The number of independent schools in Gauteng has increased by 122 to 1,083 in the past five years, educating more than 379,000 pupils across the province.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile stated that 279 of the schools are subsidised by the government, while 804 are non-subsidised.
Maile provided an overview of the growth and performance of independent schools in the province, including government subsidies, registration and accountability requirements.
“In 2021, there were 961 independent schools in the province, which increased to 987 in 2022, 1,010 in 2023, 1,047 in 2024, 1,068 in 2025, and 1,083 in 2026,” said Maile.
“This growth gives us a clear indication that more families are making use of different schooling options and that independent education is becoming an increasingly established part of the Gauteng education landscape. These schools currently educate more than 379,000 pupils and employ more than 24,000 educators,” he added.
The MEC has, however, implored independent schools receiving government subsidies to ensure that their financial records and governance processes are in order.
“The government cannot distribute public funds without knowing how those funds are utilised.”
He commended the sector for its impressive performance in the 2025 National Senior Certificate results.
“A total of 12,291 learners from independent schools wrote their 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, of whom 11,651 passed, resulting in an overall pass rate of 94.82%,” he said, praising the sector.
On the other hand, Maile urged parents to ensure that they register their children at suitably registered and accredited independent schools in Gauteng.
This follows an investigation into 61 schools suspected of operating illegally since January. Thirty-two of them were served with closure letters after they were found to have been operating without proper authorisation.
“Officials visited the schools to verify their registration and compliance documents, with institutions found to be operating unlawfully instructed to stop operating,” Maile elaborated.
“Where an institution is found to be operating unlawfully, it is instructed to cease operating and the relevant closure process is followed,” Maile said.
He further added that seven of the schools dealt with in 2026 had subsequently ceased operating, while four had applied for registration.
