Private schools

Why SA entrepreneurs should create their own private schools.

Private schools

Why SA entrepreneurs should create their own private schools.

Private schools

Why SA entrepreneurs should create their own private schools.

Introduction to Private Schools

South Africa’s national education system faces significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. These issues coupled with questionable quality in teaching and learning, and poor assessment systems have led to a pressing need for alternative educational solutions. Establishing private independent schools offers a viable path to address these challenges, providing quality education tailored to community needs.

The state of education in South Africa

Recent research and media reports highlight the severity of the situation:

  • Overcrowded Classrooms: Many schools exceed the recommended learner-to-teacher ratios, hindering effective instruction. A 2024 report estimated a shortage of approximately 31,000 teachers, leading to ballooning learner-to-teacher ratios, especially in rural and under-resourced schools. 
  • Infrastructure Deficiencies: According to the Department of Basic Education’s 2018 statistics, out of 23,471 public schools, 20,071 lacked laboratories, 18,019 had no libraries, and 16,897 were without internet access. Additionally, 4,358 schools relied on illegal plain pit latrines for sanitation.
  • Limited Access to Independent Schools: Only 5.5% of South African schoolchildren attend independent schools, compared to global averages of 19% for primary and 27% for secondary education. This indicates a significant opportunity to expand quality private education in the country.

The solution – why establish a private independent school?

Creating a private independent school allows for:

  • Customized Educational Approaches: Creatively tailor the current standard and fixed curricula and teaching methods to meet the specific needs of your community, fostering an environment where students can thrive.
  • Enhanced Resource Allocation: By directly invest in essential facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and technology, ensuring students have access to necessary learning tools, thereby enhancing teaching and learning including assessment practices, making students globally competitive.
  • Community Engagement: New entrepreneurs may build a school culture that reflects and supports local values, encouraging active participation from parents and community members.

Partnering with Kayson (Kay) Naidu

Embarking on the journey to establish a private independent school can be complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable and rewarding. Kayson (Kay) Naidu, an experienced professional in South African private education, offers invaluable expertise in this area, where the legalities of a school’s accreditation ands registration processes across three major institutions of state within the national education system are met within 6 to 9 months from start.

The ethos, values, governing board, sales, marketing, teaching and learning staff, policies and procedures, staff development, quality management systems and branding of the school are created from scratch to operations to financial viability.

With over 30 years of experience across all educational levels—from Grade R to Doctorate—Kay has held significant roles, including:

  • Evaluator and Monitor for the Umalusi Council, including Board Member
  • Registrar for a private national higher education institution, issuing over 350,000 degrees and diplomas for a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI)
  • Served as Principal of a Private High School, requiring accreditation and registration under the auspices of the Gauteng Department of Education
  • Evaluator and Auditor for the Council on Higher Education (CHE)

Kay’s comprehensive understanding of accreditation and registration requirements ensures that your school will meet all South African educational standards. His commitment to empowering families and new entrepreneurs through personalized and flexible education makes him an ideal partner in this endeavour.

What you need as an entrepreneur to start a school

The following items are needed by a new entrepreneur that wants to start a private school in South Africa:

  • CIPC Registered company
  • Tax Clearance
  • Health and Safety
  • Premises for School – must be zoned for education by municipality
  • Fire Certificate – by municipality
  • Capital – working capital to start school operations at least 6 months before learner intake + capital for our consulting fees

Typical accreditation and registration processes for a private school

The following  are typical processes for licensing of a private school in South Africa:

  • Accreditation – Umalusi Council
  • Registration – Local Department of Education
  • Registration – Exam Centre – National Department of Education
CONCLUSION

Establishing a private independent school addresses the critical educational shortages in South Africa and provides a platform for delivering quality, tailored education to students. With the guidance of experts like Kayson Naidu, this vision can become a reality, contributing to the nation’s educational development and the future success of its children.