Since the collapse of the apartheid state and the advent of democracy in South Africa, dramatic changes have occurred in the independent (private) school sector. In 1990, there were approximately 550 registered independent schools in the country. The dominant public perception of independent schools at that time was “white, affluent and exclusive”. This perception was largely true.

According to a recent  HSRC Quantitative Survey there are now at least 1290 independent schools in South Africa – more if primary and secondary schools are counted separately. Over 60% of all independent schools have therefore been established since 1990. 

The sector now educates more than 400,000 learners, of which 70% are black (58% are African). The majority of schools charge fees below R8 500 per annum. Only 14% of schools charge fees of more than R27 000 per annum.

What has caused this dramatic change? Research has confirmed that both excess (unmet) and differentiated (different or better) demand for education are found in South Africa. Historically, excess demand was found in black communities and differentiated demand in white communities. A new demand from black communities for differentiated education is largely responsible for the growth of the independent school sector since 1990.

Despite an increase in the number of for-profit independent schools, the sector remains overwhelmingly not-for-profit. Most independent schools are also small schools, with 350 learners per school or less. This is partly because so many of them are newly established. The sector serves a wide range of different religions, philosophies and educational approaches across the full socio-economic spectrum. Religious schools, at 43% of sector, are the largest subcategory of independent school.

Most independent schools arise out of a community need and have strong links to their community of origin. Over 64% of independent schools, both well- and poorly-resourced, have community development programmes. These programmes reach more learners than the total number educated in all independent schools.