We Own The Future

UCT Online High School is aware of the press briefing televised by Umalusi on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, and wishes to clarify the ambiguity regarding online schools.

We’ve compiled a handy primer to help you understand your rights when it comes to accessing education for your child.

Take a look at how a South African family is able to work out what they can afford to spend on their children’s education.

If you’re struggling to find answers to your top questions about high school scholarships, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re exploring funding opportunities for your child’s education, you might be wondering about the difference between scholarships and bursaries. We’ve got the answers you need.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about funding opportunities for high school in one handy guide.

Generative Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm since the launch of the first widely available application - ChatGPT - in November 2022. Since then, a number of AI applications have been launched, user costs have dropped and AI has disrupted a wide range of industries and services, from pharmaceutical research to music production and script writing. Education is no exception.

In mid- January 2024 our Matric class of 2024 received their results from our examination body, SACAI. We are proud of the achievements of the class of 2024, and we would like to clarify the criteria we use to evaluate matric performance.

When it comes to accessing education-related services and information in South Africa, knowing where to find your provincial Department of Education office is crucial. Below is a concise guide with contact details for each of the nine provincial education departments in South Africa.

UCT Online High School is aware of the press release issued by Umalusi on Thursday, 5 September. UCT Online High School is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) Examination Body.

With rewards exceeding R4 million, UCT Online High School is here to make sure your child is rewarded for their hard work. Find out what’s on offer in our online rewards store.

Learn how our amazing rewards partners are helping your child become a better learner.

Let the games begin. Learn all about how UCT Online High School is setting your child up for success with our rewards programme.

If you’re wondering how gamification can help your child become a better learner, look no further. We’ve got you covered.

Take the first step in the application process. Review the steps you need to follow to apply to public or private school, online high school or to register your child for homeschooling.

High school applications in South Africa are a complicated process. But with our placement timeline, you’ll be ready to apply to your school of choice for 2025.

One of the many choices a parent needs to make is where to send their child to school. Find out everything you need to know about the high school application process in this guide.

Commending the achievements of our inaugural Matric cohort and their outstanding performance in the NSC examinations – the exceptional "Class of 2023", featuring our top 3 achievers nationwide.

Making the most of the resources available to you will set you up for success on your ASC journey. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a handy list of the top resources available to you.

Are you undertaking your ASC? Give yourself the best chance of success by joining UCT Online High School’s Adult Matric programme. Here’s how.

If you’re wondering how the Amended Senior Certificate compares to the National Senior Certificate, we’ve got you covered. We break down the key differences.

The need for more high school scholarships is greater than ever. Beyond financial support, these scholarships produce far-reaching benefits for South African society. Learn about these benefits here.

With the rising cost of schooling, it's not easy to secure quality education. But corporate partnerships can create scholarship opportunities that change lives. Learn more.

High school scholarships are helping to expand education opportunities in South Africa. Learn about all the great influences that scholarships can have.

How are companies supporting education for high school learners? Learn about the scholarship programmes offered by corporate South Africa, and how to apply.

There’s a lot you can do to ensure your high school scholarship application stands out. Here are our top tips.

Should you be looking beyond live lessons to evaluate the quality of an online high school? This blog post explores why there is so much more to consider when it comes to the topic of live lessons.

When does class size matter in an online high school, and does this impact academic outcomes?

Erica, a matric learner at UCT Online High School, takes us through a day in her life in a self-filmed, unscripted learner vlog.

If you’re finding it difficult to compare online high schools side by side, these 8 characteristics should help you ask the right questions.

If you’re considering an online high school for your child, but you’re finding it hard to tell how they all compare — we’ve developed a comprehensive review of 12 leading online high schools to help you decide.

From cost to curriculum, there a number of differences between public and private schools. Here’s how their applications differ.

What do you do if your child doesn’t have a place for Grade 8? Don’t panic! We outline the steps for parents and guardians to take.

What exactly is an NSC? We unpack the ins and outs of the National Senior Certificate, and how it's different from other qualifications.

High school applications in South Africa are a complicated process. But with our 2024 placement timeline, you’ll be ready to apply to your school of choice.

Check the public high school application process for each province in South Africa, and learn what you need to do to secure a place for your child.

