Excelsior School

Excelsior School is a public combined school in Umtata, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in the Or Tambo Inland education district. The Department of Basic Education classifies it as a combined school. In 2025 it had 1 817 learners and 48 educators, about 37.9 learners per educator. That makes it larger than the average for public combined schools in Eastern Cape (436 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. As a Section 21 school, its governing body manages part of its own budget. In the 2025 matric exams, 76.1% of its 159 candidates passed (Eastern Cape average: 84.2%).

Matric (NSC) results

76.1% of the school's 159 matric candidates passed in 2025, below the Eastern Cape average of 84.2%.

Year	Wrote	Passed	Pass rate	Eastern Cape
2023	200	181	90.5%	81.5%
2024	167	149	89.2%	85.1%
2025	159	121	76.1%	84.2%

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 combined school
Phase (DBE)	Combined School
Sector	Public
Quintile	4 of 5 (what is this?)
School fees	Fee-paying
Section 21	Yes
Learners (2025)	1 817
Educators (2025)	48
Learners per educator	37.9 (province average 30.2)
Urban or rural	Urban
EMIS number	200401283
Exam centre number	4291019

Address and location

Street address	50 Sol Mabude Street,northcrest,mthatha,5099
Postal address	P O Box 235 5099
Suburb / area	Umtata
Town	Mthatha
Province	Eastern Cape
Education district	Or Tambo Inland
Municipality	King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
Former department	Transkei

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Admissions

Applications for Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 at public schools in Eastern Cape 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.