school
Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School
Mbekweni Sp, Paarl, Western Cape
Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School is a public high school in Mbekweni Sp, Paarl, Western Cape, in the Cape Winelands education district. The Department of Basic Education classifies it as a secondary school. In 2025 it had 1 785 learners and 51 educators, about 35 learners per educator. That makes it larger than the average for public high schools in Western Cape (1 088 learners). It is a quintile 1 school, meaning it serves the poorest 20% of communities according to the national poverty ranking. It is a no-fee school, so parents do not pay school fees. As a Section 21 school, its governing body manages part of its own budget. In the 2025 matric exams, 80.5% of its 246 candidates passed (Western Cape average: 88.2%).
Matric (NSC) results
80.5% of the school's 246 matric candidates passed in 2025, below the Western Cape average of 88.2%.
| Year | Wrote | Passed | Pass rate | Western Cape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 249 | 186 | 74.7% | 81.5% |
| 2024 | 365 | 238 | 65.2% | 86.6% |
| 2025 | 246 | 198 | 80.5% | 88.2% |
Source: Department of Basic Education, 2025 NSC School Performance Report. Pass rate = candidates who achieved the NSC ÷ candidates who wrote. It doesn't show bachelor passes, distinctions or learners who left before Grade 12.
School facts
| School type | Public high school |
|---|---|
| Phase (DBE) | Secondary School |
| Specialisation | Secondary Subjects |
| Sector | Public |
| Quintile | 1 of 5 (what is this?) |
| School fees | No-fee school |
| Section 21 | Yes |
| Learners (2025) | 1 785 |
| Educators (2025) | 51 |
| Learners per educator | 35 (province average 29.7) Fewer learners per educator than 39% of 23 similar schools |
| Urban or rural | Urban |
| EMIS number | 130042202 |
| Exam centre number | 1007706 |
Address and location
| Street address | Funda Street Polar Park Mbekweni 7626 |
|---|---|
| Postal address | P O Box 893 Hugenot Unknown 7645 |
| Suburb / area | Mbekweni Sp |
| Town | Paarl |
| Province | Western Cape |
| Education district | Cape Winelands |
| Circuit | 7 |
| Municipality | Drakenstein |
| Ward | 10203009 |
| Former department | Department of Education & Training(DET) |
Admissions
Applications for Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 at public schools in Western Cape open the year before your child starts school. In the Western Cape, apply through the Western Cape Education Department online admissions system. Read our guide on applying for Grade 1 and Grade 8.
Questions about Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School
Is Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School a public or private school?
Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School is a public high school.
Does Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School charge school fees?
It is a no-fee school, so parents do not pay school fees. It is a quintile 1 school.
What is Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School's matric pass rate?
80.5% of its 246 candidates passed the 2025 NSC exams, against 88.2% for Western Cape. Earlier years: 2023 74.7%, 2024 65.2%.
How many learners are at Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School?
1 785 learners and 51 educators (about 35 learners per educator) in 2025. That is fewer learners per educator than 39% of 23 similar schools in Western Cape.
What is the EMIS number of Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School?
Its EMIS number is 130042202. Its exam centre number is 1007706.
Where is Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School?
Funda Street Polar Park Mbekweni 7626. It is in Mbekweni Sp, Paarl, Western Cape, in the Cape Winelands education district. Phone 021 868 2959.
Schools near Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School
Imboniselo Primary School
Mbekweni, Paarl, Western Cape 528 m
Ihlumelo Junor Secondary School
Mbekweni, Paarl, Western Cape 713 m
71.7% matric 2025Langabuya Primary School
Mbekweni, Paarl, Western Cape 1.1 km
Dalweide Primêre Skool
Groenheuwel, Paarl, Western Cape 1.4 km
Newton Primêre Skool
Newtown, Wellington, Western Cape 1.6 km
Van Wyksvlei Primary School
Van Wyks Vlei, Wellington, Western Cape 1.8 km
Groenheuwel Primary School
Groenheuwel, Paarl, Western Cape 2.0 km
Wellington Secondary School
Van Wyks Vlei, Wellington, Western Cape 2.0 km
68.8% matric 2025Source: DBE EMIS School Masterlist, Quarter 3 of 2025. Details can change; please confirm with the school.