Independent schools must comply with all relevant legislation in the country where they operate. In South Africa:

• An independent school must be registered as a legal entity such as a Section 21 company, Trust, Foundation, Closed Corporation, Pty (Ltd) or Voluntary Association.
• All organisations, including independent schools, must abide by the South African Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
• Independent schools must comply with the sections of the South African Schools Act relating to independent schools, as well as conditions for registration and other provincial legislation applicable to independent schools.
• Independent schools must also comply with legislation relating to private employers, such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• All teachers at independent schools must be registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
• Independent schools must be accredited by Umalusi.

Statutory organisations exist to regulate school compliance with these South African laws:

• The Department of Education: issues relating to school registration and the South African Schools Act.
• SACE: issues relating to teacher registration and conduct.
• The Human Rights Commission: issues relating to human rights and rights of the child.
• Umalusi: issues relating to school or examination standards, or school accreditation.
• Companies and Intellectual Properties Registration Office (CIPRO): issues relating to the legal structure or company registration of a school.