Your child’s school life spans 13 years or grades, from grade 0, otherwise known as grade R or reception year, through to grade 12 or matric – the year of matriculation.  It is compulsory for all South African children to attend school from the age of seven (grade 1) to age 15, or the completion of grade 9.

If you cannot pay school fees you can apply for help. Your first stop is the Parents School Governing Body (SGB) where you can apply for conditional, partial or full exemption from paying school fees. You need to ask the principal or the office for an application form. They will have to assist you with this and it is their duty to help you.