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Parent guide

Everything parents need
to make the right call

Plain-English guides to South African schooling — from choosing a curriculum to understanding fees, applications and financial aid.

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11 guides for parents
School types
IEB private schools explained

What the Independent Examinations Board actually means for your child's education, matric results and university options.

5 min read
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School types
Government / state schools explained

Understanding the CAPS curriculum, quintile system and what South Africa's 23,000+ state schools offer parents who look beyond the obvious.

6 min read
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School types
CAPS independent schools explained

The "affordable private" option — independent management with state curriculum. Here's what CAPS independent schools offer and who they suit.

4 min read
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School types
Cambridge schools in South Africa explained

IGCSE and A-Levels in South Africa — who offers it, what it costs, and when the Cambridge route makes more sense than IEB.

5 min read
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School types
International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in South Africa

The IB Diploma is the gold standard for global university entry. Here's what it involves, which SA schools offer it, and whether it's right for your child.

5 min read
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Choosing a school
IEB vs government schools — which is right for your child?

The real trade-offs between private IEB and government schools in South Africa, beyond the obvious fee difference.

7 min read
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Fees & finances
Understanding South African school fees — what's included?

Tuition, levies, uniforms, stationery — what schools can and can't charge for, and how to budget properly.

6 min read
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Applications
How to apply to South African schools — timelines and tips

When to apply, what documents are typically required, and how to improve your child's chances at competitive schools.

6 min read
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Government schools
The quintile system explained — what it means for your family

How the government classifies schools into quintiles, how fees are set, and what parents should know when choosing a state school.

5 min read
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Financial aid
Bursaries and financial aid for South African schools

How to find and apply for school fee bursaries, from government programmes to school-specific scholarships and private foundations.

6 min read
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Curricula compared
Cambridge IGCSE vs IEB — which opens more doors?

If you're considering leaving South Africa or want your child to study internationally, here's what you need to know about each qualification.

6 min read
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