 |
|
 |
For
a full, easy to read introduction to the issue, please download
Admissions Policy:
Your Rights
in our “Education Rights for Learners, Parents, and Educators” series. |
1. The admissions policy of a school is determined by the school governing body. The admissions policy cannot unfairly discriminate against learners in anyway. In particular an admission policy cannot exclude a learner if:
- His or her parents have not paid school fees or
are unable to pay school fees.
- His or her parents do not subscribe to the mission
statement of the school
- His or her parents have refused to enter into a contract in terms of which the parent waives any claim for damages arising out of the education of a learner.
2. Admissions tests are not allowed in
terms of Section 5 of SASA.
3. The documents that must be presented by the school to the learner’s
parents on applying for admission of the learner to the school include:
- An application form (the school must offer assistance
in filling in the form if necessary)
- The admission policy of the school
- The school’s code of conduct
4. The only documents that must be presented by the parents to the school on applying for admission of the learner to the school include:
- The learner’s birth certificate. If the parent
is unable to supply a birth certificate, the school learner can conditionally
accept the learner until a copy of the birth certificate is obtained
from Home Affairs. If the parents are non-citizens, permanent or temporary
residence permits will suffice, or proof that parents have applied
for residency.
- Proof of immunisation. If a learner has not been
immunised, the principal must advise the learner or being immunised.
- If the learner is transferring from another school, a transfer card other wise a report card or equivalent document from a previous school together with an affidavit stating why there is no transfer card.
5. Nothing in the law requires the payment of a registration fee, providing
copies of municipal accounts etc.
6. A learner who has been refused admission to a school can request reasons
for the refusal and may appeal the decision to the MEC for Education in
the province.
See: Section 5 of
SASA and the Admission Policy for Ordinary Schools.