Even at the best of times, parenthood isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a constant balancing act with a lot of responsibility and the pressure to make the right choices for your child and your family.

As a parent, it’s natural to think about your child’s future and how you might give them the best possible chance of success in life. Among concerns for mental health and wellbeing, financial stability later in life is ranked among some of the top concerns by parents in South Africa and globally. Research confirms that the level of post-school study pursued by high school graduates is strongly correlated with earning potential later in life. The real question is not whether it’s a good idea for your child to study after high school, but rather how you could think about supporting them with the big financial outlay required, whether it’s for university or any other tertiary institution. In South Africa, this question is even more relevant and challenging in attempting to break the cycle of generational inequality that exists.

There is immense pressure on parents during a child’s school years, not just in terms of time investment and emotional support, but also in terms of finances. Making choices about schooling is becoming more and more difficult for families. Increasingly, the cost of education is a key consideration. Family circumstances vary enormously, and for many, a local no-fee state school will be the only option; others may have a range of private schools that they can consider.

Choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. However, navigating the complex world of high school education costs can be daunting, especially if you're on a tight budget. That's why UCT Online High School has launched a free cost calculator to help you determine what you can afford and make an informed decision about your child's future.

As a parent, it’s normal to aspire to give your child the best possible education to set them up for success in life. However, the rising cost of high school education in South Africa is a growing concern for many parents, even those who have historically been able to afford private schooling.

Budgeting is one of the most important skills you can teach your teenager. Research shows that teenagers who learn financial discipline are more likely to be financially independent as adults. You should start talking to your teenager about money as soon as they are old enough to receive an allowance or get a part-time job.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the real cost of schooling in South Africa. Read more to discover how you can financially prepare for high school.

Navigating the academic, social and personal pressures of high school can be challenging for learners. One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and balanced during this time is to prioritise self-care.

Discover all the advantages of online high school for learner-athletes – from personalised learning experiences to the flexibility to travel.

It may take some time to adjust to this new learning environment if you are used to a typical school timetable. Here are some techniques to develop time management skills if you're having difficulty concentrating on your schoolwork, so you can have your best term ever!

Take a look at our list of the best apps to help you become a top notch online learner.

Our mission is simple: to help you achieve your matric qualification. Find out how our unique approach to Adult Matric will help you do just that.

Banele Lukhele, our Executive Head Of School and Chief Academic Officer, answers a few questions so we can get to know her better!

We’ve made it to the end of our first academic year, and what a year it’s been! Take a look back at what we got up to this year.

We’re pleased to say that we’ll be making some key upgrades that will come into effect from the beginning of the 2023 school year, to better the way we teach the youth of South Africa.

“The Daily Maverick’s three-part article, published 11 December 2022, is misleading, wrong in parts, and irresponsible.” — a comprehensive rebuttal from Rob Paddock, Founder and CEO of Valenture Institute.

Written by Banele Lukhele, Executive Head of School and Chief Academic Officer, UCT Online High School

As more things move online, the more isolated people seem to become. Or at least that’s the common narrative. That, however, isn’t always the case. It doesn’t need to be. The digital space, like any other, can be whatever you need it to be. It can be a place to learn, grow and connect with the added benefit of unlimited reach. That’s the space UCT Online High School has created.

We’re delighted to announce that Banele Lukhele has been appointed as UCT Online High School’s Executive Head of School and Chief Academic Officer! Ms Lukhele will take over from Yandiswa Xhakaza who, after careful consideration, has decided to step down from the role of Director and Principal of UCT Online High School.

Online schooling is a new and growing dimension of education and — correctly — many guardians have questions and concerns before committing their learners to an online school. We welcome both the public interest in the education that we offer at UCT Online High School, and questions from current and potential parents, guardians and learners.

Learn all about how UCT OHS learner Kulani is able to schedule her school work around her demanding dance training, all thanks to online learning.

With the end-of-year examinations just around the corner for high school learners across the country, it is not uncommon for adolescents to talk more about feeling stressed or anxious during this time of the year. Coping during exam season is difficult but stress isn’t always bad!

Discover how online learning has paved the way for Isra’s advocacy for climate justice and helped her spread awareness about climate change.

