Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa - Present Situation

Present Situation

There are now at least 1290 independent schools in South Africa – more if primary and secondary schools are counted separately. Over 60% of all independent schools have been established since 1990. The sector now educates more than 400,000 learners, of which 70% are non-white (58% are Black). The majority of schools charge fees below R6 000 per annum. Only 14% of schools charge fees of more than R20 000 per annum.

Despite an increase in the number of for-profit independent schools, the sector remains overwhelmingly not-for-profit. Most independent schools are also small schools, with 350 learners per school or less. This is partly because so many of them are newly established. The sector serves a wide range of different religions, philosophies and educational approaches across the full socio-economic spectrum. Religious schools, at 43% of sector, are the largest subcategory of independent school.