As with any business, an independent school must comply with all general legislation in the country where they operate. They must also comply with laws specifically applicable to independent schools. There are several organisations that exist to monitor school compliance with these laws.
In South Africa:
- All organisations, including independent schools, must abide by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Independent schools must comply with the sections of the South African Schools Act (SASA) relating to independent schools, as well as conditions for registration and other applicable provincial legislation.
- Independent schools must also comply with relevant legislation relating to private employers.
- All teachers at independent schools must be registered with the South African Council for Educators.
- Independent schools offering the national curriculum must be accredited by Umalusi, the quality assurer for general and further education and training.
The following organisations have jurisdiction over certain areas of an independent school’s operations:
- The Department of Basic Education: issues relating to school registration and the SASA.
- SACE: issues relating to teacher registration and conduct.
- The South African 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 Property Commission: issues relating to company registration of a school.