Parents can apply for exemption

R28 000, says their pupil intake is quite diverse in terms of race and socio-economic background.

The school currently has a 70% coloured population, 20% white and 10% black and Asian learners.

“Socio-economic diversity is reflected in that our learners are from the immediate area – Bergvliet, Kirstenhof, Tokia, Constantia, Diep River and Plumstead.

“But many of our learners are also from the local areas of Heathfield, Retreat, Muizenberg, Capricorn Park, Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein,” explained Patricia Demas, deputy head principal for the school.

She added that while the school has seen considerable improvement to their infrastructure of late, it has not resulted in fees increasing dramatically over the years (an increase of less than 7%).

“Learners from disadvantaged backgrounds can be found living close and further afield from the school. We accommodate these learners financially in terms of school fees, by allowing parents and guardians to apply for an exemption. A considerable portion of our budget makes provision for these exemptions,” said Demas.

According to educator, Craig Paxton, former Model C schools have played a crucial role over the past 25 years in providing high quality education to an increasingly diverse group of children.

“It is also important to note that not all of these schools are the same – some face very real funding pressures, despite their relative affluence, and all face competition from the private school sector. The main point, however, is that as public schools we must think carefully about the kinds of investment decisions that are made; there is a danger in the competitive behaviour that sometimes drives these choices.” SCHOOLS are not allowed to factor a parent’s financial status when determining admissions into their school. If, for example, a pupil has been accepted into a top school with fees of over R30 000 – and cannot afford to pay them, then the parent has the right to apply for fee exemption.

The school applies for fee exemption to which they receive a part payment back. It assists fee-paying schools that accept learners that subsequently cannot pay.

PICTURE: JACK LESTRADE The Western Cape Department of Education is looking for ways to close the gap between less fortunate and more privileged schools in the province. Pictured is Westerford High School.