More and more parents are turning to independent schools in the belief that they offer a better-quality education. But, do they? BONA investigates.
Fuelled by demand from black middle and working class parents, low-to-mid fee private (formally referred to as independent) schools are springing up in ever increasing numbers. Research by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) into Affordable Private Schools in South Africa found that its definition of low-fee independent schools – those charging annual fees below R12 000 (in 2013) per year – educate an estimated 250 000 learners. “The growth is as a result of persistent parent demand for ‘more, better and different schooling’,” says Lebogang Montjane, executive director of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). ‘More’ because increasing urban migration as well as informal and formal development means that there often aren’t enough schools to meet community needs. ‘Better’ because there is the unjustified belief that all independent schools offer a better education. And, ‘different’ because parents are increasingly seeking out different curricula, educational philosophies or faith-based education, he explains. But, parents who choose schools shouldn’t simply assume that independent means better. Emerging within the independent school sector are “fly-by-night” schools, which are unregistered and illegal.
WATCH OUT FOR FLY-BY-NIGHTS
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