Parents opt for public schools because of affordability – Gauteng education

Affordability and the “immensely” improved quality of public education could be why some schools have received more than 4,000 applications on the first day of the province’s online application drive, the Gauteng education department said.

Alberton High School was the most popular, with 4,151 applications, followed by Northcliff High with 4,053 applications and Boksburg High with 3,797.

Also in the top 10 schools were Hoërskool Akasia in Pretoria, Sir John Adamson High School in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, Randpark High School, Hoërskool President in Johannesburg, Mondeor High, Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz and Pretoria High School for Girls in Hatfield.

“Areas are developing and some parents opt for public ordinary schools instead of private schools, maybe because of affordability,” spokesperson Steve Mabona said.

The department said despite minor glitches, by the end of the first day on Tuesday, 289,370 online applications had been received. Mabona said the criteria as per the newly amended admissions regulations were key, saying pupils must learn closer to home and those with a sibling at school would be prioritised for admission where they applied.

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