Homeschooling in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Parents, Au Pairs, and Nannies
Homeschooling in South Africa is fully legal under the South African Schools Act, and registration became compulsory under the 2024 BELA Act.
It means a child learns at home instead of at a traditional school, led by a parent, an au pair, a nanny, or a qualified tutor. Our Homeschooling Course prepares anyone supporting a homeschooling family to do it properly.
More South African families are choosing homeschooling every year.
Whether you are a parent weighing up this decision, or an au pair or nanny supporting a homeschooling family, this guide walks you through what homeschooling actually involves, how registration works, and what it costs.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling means a child learns at home instead of attending a traditional school.
It is not simply “school at home.” It is a flexible way of learning that adapts to a child’s needs, interests, and pace. A parent, au pair, nanny, or qualified tutor can lead the day-to-day teaching.
A real example. Tammy is a senior au pair who works with a ten-year-old boy who learns at home.
Each morning, she helps him set up his learning space, follow his study plan, and complete his school tasks.
She is not a trained teacher, but she knows how to guide his homeschooling in a calm, structured way.
One thing we tell every parent who asks us this: even if you plan to hire an au pair, nanny, or tutor to manage the day-to-day teaching, it helps to understand the process yourself.
Our Homeschooling Course is a fast way to get there.
You will make better hiring decisions, ask sharper interview questions, and know if something is going wrong.
Being informed costs you a few hours. Being uninformed can cost you months of a wrong decision.
Our Homeschooling Course is built for:
- Parents who want to feel prepared, even if they plan to hire someone else to manage the teaching
- Au pairs supporting a family’s day-to-day homeschooling routine
- Nannies taking on teaching duties alongside regular childcare
- Tutors who want to formalise their skills with a recognised certificate
- Teachers moving from a classroom setting into home education
Why Homeschooling Is Growing Quickly in South Africa
Homeschooling in South Africa has grown from an estimated 11,000 learners in 2009 to roughly 32,000 by 2017, and the pace has only picked up since.
The official numbers already show it.
In Gauteng alone, 2,844 families were registered to homeschool in 2024. In just the first five months of 2025, another 2,189 applied.
Nationally, the Department of Basic Education recorded around 10,757 registered homeschoolers as of mid-2024, though independent research estimates the true number of home learners, registered and unregistered, at closer to 300,000.
A few forces are driving this, and most of them are only getting stronger.
This is a global shift, not just a South African one
South Africa is not alone in this. Rising costs are pushing more families toward homeschooling in countries around the world, not only here.
South Africa already ranks among the countries with the highest homeschooling rates globally, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In some countries, the shift is even sharper. Where basic education is not free, or is limited, families weigh the cost of private schooling against the cost of teaching their own children at home, and homeschooling often wins that comparison.
South Africa does guarantee free basic education through government schools. But as living costs rise and families move further from city centres to afford housing, many South African parents are reaching the same conclusion as families elsewhere: homeschooling protects the household budget without lowering a child’s education.
Rising costs are pushing families out of the cities
Research from KLA found that 56% of South African parents with children under 18 believe state school education is not up to standard, while the cost of private schooling keeps climbing.
As the cost of living rises, more families are moving further from city centres to afford housing, and that often means moving further from the good schools they once had easy access to.
Homeschooling removes the location problem entirely. Where a family lives no longer decides what education their child gets.
The nomad lifestyle is a natural fit
More South African parents are choosing flexible, location-independent work and travel.
A curriculum tied to a desk in one building does not work for a family that wants to move. Homeschooling does, because the classroom travels with the child.
Families want education that reflects their own values
A recurring reason parents give for homeschooling is wanting more say over the daily environment, values, and content their child learns in.
For some families that is religious education, for others it is a particular cultural or moral framework, and for others it is simply wanting closer oversight of what is being taught day to day. Homeschooling gives a family that choice directly, rather than leaving it to whichever school happens to be nearby.
Group homeschooling, or “pod” learning, is on the rise
More families are teaming up with two or three other households to share the load, splitting subjects, taking turns teaching, and giving their children a social group in the process. It keeps costs down and solves the isolation concern that used to be the biggest objection to homeschooling.
Put together, these trends point one way. Homeschooling is unlikely to stay a niche choice in South Africa over the next five to ten years.
Families who understand it early, through a proper Homeschooling Course, will be in the best position to make it work.
Who Can Lead a Child’s Homeschooling?
Homeschooling in South Africa does not require a qualified teacher. It can be led by:
- A parent or guardian
- An au pair, nanny, or tutor
- A trusted family member, such as a grandparent
- Anyone with the patience and dedication to guide a child’s learning
Do You Need Teaching Qualifications?
No formal teaching degree is required to homeschool a child in South Africa.
