Switching your child’s school is a significant decision that many South African families face. Whether your child is in high school or primary school, a school change can impact your child’s academic and emotional well-being.
It’s essential to weigh all factors, from curriculum and cost to your child’s well-being, before making the move. Break down the key considerations to make an informed choice, including the academic factors, social changes and how to adjust your routine.
Reasons Families Consider a School Change
Families decide to change schools for a variety of reasons. It’s helpful to identify why you are considering a switch, as this will guide what to look for in a new school.
- Relocation: Moving to a different city, province, or country; a school transfer is part of the move.
- Academic fit: Needs more challenge or more support. That refers to a mismatch between the school’s approach or resources and your child’s needs.
- Bullying and safety: Ongoing issues are not being addressed. A transfer can help provide your child with a safer, more nurturing environment.
- Special needs: Requires tailored support, particularly for children with special needs. Smaller classes or support staff can provide that.
- Affordability: Fees or finances change, and you have to consider more affordable options.
- Values alignment: Ethos, language, religious foundation or teaching philosophy doesn’t fit your family.
Academic compatibility and curriculum for switching schools
One of the first things to evaluate is the academic environment and curriculum at a prospective school. South Africa offers a mix of curricula and school types, each with its own approach and benefits.
Public vs Private Schools
Public schools follow the national CAPS curriculum. Independent schools may follow the IEB curriculum or the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) curriculum.
Public schools can have larger class sizes and fewer subject choices, whereas private schools often offer more individual attention or specialised subjects. The cost of that individual attention can vary widely. Consider which setting best supports your child’s academic growth. Some children excel in a large, diverse environment, others in a smaller, personalised setting.
For examinations, public schools administer the National Senior Certificate (NSC). Schools that follow the IEB curriculum write IEB assessments that Umalusi, the same accreditation body as public schools, accredits. All public universities accept these exams.
Cambridge students write a different exam altogether and obtain an IGCSE certificate. They usually need a USAf (Universities South Africa) exemption certificate based on specific subject combinations. Universities then apply their own faculty and course cut-offs.
Academic gaps when switching schools
If you switch schools, especially mid-year or between different curricula, there may be differences in syllabuses or teaching pace. Ask how the new school will help your child adjust academically. Research indicates that changing schools can sometimes cause a dip in academic performance.
A Notre Dame University study found switching schools can temporarily harm academic progress, so the new school must have a plan to support any gaps and keep your child on track. Also, ensure the school offers the subjects (especially in high school) that align with your child’s interests and future goals.
Understanding emotional well-being when switching schools
A school isn’t just about academics — it’s the place where your child spends a large part of their day, forming friendships and developing socially. Consider how a change might affect your child’s emotional health and confidence.
Gauge how your child feels about moving. Are they excited, anxious, or resistant? Involving your child in discussions can help you assess their readiness. Open conversations are key. Talk about why you’re considering the change and invite them to share their feelings. If they feel heard and understand the reasons, they will be more likely to adjust well.
Think about the social impact as well, including whether your child will be leaving behind close friends or a supportive peer group. If so, plan ways for them to keep in touch with old friends even after the move. On the other hand, if your child has been socially isolated or struggling to make friends at the current school, a new environment could offer a fresh start.
Balance the potential loss of familiar friends with the opportunity to form new ones. Some children adapt quickly socially, while others might need more time and support to find their footing.
Confidence boost from the new school
Every child deserves to feel emotionally safe at school. If bullying, discrimination, or a poor teacher-student relationship has undermined your child’s confidence, a change might be necessary for their well-being. In a healthier environment, they can regain their confidence. However, also note that frequent changes can be stressful. Stability has its benefits, too.
Staying in one school allows children to build resilience, long-term friendships, and coping skills by working through normal challenges. Weigh the severity of the current problems against the potential upheaval of a move. If issues like bullying or severe stress are ongoing and unresolved, the priority is your child’s mental health. A new school where they feel safe and happy can make a world of difference.
A study on peer bullying victimisation found that building school connectedness may help reduce depression risk among bullied adolescents, though it didn’t reduce anxiety in this analysis.
Transition support for school changes
Investigate what support the new school provides to help newcomers settle in. Consider whether the school have a buddy system, orientation days, or counselling services for new learners. A school that is welcoming and has programmes to integrate new students can greatly ease the emotional transition.
Knowing that the staff will pay attention to your child’s adjustment (and that there are resources like a guidance counsellor or a teacher mentor) can give both you and your child peace of mind.
Transport changes when switching schools
Practical logistics are a major factor in daily school life. A school might be fantastic, but if it’s on the other side of town, the daily grind could take a toll on your family.
Commuting to the new school
Another important factor to consider is the distance between your home and the new school, as well as between your home and your workplace. A long commute can mean early mornings, late afternoons, and a tired child. Also, think about traffic patterns in your city. Ideally, the school run shouldn’t dominate your family’s mornings and evenings.
Proximity to home is often a key factor for many parents because shorter travel times mean less fatigue and more time for your child to focus on homework or family in the afternoons.
