20 Questions
How are public schools in SA ranked according to the quintile system?
According to the poverty of the community around the school
What is the main reason why Quintile 4 and 5 schools receive less funding per learner?
Because they are allowed to supplement their funding through school fees
What is the purpose of a governing body in a public school?
To take measures to improve the quality of education
What is the restriction on governing bodies when it comes to loan or overdraft agreements?
They need written approval from the MEC
What is the purpose of a school fund?
To manage all money received by the school
What type of schools are not allowed to charge school fees?
Quintile 1-3 schools
What is the condition for a parent to receive a conditional exemption?
The parent agrees to certain conditions for the payment of school fees
Who is eligible for a total exemption?
Anyone qualifying for an automatic exemption
What is the outcome of the Saffer judgment in 2017?
The court ruled in favor of the parent's right to apply for a partial fee exemption
What is a partial exemption?
A discount or a portion of the school fees deducted
What is the purpose of the school fee exemption policy?
To provide financial assistance to parents who cannot afford school fees
Who can apply for a school fee exemption?
Any parent who is unable to pay school fees
What happens if a parent refuses or fails to provide their income details?
The school must consider the applying parent's financial information as if they were the sole parent of the learner.
What is required of a parent applying for a partial or total fee exemption?
They must provide particulars of the total annual gross income of both parents.
What happens if a school refuses to grant a fee exemption to a qualifying parent?
The school can be legally challenged.
What is the purpose of the Saffer Judgment?
To establish procedures for fee exemptions in cases where one parent refuses to provide income details.
What is the consequence if a parent fails to provide particulars of the other parent's income?
The applying parent must show that the other parent has refused or failed to provide their particulars.
What is considered when determining a parent's eligibility for a fee exemption?
The total annual gross income of the applying parent only.
What is the role of the school in determining fee exemptions?
To consider the applying parent's financial information as if they were the sole parent of the learner.
What is the purpose of the checklist provided in the Saffer Judgment?
To establish procedures for fee exemptions in cases where one parent refuses to provide income details.
Study Notes
School Quintiles
- Public schools in South Africa are ranked into 5 categories (quintiles) based on the poverty of the community around the school.
- Quintiles range from poorest (Quintile 1) to richest (Quintile 5).
- The state determines the allocation of funds to schools based on their quintile ranking.
Funding Allocation
- Quintile 1-3 schools receive more funding per learner as they are not allowed to charge school fees.
- Quintile 4-5 schools receive less funding per learner as they can supplement their funding through school fees.
- Annual allocations for each quintile are published in the government gazette.
Annual Allocations
- NQ1-3: R1672 (2024), R1754 (2025), R1836 (2026)
- NQ4: R838 (2024), R879 (2025), R920 (2026)
- NQ5: R289 (2024), R301 (2025), R315 (2026)
- Small schools: R38 763 (2024), R40 662 (2025), R42 574 (2026)
Responsibility of a Governing Body
- A governing body must take reasonable measures to supplement state resources to improve education quality.
- A governing body cannot enter into a loan or overdraft agreement without the written approval of the MEC.
School Funds and Assets
- A governing body must establish a school fund.
- All money received, including school fees and voluntary contributions, must be paid into the school fund.
School Fee Exemptions
- Automatic exemption: available to parents with children in foster care, youth care centers, or orphanages, or those receiving social grants.
- Conditional exemption: granted to parents who qualify for a partial exemption but cannot pay due to personal circumstances.
- Partial exemption: a discount on school fees.
- Total exemption: the whole amount is exempted.
Saffer Judgment
- In 2017, the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that a public school must grant a conditional fee exemption to a custodial parent if the other parent refuses or fails to provide income details.
- The exemption will be based on the custodial parent's income only.
- A fee-charging school cannot refuse a qualifying parent a fee exemption if the Saffer Judgment guidelines are met.
Learn about the quintile system in South African public schools, which categorizes schools into 5 groups based on the poverty level of the surrounding community.
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