Certain qualifications do help, though:
- A teaching degree builds a deeper understanding of child development
- Psychology or play therapy training supports a child’s emotional needs
- A specialised homeschooling course builds confidence and practical skills
- A matric certificate is the minimum requirement in South Africa
Prefer structured training before you start? Our Homeschooling Course covers lesson planning, daily routines, and how to support a child’s learning at home.
It takes 4 to 5 hours and comes with a certificate.
Parents are just as welcome to enrol as au pairs and nannies. Even if someone else will manage the day-to-day teaching, understanding the different phases of schooling and curriculum types puts you in a much stronger position to choose the right person and the right path for your child.
★★★★★
“I have just finished doing the Homeschooling Course and it was very interesting. This course has given me a better understanding of the different phases of schooling and the different types of curriculums there is. This course has helped me understand what phase of schooling I want to study and teach on.”
Teagan Du…, Google Review
Which Ages Suit Homeschooling?
Homeschooling in South Africa typically covers children from age 5 to 17.
Children under 13 usually need more hands-on daily support, which is why homeschool au pairs and nannies are so valuable to working parents and larger families.
Is Homeschooling Legal in South Africa?
Yes. Homeschooling is completely legal in South Africa.
The South African Schools Act of 1996 recognises three types of education: government schools, private schools, and home education.
Registration used to sit in a grey area, enforced unevenly across provinces. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, signed in September 2024, changed that.
Registration with your Provincial Education Department is now compulsory, not optional. Many families find this step overwhelming, so here is the process broken down simply.
Popular Homeschooling Curriculums in South Africa
Most South African homeschooling families choose between two main paths: CAPS and Cambridge.
CAPS is the same national curriculum used in government schools. Home learners typically follow it through SACAI, an Umalusi-accredited body built specifically for distance and home education.
Choosing CAPS keeps a child’s matric locally recognised and makes it easier to move back into a traditional school later. Impaq is the largest CAPS-aligned homeschool provider in the country, offering full textbook and workbook packages.
Cambridge is a British curriculum, most commonly followed through IGCSE and AS Levels. Families choose it when they want an internationally recognised qualification, often because they are considering study or work abroad.
It tends to be more academically demanding, and it is not automatically aligned with the South African school calendar.
A homeschool au pair, nanny, or tutor does not need to master every curriculum. What matters more is understanding which path a family has chosen, and being able to support the child’s daily routine and workload around it.
Our Homeschooling Course introduces both approaches so you can support any family with confidence, whichever curriculum they follow.
Why Families Choose Homeschooling
Stronger family bonds
Homeschooling families spend significant time learning and living together, which builds understanding and strengthens family relationships over time.
Personalised education
Homeschooling suits children with special needs, gifted children who need faster-paced learning, children with a specific talent in music, sport, or art, and children who simply learn differently.
Flexible time management
Primary school children typically finish a full homeschool curriculum in 2 to 3 hours a day. Secondary students usually need 3 to 4 hours.
That leaves more time for hobbies, physical activity, family time, and rest.
A more affordable alternative to private school
For families who want a private-school level of education without the private-school price tag, homeschooling offers a more affordable route while keeping quality high.
Flexibility through life changes
Recent years have shown how valuable educational flexibility can be. Homeschooling families can adjust quickly to changing circumstances without disrupting a child’s learning.
How to Register for Homeschooling in South Africa
Registration is handled by your Provincial Education Department, and since the BELA Act, it is compulsory.
Registering keeps your family’s homeschooling arrangement documented and legal, and it helps the Department understand how many families are homeschooling and what support they need.
You can apply online through the Department of Basic Education’s official page: education.gov.za/Programmes/HomeEducation.aspx. There you will find the application form, family guidelines, and contact details for your province.
Documents you need to apply
- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Copies of both parents’ ID documents
- The child’s latest school report (not needed for Grade 1, or a child who has never attended school)
- A clear learning plan: a weekly timetable, term overview, or daily subject outline
- The physical address where the child will be learning
- A short summary of the curriculum the family will use
What if a document is missing?
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No birth certificate yet | Apply at Home Affairs. Some provinces accept a stamped, signed temporary ID document in the meantime. |
| No school report | Usually fine for Grade 1 learners or children who never attended school. Submit a short written explanation with the application instead. |
| No fixed curriculum yet | Help the family choose one, or prepare a basic summary covering subjects like Maths, English, Life Skills, and Reading. |
What happens after you apply?
The Department reviews the application and may contact the family for more detail.
Once approved, the family receives a registration certificate by email or post. This usually takes 7 to 30 days, depending on the province.
Keep a copy of every document, and follow up if you have not heard back within 3 weeks.
Registration is completely free. Never pay anyone who offers to “fast track” it for a fee.
Always make sure IDs and birth certificates are certified by a Commissioner of Oaths. Registration also applies per child, not per family.
