Page 20 - Education August 2024

Is Your Child’s School Delivering

on Its Promise?

By Nicola Killops

arlier this year, a well-known private school in a Beware of Unlicensed Schools
prominent chain shocked parents with just a 50% A recent report in The Citizen highlighted a significant
Ematric pass rate. Parents who had paid hefty fees issue: the shutdown of unlicensed schools in Gauteng.
expected exceptional education and comprehensive These schools were operating without adequately qualified
preparation for their children. Unfortunately, despite staff. Many of their teachers were not registered with
claiming to follow the ‘Cambridge curriculum’, the school the South African Council for Educators. When parents
was marred by several issues, including a lack of staff, choose such schools, thinking they’re providing their
unqualified teachers, and educators teaching subjects they children with a quality education, they’re putting their
weren’t experts in. When these problems were recognised, children’s academic future at risk. Students might have
it was too late for corrective action. to repeat a grade if they switch to an accredited school
later, significantly reducing their educational progress.
Choosing the Right School: Beyond Marketing Moreover, the shutdown of these unauthorised schools
Hype disrupts students’ education and financially puts parents in
Choosing a private school can be quite complex, especially a difficult position.
with the many options out there. In the last decade,
private education in South Africa has grown exponentially, Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a
offering a broad spectrum of opportunities for families Private School
across different income levels. This change is mainly due Selecting the right private school for your child is a
to decreasing confidence in public schools and a growing commitment to their future. Here are the vital factors to
desire for high-quality education. consider:
• Reputation and History: A school’s performance,
Finding the right school involves more than falling for good especially in national exams, speaks volumes about its
marketing or promises. It requires a deep dive to check if a ability to nurture student success. For emerging schools,
school can truly meet your child’s needs and maybe even the leadership’s vision and strategy can provide a glimpse
surpass your expectations. into its potential for excellence.

Education | August 2024 | 18