Schooling and Education in South Africa
All you need to know about the South African and international primary, secondary and university education systems...
Schooling in South Africa is compulsory for children from the age of seven to fifteen years. All South African children are entitled to receive a basic education and are guaranteed access to quality learning as stipulated in the Constitution, 1996.
However, mainly as a consequence of South Africa's apartheid years, the quality of state schooling available varies considerably. Under apartheid, schools were segregated with the schools for white children receiving the most funding and resource. Many of these former Model C schools, still offer the best education, teachers and facilities; often even when compared to privately funded schools.
There are two types of schools: independent (private) and government/state (public). All state schools are publicly funded but may top up funds with fees, as agreed with parents or the board.
Language of instruction
South Africa has 11 official languages. The issue of language of instruction has been contentious and in many cases learners are schooled in their second language as the majority of schools use English or Afrikaans as the language of instruction. There are schools which teach in one of the other official languages, depending on the location of the school; however, English has become a preferred language of instruction. Additional languages are introduced early in the curriculum.