Shortlist 3–5 schools that fit your child’s needs, visit them, score each against a clear checklist (curriculum, teaching quality, class size, culture, support, sport/arts, logistics, fees), and choose the best overall fit — not just the closest or most famous.
Shortlist 3–5 schools that fit your child’s needs, visit them, score each against a clear checklist (curriculum, teaching quality, class size, culture, support, sport/arts, logistics, fees), and choose the best overall fit — not just the closest or most famous.
Table of contents
Start with your child
List your child’s strengths, interests and support needs. Consider temperament, learning pace, motivation, language preferences, and any barriers (e.g., anxiety, attention, sensory).
Quick prompts:
What environments help them thrive — structured, exploratory, or blended?
Do they need extension, remedial, or language support?
Which activities light them up (sport, arts, robotics, debating)?
Curriculum options in SA
Choose a pathway that suits your child’s goals and learning style. Popular options include:
CAPS (South African national curriculum): broad access and familiarity.
IEB (Independent Examinations Board): common in independent schools; emphasis on critical thinking and application.
Cambridge (IGCSE/AS/A Level): subject depth and international recognition.
IB (PYP/MYP/DP at some schools): inquiry-led, global context.
Montessori/Reggio (early years): child-led, hands-on foundations.
Ask: Which phases/grades are offered, subject choices, language policy, and how the school supports transitions (e.g., primary → high school).
Teaching quality & class size
Great teachers change lives. Look for:
Teacher credentials & experience by phase/subject.
Ongoing professional development and coaching.
Average class size and student–teacher ratio (and whether key subjects split into smaller groups).
Use of data to personalise learning and feedback frequency.
Academic results & assessment
Results matter — but trends matter more.
Request 3-year trends for senior phase results (not just a pass rate).
How does the school balance exams, projects and continuous assessment?
What is the homework philosophy and workload by grade?
Culture, values & language
A school’s ethos, discipline approach, inclusion and diversity shape daily life.
Behaviour expectations and restorative practices.
Bullying prevention and digital citizenship.
Language of learning and teaching (LoLT), additional languages, and cultural fit.
Sport, arts & clubs
Look for breadth + depth:
Team and individual sports, quality of coaching, fair selection policies.
Music, visual arts, drama, eSports, coding/robotics, Olympiads.
Participation pathways for both high-performance and “sport-for-all.”
Support & inclusion
Learning support: remedial, extension/enrichment, academic tutoring.
Special educational needs (SEN) provision and accommodations.
Counselling & wellness services; transition support for new learners.
English additional language (EAL) or multilingual support where relevant.
Safety & wellbeing
Safeguarding policies, supervision, medical support on site.
Security at gates, sign-in protocols, and excursion risk procedures.
Device/phone policy and online safety education.
Logistics, fees & admin
Location & transport: routes, aftercare, and start/finish times.
Fees & value: what’s included, payment plans, uniforms, devices, sports tours, camps.
Administration: admissions timelines, required documents, space in grades, and transfer policies.
How to do the school visit
Visit during teaching hours to see real classrooms.
Ask to observe a lesson, tour facilities, and chat with a phase head or coach.
Bring this Visit Checklist (print or save on your phone).
School Visit Checklist (tick as you go)
Curriculum & subject choices suit my child
Class size and teacher support meet our expectations
Learning support/extension available
Sport, arts and clubs match my child’s interests
School culture and discipline align with our family values
Safety measures and supervision are clear
Communication (parent portal, reports, meetings) is consistent
Logistics work (travel time, aftercare, timetable)
Fees and extras fit our budget
My child felt comfortable on campus
Red flags to watch for
Vague answers about curriculum, results or policies
High staff turnover with no explanation
Overcrowded classes or limited subject choices at key phases
Little evidence of support for diverse learning needs
A marketing gloss without substance on a school tour
Scorecard to compare schools
Give each criterion a score out of 10, then apply a weighting. Add them up for an objective comparison.
CriterionWeightSchool ASchool BSchool CCurriculum fit0.20Teaching quality0.20Class size0.10Culture & values0.15Sport/arts/clubs0.10Support & inclusion0.10Safety & wellbeing0.05Logistics0.05Fees & value0.05Total (×100)1.00
Tip: After scoring, sleep on it. Re-check your top choice against your child’s needs and your long-term plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start applying?
For popular grades (Grade R, Grade 8), start 12–18 months ahead. Earlier is better if you need scholarships, boarding, or specific support.
Does class size really matter?
Smaller classes often mean more feedback and quicker interventions, but teaching quality and smart grouping can matter even more.
Which is better: CAPS, IEB, Cambridge or IB?
None is “best” for everyone. Choose the pathway that fits your child and opens the doors they want (SA or international study/work).
How do I evaluate school culture?
Ask learners how safe they feel, check the anti-bullying policy, and observe interactions in corridors and on the sports field.
What if my child has special educational needs?
Ask about screening, accommodations, therapists, and collaboration with families. Visit during school hours to see support in action.
Can we switch schools mid-year?
Yes, but plan carefully: syllabus alignment, subject choices, team placement, friendships, and admin. Request a transition plan.