Christian Life Academy
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 174 m
Public high school
Esther Payne Smith Secondary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal
Esther Payne Smith Secondary School is a public high school in Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal, in the Umgungundlovu education district. The Department of Basic Education classifies it as a secondary school. In 2025 it had 758 learners and 25 educators, about 30.3 learners per educator. That makes it about the same size as the average for public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal (699 learners). It is a quintile 4 school, meaning it serves the second-wealthiest 20% of communities according to the national poverty ranking. It is a fee-paying public school. Parents who cannot afford the fees can apply to the school for a full or partial exemption. In the 2025 matric exams, 65.1% of its 63 candidates passed (KwaZulu-Natal average: 90.6%).
Matric (NSC) results
65.1% of the school's 63 matric candidates passed in 2025, below the KwaZulu-Natal average of 90.6%.
| Year | Wrote | Passed | Pass rate | KwaZulu-Natal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 88 | 41 | 46.6% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 71 | 41 | 57.7% | 89.7% |
| 2025 | 63 | 41 | 65.1% | 90.6% |
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 | 4 of 5 (what is this?) |
| School fees | Fee-paying |
| Section 21 | No |
| Learners (2025) | 758 |
| Educators (2025) | 25 |
| Learners per educator | 30.3 (province average 30.3) Fewer learners per educator than 27% of 118 similar schools |
| Urban or rural | Urban |
| EMIS number | 500141895 |
| Exam centre number | 5311212 |
Address and location
| Street address | 211 Bombay Road,northdale,pietermaritzburg,3201 |
|---|---|
| Postal address | Post Office,northdale,3201 |
| Town | Northdale |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Education district | Umgungundlovu |
| Circuit | Northdale |
| Municipality | The Msunduzi Local Municipality |
| Ward | 52205032 |
| Former department | House of Delegates(HOD) |
Admissions
Applications for Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 at public schools in KwaZulu-Natal open the year before your child starts school. Contact the school for its application form and dates. Read our guide on applying for Grade 1 and Grade 8.
Questions about Esther Payne Smith Secondary School
Is Esther Payne Smith Secondary School a public or private school?
Esther Payne Smith Secondary School is a public high school.
Does Esther Payne Smith Secondary School charge school fees?
It is a fee-paying school; the fees are set each year by parents at the school governing body budget meeting, and families who cannot afford them can apply for an exemption. It is a quintile 4 school.
What is Esther Payne Smith Secondary School's matric pass rate?
65.1% of its 63 candidates passed the 2025 NSC exams, against 90.6% for KwaZulu-Natal. Earlier years: 2023 46.6%, 2024 57.7%.
How many learners are at Esther Payne Smith Secondary School?
758 learners and 25 educators (about 30.3 learners per educator) in 2025. That is fewer learners per educator than 27% of 118 similar schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
What is the EMIS number of Esther Payne Smith Secondary School?
Its EMIS number is 500141895. Its exam centre number is 5311212.
Where is Esther Payne Smith Secondary School?
211 Bombay Road,northdale,pietermaritzburg,3201. It is in Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal, in the Umgungundlovu education district. Phone 033 387 2558.
Schools near Esther Payne Smith Secondary School
Northlands Primary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 302 m
Bethel Christian Academy
Lotusville, KwaZulu-Natal 400 m
Ramatha Road Primary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 653 m
Haythorne Secondary School
Woodlands, KwaZulu-Natal 799 m
91.8% matric 2025Rosefern Primary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 934 m
Green Hill Primary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 979 m
HS Ebrahim Special School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 988 m
Woodlands Secondary School
Northdale, KwaZulu-Natal 989 m
81.8% matric 2025Source: DBE EMIS School Masterlist, Quarter 3 of 2025. Details can change; please confirm with the school.