The Pestalozzi Trust: Extra Legal Protection
The Pestalozzi Trust is a South African legal defence organisation that protects the constitutional rights of homeschooling families. It was founded in 1998 and runs as a non-profit membership organisation.
It does not replace Department of Education registration. Instead, it offers legal support if a family faces a misunderstanding or challenge from the Department, a social worker, or a school.
What support does the Trust offer?
- Legal defence if the Department or social services question a family’s homeschooling
- Help responding to letters from officials or schools
- Legal representation if needed
- Step-by-step guides for registration and common problems
- Template letters and documentation
What does it cost?
Membership is charged per family, not per child. As of the most recent update, the fee is R130 a month or R1,560 a year, subject to change.
You can view current fees and register at pestalozzi.org/en/join.
Children in Grade R and younger do not need to register with the Department or the Trust, though parents can still join early for peace of mind, particularly if formal homeschooling is coming up soon, or the family has had past friction with a school.
As a homeschool au pair, nanny, or tutor, you may be the first person to notice a family feeling anxious about the legal side of things. It is worth knowing the Trust exists, so you can point a worried parent toward it.
What Homeschool Teachers, Tutors, and Au Pairs Earn
| Role | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Homeschool teacher with a degree, diploma, or certificate | R10,000 to R18,000 |
| Homeschool teacher without formal certificates | R7,000 to R9,000 |
Families should also budget for curriculum and learning materials, extracurricular activities, assessment fees, and the potential loss of a second income if a parent chooses to stay home.
How The Au Pair Club Supports Homeschooling Families
More caregivers and families are moving into homeschooling, and proper training makes a real difference to how smoothly it goes.
Our Homeschooling Course covers legal basics, lesson planning, and practical teaching methods, so anyone supporting a homeschooling family feels prepared and confident.
Parents are welcome to take it too. Families trust caregivers who can guide their little sunshines through home learning with structure and care, and a certificate is the easiest way to show you can.
★★★★★
“I really enjoyed The Au Pair Club’s Homeschooling course. I highly recommend it if you’re a tutor or teacher looking forward into doing homeschooling.”
Rea., Google Review
Still not sure if homeschooling is right for your family, or who should manage it?
Take the course anyway. It costs R600 and takes an afternoon.
It will leave you able to ask your caregiver the right questions, spot a curriculum that does not suit your child, and step in with confidence if you ever need to. Even parents who intend to hire full-time support tell us it was worth doing themselves first.
Looking for extra academic support instead? Our Tutor Course focuses specifically on homework help and reading support.
We also connect families directly with trained caregivers through our platform, whether you need a full-time homeschool au pair, part-time educational support, or specialised tutoring help. Every caregiver on our Job Portal completes proper training first.
Register with The Au Pair Club to connect with trained caregivers who understand the needs of homeschooling families.
Common Questions About Homeschooling in South Africa
Is homeschooling legal in South Africa?
Yes. The South African Schools Act of 1996 recognises home education as a legal alternative to government and private schools.
Is homeschool registration compulsory in South Africa?
Yes, since September 2024. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act made registration with your Provincial Education Department compulsory, replacing the previous system where enforcement varied by province.
How many families homeschool in South Africa?
The Department of Basic Education recorded around 10,757 registered homeschoolers as of mid-2024, but independent research estimates the true number of home learners at closer to 300,000, since many families homeschool without registering.
Is homeschooling growing outside South Africa too?
Yes. South Africa is one of several countries with high homeschooling rates, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as rising living costs and school access push more families toward home education worldwide.
Do I need a teaching qualification to homeschool?
No. A matric certificate is the only minimum requirement, though a teaching background or a homeschooling course does help.
How do I register for homeschooling in South Africa?
Apply through your Provincial Education Department via the Department of Basic Education’s website, with your child’s birth certificate, ID documents, and a learning plan.
Does registration cost anything?
No. Registration through the Department of Education is free. Anyone charging a fee to “fast track” it is not a legitimate source.
What does the Pestalozzi Trust do?
It offers legal protection and guidance to homeschooling families, separate from official Department of Education registration.
Can an au pair or nanny homeschool a child without a teaching degree?
Yes. Many families rely on a trained au pair or nanny to lead day-to-day homeschooling, supported by a homeschooling course rather than a formal degree.
Should I take a homeschooling course if I am hiring someone else to teach?
Yes. Understanding the process helps you choose the right caregiver, the right curriculum, and notice early if something is not working. Many parents who plan to delegate teaching still complete a course themselves first.
Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?
Homeschooling is a significant commitment, but it offers real flexibility, personalised learning, and closer family time.
Whether you are a parent weighing up this path, or an au pair or nanny preparing to support one, success comes down to understanding your family’s situation, staying flexible, and focusing on the child in front of you.
With the right planning, legal compliance, and support, homeschooling can give a child a strong educational foundation that lasts.
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