Transport options and school safety
If you’re not driving your child, consider other transport options. If the school offers a bus or van service, check its routes, costs, and safety record. If you plan to use a private transport provider or lift club, ensure they are reliable and that your child feels safe with them. Additionally, consider the route’s safety.
Transport costs can also add up, so include petrol or bus fees in your budget.
Your schedule
Look at the school’s start and end times and how they fit your schedule. Some schools start or end very early. If you work, will you be able to drop off and pick up on time? If not, think about aftercare facilities or an after-school programme where your child can stay until you’re free. Aftercare can be a lifesaver for working moms and parents, but it might come at an additional cost, and you’ll want to check the quality of supervision.
Extracurricular transport changes when switching schools
If your child will participate in sports or clubs (which often have practices or events after school or on weekends), consider the travel involved for those as well. The distance to fields and events, and matches, if they are off-site, can be a deciding factor when choosing a school. It’s another aspect of location to think about.
Cost and financial planning
Education can be expensive, and switching schools might mean a change in the financial commitment. It’s essential to go in with eyes open about all the costs involved and plan accordingly.
Tuition increases
Consider the school fees and whether your family can afford them, not just now but in the years ahead as well. Private school fees in South Africa can be significant, and even some public schools charge fees (unless they are no-fee schools).
Remember that fees often increase annually. Check the school’s fee history or policy. Planning for possible fee increases will prevent nasty surprises later.
Enrolment fees
Many schools require a registration or enrolment fee when you join, which might be non-refundable. There could also be fees for entrance exams or deposits to secure your child’s place. Factor in these one-time costs for the switch.
New uniforms and supplies
A new school usually means buying a new uniform. Uniform costs can add up, consider everyday uniforms, sports kits, shoes, and accessories (like school-branded jerseys or ties). Also, check whether the school requires specific textbooks or devices, and the cost of those. Some schools have second-hand uniform shops or book sales, which can help save money.
Additional extracurricular expenses
Enquire about the additional costs for extracurricular activities. For example, joining a sports team might mean paying for coaching, equipment, or travel to tournaments. Cultural activities like music might involve instrument fees or lessons. Even clubs could have small fees for materials or outings. List out any activities your child is likely to join and inquire about their costs.
New extracurricular options
A well-rounded education goes beyond the classroom. When switching schools, take note of the extracurricular and enrichment opportunities available, especially if your child has particular interests or talents.
Arts and culture changes at a new school
For creatively inclined kids, check whether the school offers programmes in art, music, drama, or dance. Opportunities such as school plays, choirs, art clubs, or debating teams can significantly enrich your child’s school life. These activities boost confidence in your child and allow expression beyond academics.
New school clubs
Many schools offer clubs and societies that cater to various interests. If your child has a specific passion, say coding, gardening, or journalism, find out if there’s a club for that. A strong selection of clubs indicates that the school encourages exploration and student leadership.
Academic enrichment opportunities at a new school
Extracurriculars aren’t only sports or arts — they can include academic support or extension. Ensure that the school offers extra lessons or tutoring if your child needs it. If your child is academically gifted, check whether there are enrichment programmes for students. Maybe there are Olympiad teams, math clubs, or reading programmes for those who need a boost. Especially during a transition, having support programmes (like a homework club or reading lab) can help your child catch up if needed.
Administration and documents when switching schools
Switching schools isn’t just an emotional and academic transition — it also involves some bureaucracy. Being prepared with paperwork and understanding the new school’s policies will smooth out the process.
Admission application
Research the application process for the new school well in advance. Popular schools often have application deadlines many months (sometimes a year) before the school year starts. For instance, many schools open applications in the first half of the year for enrolment in the following year.
If you’re planning a switch for January, check when applications close. You might need to apply as early as March or June of the previous year, depending on the province and school. If you are switching mid-year, find out if the school has space and what the procedure is. Some schools only take mid-year transfers under special circumstances.
Always ensure your child has been officially accepted at the new school before deregistering from the current one — you don’t want to end up with no school for your child.
Required documents for switching schools
To enrol in a new school, you’ll typically need to provide certain documents. These usually include your child’s birth certificate or ID, an official immunisation card showing their vaccinations if they are in primary school, and the latest school report or a transfer card or certificate from the previous school.
Public schools require you to include these with your application by law for admission. Some schools might also ask for proof of address (to verify you live within a certain feeder zone or just for their records) and copies of parents’ IDs. It’s a good idea to start gathering these documents early. If you’ve misplaced something (e.g. an old report), request a copy from the current school.
Key takeaways
Get clear on why you’re moving, then choose a school and curriculum that fit your child’s goals, social and extracurricular needs, and confirm the right subject combos. Ensure that you have the correct documents on hand.
Conclusion
A successful school switch comes down to fit, support and planning. Focus on choosing the right curriculum and subjects for future goals, a welcoming environment that protects wellbeing, practical routines that work for your family, and clear, upfront budgeting and admin.
If you’re looking for a partner to make the switch smoother, iRainbow helps your child learn offline with CAPS or IEB-aligned lessons, smart progress tracking, and parent-teacher monitoring, so settling into a new school is simpler. Contact us for educational software that delivers results.
