Affording good quality education for our children can be tough. Schools generally do not seem to be encouraging parents to apply for school fees exemption or they are unfairly denying them the opportunity to benefit as per the school fees exemption policy, meaning innocent children must bear the consequences of not getting an education. Scorpion Legal Protection looks at the exemption policy, the qualifying criteria, as well as the application process.

What Is The School Fees Exemption Policy?

In terms of the school fee exemption policy, government is mandated to provide funding for all public schools, while the National Norms and Standards for School Funding Policy (South Africa, 1998a) aids families who encounter financial hardships.

Who qualifies for exemption of school fees?

Even though the qualifying factors may differ among provinces and schools, the following factors are normally considered:

1. Means Test: Applicants may need to provide proof of income or complete a means test to determine the level of assistance required.

2. Previously Disadvantaged: Families historically disadvantaged by circumstances such as race, class, or geography, may qualify for partial or full exemption allocation.

3. School Level: Typically, exemptions are available for all levels of education, from primary to secondary school.

How Do I Apply For A School Fees Exemption?

To apply for school fees exemption, interested individuals should follow these general steps:

1. Contact the School: Get in touch with the school administration to inquire about the application process and get any necessary forms or documents.

2. Gather the Required Documents: Commonly required documents include proof of income, identity documents of the applicant and parents/guardians, proof of residence, and the previous year's school fee account.

3. Submit Application: Complete the application form accurately and attach the required documents, make sure to meet any specified deadlines and double check for any additional requirements from the school. The application will be reviewed by the school's governing body (SGB) and the outcome will be communicated to the parent. The parent can get either full or partial exemption, or the application can be declined.

If an application is denied, parents have the right to lodge an appeal with their province’s Head of Department within 30 days of being notified of the decision. The principal or School Fees Committee must help parents by providing the appeal form and explaining it to the parents.

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*This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.