A school fee is an agreed amount of money that parents pay to schools, aimed at improving the quality of education of learners. School fees may not include registration fees, administration or other fees. The school may not charge further fees for additional subjects chosen by learners from the school programme.

The governing body of a public school may determine an admission policy for the school. However the school’s admission policy must be based on the guidlines determined by the Head of the Provincial Education Department (HOD). If the applicant is refused the HOD must, through the principal of the school, inform the parent of the refusal and the reason thereof.

The law is South Africa states that a child can go to school at 5 years old, providing they turn 6 by the end of June in grade one. If you feel your child is not yet ready for school, you are allowed to admit them at an older age – five turning six for grade 0, and six turning seven for grade 1.  But it is compulsory for all children to enter school in the year they turn 7.  

Homework is an essential part of a student's life, and the first time a child gets a taste of it is usually at Grade 1 of Primary School. Schools in South Africa emphasize the need for it, as it increases knowledge, improves and reinforces abilities and skills, and heightens the child's success rate.

South African schools pride themselves on their sporting and cultural prowess, with long traditions of undying team spirit and meritorious achievements which mostly happen after school and during weekends. The idea of extra-mural activity has some parents in a quandary, while some encourage dedication to it full time. But how much is too much, particularly at Primary School level; the beginning of your child's long school career?