Learn about how online learning with UCT Online High School has enabled Amber to pursue her passion for cycling while keeping up with her school work.

Learn about how the personalised pacing of online learning has helped UCT OHS learner Zara achieve new heights with both her gymnastics training and school work.

To show our appreciation for all the educators who’ve played a special role in our lives, let’s remember why and how this day is celebrated.

At UCT Online High School, we think everyone has what it takes to learn. But there are some key skills that really set you up for a successful Adult Matric experience.

If you’re wondering about the benefits of going back to school, look no further. We’ve detailed all the perks of getting your matric certificate as an adult learner.

All the work that we do at UCT Online High School is to create an amazing learning environment for our learners and their guardians. Alicia Cupido enrolled her daughter, Jamie to join us for Grade 11 and shared how their journey has been going.

Sipho Mpisane, UCT Online High School's Head of School for South African National Senior Certificate, answers a few questions so we can get to know him better!

August marks the start of Women’s Month! And each year, on 9 August we celebrate National Women’s Day, a day honouring the strength and resilience of the women who came before us, the women of today and the women who will lead the future.

In celebration of Video Game Day, UCT Online High School hosted a fun-filled afternoon for their learners, jam-packed with all their favourite video games. And, where a Grade 10 learner took on a Southern Hemisphere Tekken Champion — and won!

UCT Online High School is celebrating its first birthday! And we couldn’t be more thrilled about all that we’ve achieved in this first year, since we’ve launched, and all that is still to come. Celebrate with us by taking a stroll down memory lane and having a look back at all the exciting things we got up to since opening our virtual doors.

There are many ways to advocate for education! Best-selling author and social media sensation, Yusuf Daniels, does it by touring the country and speaking to learners about various topics. Here’s how his experience has been.

It was in 1918 that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would be born to Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela. He would go on to spend 27 years of his life wrongfully imprisoned, and then, upon his release, create and spread a new mindset of peace and forgiveness. 

If your child is starting online school, we know you’ll want to do everything you can to support them. We break down how to be a successful UCT Online High School guardian.

Don’t let load shedding dim your bright future. There are still plenty of ways to get your study on when Eskom lets you down.

Winter is upon us and so are the school holidays! So when the weather has you tied up indoors and you’re sick of scrolling through apps, why not develop a fun new skill? Because we’re all about learning something new from the comfort of your own four walls, we’ve compiled a list of free, exciting online courses for you to follow along with to pick up an interesting new skill or learn more about - all for a grand total of R0!

When accessibility isn’t a priority, it can hinder the educational experience for learners with diverse needs. At UCT Online High School, we make sure that all our learners get the education they deserve.

While many brick-and-mortar schools have to turn learners away, online schools offer a solution for worried parents facing the high school application battle.

Following collaborations with Grasshoppers, Coca-Cola and The Powerpuff Girls, South African streetwear brand Grade Africa is heading back to school with a limited edition drop with UCT Online High School. A first of its kind.

Imagine, for a moment, that you had to fight against being taught in a language you didn’t understand.

Discover how online learning has paved the way for learner Kirsty to pursue her passion for figure skating.

School should be a fun, engaging experience and sitting down at your desk should be the same. We’ve got some top tips for making sure your home desk is an appealing, functional space for your studies.

The times they are a-changin' and today’s youth are spending vastly more time online than ever before.

Nope, online school doesn't have hidden costs. That’s why we’ve detailed all the costs associated with UCT Online High School in one handy location.

With our ConnectED app, we're making it easier than ever for parents to stay connected with their child's learning journey. Learn more about the app here.

At UCT Online High School, we’re strongly committed to offering an all-inclusive learning experience that celebrates uniqueness and individuality, and have a zero-tolerance towards any form of bullying.

Thinking of transitioning from homeschooling to online high school? We break down the similarities and differences between these two options.

We got UCT Online High School’s Director and Principal, Yandiswa Xhakaza to break down what kind of child thrives in an online school environment.

Remote learning can be tough, especially if you've recently made the transition from a traditional school. To help learners, and guardians too, adjust to their new and exciting learning lifestyles we went straight to the experts, our helpful and supportive Teachers and Support Coaches.