Primary Education in South Africa

At what grade level is education compulsory in South Africa?

The South African education system is divided into 3 strata, namely general education and training, further education and training, and higher education and training. The process is compulsory through to grade 9, and spans 12 grades in total. The first 6 years are spent in primary school where ______ and ______ are established.

Which type of education is administered through a network of previously mainly-white government schools and private colleges?

Secondary education is administered through a network of previously mainly-white government schools and private colleges. Standards are generally ______. Unfortunately school fees and tuition fees respectively debar the poorest from attending.

What is the main difference between polytechnics and universities in South Africa?

Tertiary education and training is provided through a large number of private and state-managed institutions under the overall control of the ministry of higher education and training. Polytechnics train technicians is a wide variety of disciplines while universities award traditional bachelors, masters and doctorates degrees. A wide divide in quality standards between previously “white” and previously “independent homeland” institutions continues to ______ society.