As the fourth quarter begins on October 6, and the end of the school year is in sight, parents are being urged to consider their options for 2027. The exams are approaching, and reports will be issued in December. Many parents have already resigned themselves to the fact that next year will be similar to this year. However, what happens next year is already being determined in October and November.
The school fees for 2027 are a significant consideration for many parents. According to the Competition Commission's third report on the cost of living, released on September 4, school fees at paying public primary schools have increased by 46% between January 2020 and July 2026, while fees at public high schools have risen by 51%. General inflation over the same period was around 36%.
Private school fees have increased even more sharply. According to Statistics South Africa, school fees across the board increased by 5.4% in 2026, while general inflation was 3.1%. Private high schools saw the sharpest increase in the entire education basket, at 7.5%. The figure that matters is not just one year's increase, but the cumulative effect of each annual rise.
The cumulative effect of annual fee increases can be significant. If the 7.5% increase in 2026 is repeated, the fee amount will double within ten years. A child is in school for 12 years, and the impact of these increases can be substantial. Parents are advised to read the notification clause in their school's fee agreement, which often requires a full quarter's written notice before a learner can be withdrawn.
In addition to the school fees, there are other costs associated with attending a private school. These include transport, aftercare, uniforms, sports equipment, tours, devices, textbooks, and levies. None of these costs appear on the fee statement, and they all increase as well. To make an accurate comparison between schools, parents need to add up these additional costs.
For parents who are considering their options for 2027, there is a third alternative to paying the increased fees or uprooting their child. CambriLearn, an online school based in Johannesburg, offers an affordable solution. Since 2008, over 80,000 students in more than 100 countries have enrolled in the school, which offers the CAPS curriculum in Afrikaans.
CambriLearn's online school offers a flexible and affordable option for parents. The school is accredited by Cognia and Pearson Edexcel, and is registered with Sacai and the IEB. The school's 386 parent reviews on Google, HelloPeter, Trustpilot, and Facebook average 4.8 out of 5 stars. Parents who enroll their children before November 30, 2026, will keep their 2026 fees for the entire 2027 school year.
Key points
- School fees for 2027 are being determined this October and November.
- The cumulative effect of annual fee increases can be significant, with a 7.5% increase doubling the fee amount within ten years.
- Parents are advised to consider their options for 2027, including online schooling, to avoid the impact of fee increases.
