Traditionally, many South African schools withheld report cards as a means of obtaining overdue school fees. However, legislation has recently changed in respect of withholding report cards.
In terms of Section 25 (12) of the National Protocol on Assessment 2011, a school may not withhold a report card for any reason. This regulation applies to both public and independent schools from Grade R – 12.
The regulation does not prevent a school from using other means, such as legal action, to obtain fees that may be overdue in terms of the contract between the school and a parent.
It also does not prevent an independent school from excluding a learner for non-payment of fees, provided due process and regulations are followed (please see the article on exclusion of learners).
