How School Fees Work in South Africa
South African public schools are funded through a combination of government subsidies and school fees. The South African Schools Act (SASA) allows public schools to charge fees, which must be determined annually by a majority vote of parents at the school’s Annual General Meeting.
The Quintile System
The government classifies public schools into five quintiles based on the socio-economic profile of the area surrounding the school (not the school’s own resources). This classification determines the level of government funding each school receives.
| Quintile | Classification | Government Funding | School Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quintile 1 | Poorest communities | Highest per-learner allocation | No-fee school |
| Quintile 2 | Poor communities | High per-learner allocation | No-fee school |
| Quintile 3 | Lower-middle communities | Moderate per-learner allocation | No-fee school |
| Quintile 4 | Middle communities | Lower per-learner allocation | Fee-charging school |
| Quintile 5 | Wealthiest communities | Lowest per-learner allocation | Fee-charging school |
No-Fee Schools
Schools in Quintiles 1, 2, and 3 are declared no-fee schools by the government. These schools may not charge compulsory school fees. They receive a higher per-learner government allocation to compensate. However, they may request voluntary contributions from parents and conduct fundraising activities.
Fee-Charging Schools (Quintiles 4 and 5)
Schools in Quintiles 4 and 5 set their own fees through a vote at the school’s Annual General Meeting. Important points:
- The fee amount must be approved by a majority of parents present at the AGM
- Once approved, the fee applies to all parents
- Schools may not charge registration fees, administration fees, or subject fees in addition to the approved school fee
- Schools may not refuse to admit a learner because fees have not been paid
Fee Exemptions
Parents who cannot afford school fees at fee-charging schools can apply for a full or partial exemption. The exemption is based on a formula comparing the parent’s income to the school fee:
- Full exemption: If the school fee is more than 10% of the parent’s annual income
- Partial exemption: If the school fee is between 3.5% and 10% of the parent’s annual income
Schools must inform parents of their right to apply for exemption. Schools may not withhold report cards, deny access to school activities, or take legal action against parents who have been granted an exemption.
What School Fees Cover
School fees typically supplement government funding for:
- Additional teaching staff beyond the government-allocated posts
- Maintenance and improvement of school facilities
- Learning materials and resources
- Extramural activities and sport
- Administrative costs
Parents’ Rights
- A child may not be refused admission because of unpaid fees
- A child may not be excluded from school activities because of unpaid fees
- Parents have the right to apply for fee exemption
- Parents have the right to vote on the school fee at the AGM
- The school’s financial records must be available for inspection by parents
Where to Get Help
Parents who have disputes with schools about fees can contact their provincial Department of Education’s district office for assistance. Legal advice is also available through organisations such as Section27 and Equal Education, which advocate for the right to education in South Africa.