Exemptions were introduced by the government to assist parents who would like their children to access quality education irrespective of their background or financial constraints. If the parent qualifies, exemptions will be calculated from the beginning of the year.
Parents who cannot afford to pay school fees must apply to the School Governing Body (SGB) for conditional, partial or full exemption from paying school fees. The Exemption of Parents from the Payment of School Fees Regulations of 1998 sets out a means (income) test for the granting of exemptions.
The means test read as follows: "If the combined annual gross income of the parents is less than ten times the annual school fees per learner, the parent qualifies for full exemption."
Partial exemptions were available for those whose income was more than ten times but less than thirty times the annual fees. Eligibility for full or partial school fees exemptions is calculated on the basis of parental income in relation to the fees.
The following families can qualify for full or partial exemption from school fees:
- When the breadwinner's annual salary is less than ten times the amount of the school fee.
- When the combined income of the mother and father is less than 30 times the annual school fee.
A parent whose application has been declined by the SGB has the right to lodge an appeal with the Head of Department of that province within 30 days after notification of that decision. The appealing parent will need to provide justifiable reasons for the appeal and any other relevant information pertaining to the appeal.
