What age should a child start school in South Africa

   
Check Online Application Status 2025-2026How to Apply Online 2025-2026Check Admission Requirements 2025-2026
Tvet Colleges Online Application Form

Bursaries Closing in January 2025

Application Forms 2025-2026

What age should a child start school in South Africa?

What Age Should a Child Start School in South Africa
What Age Should a Child Start School in South Africa

What age should a child start Grade 1 in South Africa?

In South Africa, most children usually start Grade 1 in the year in which they turn seven. Children who will be turning six during the year can start school if they are shown to be ready for school.

What age is school compulsory in South Africa?

Officially, as stipulated in the South African Schools Act of 1996, all children between the ages of 7 and 15 are compelled to attend school.

 

What age do you start Grade R in South Africa?

In South Africa, you must enroll your child in a school between 1 August and 31 September of the year before they start school. A Grade R applicant must be at least four years old and turn five or older by 30 June the next year.

 Is preschool compulsory in South Africa?

In South Africa, It is really not mandatory for children to attend pre-school. Therefore, parents can choose whether you want to enroll your child in a state school or organize an early development program privately.

Is it compulsory for a child to go to Grade R?

It will be compulsory for children to go to school in grade R, if the Basic Education Law Amendment Bill, which has been tabled in parliament, is passed

 Is Grade R compulsory in South Africa?

The draft bill states that school attendance in South Africa will be compulsory from grade R and no longer only from grade 1. Despite the age at which school attendance is compulsory, a parent may, if they so wish and subject to a few conditions, enroll a child at a school to start attending grade R at a younger age.

 

What is the difference between Grade R and Grade 1?

Grade R (also called the Reception Year) is the year of schooling before Grade 1. The Grade R curriculum was first outlined in the Revised National Curriculum Statement R-9 (2002), as part of the Foundation Phase Curriculum.

 

What grade is a 3 year old in South Africa?

The following is a breakdown of age in relation to the grade for a 3 year old in South Africa:

  • Grade 000 – 3turning 4 (Students must be 3 to enter as at 1 January).
  • Grade 00 – 4 turning 5 (Students must be 4 to enter as at 1 January).
  • Grade R – 5 turning 6 (Students must be 5 to enter as at 1 January).
  • Grade 1 – 6 turning 7 (Students must be 6 to enter as at 1 January).

 

Overview of MBA
Choosing Your MBA
MBA Schools in SA
How to Apply

Read rhapsody of realities daily devotional

Rhapsody of Realities is a life guide that brings you a fresh perspective from God’s Word every day. It features the day’s topic, a theme scripture, the day’s message, the daily confession and the Bible reading plan segment. It is God's Love Letter to You!