Schools in South Africa

Primary female–male ratio: 0.95:1 (2012)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.03:1 (2012)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 29.5:1 (2012)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 25:1 (2009)

There are nine years of compulsory education starting at the age of seven. Primary school comprises seven years and secondary five, with cycles of two and three years. The school year starts in January.

The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) is the largest association of independent schools in South Africa and the Southern African region. There are various online databases that list the private schools and rank them according to different criteria. The number of pupils attending private schools is gradually increasing. South African private schools have a strong international reputation, and constantly deliver high calibre students who easily progress to South African and international tertiary institutions.