Presented by CambriLearn

CambriLearn: A solution to soaring private school fees and government schools at capacity

 ·19 Jul 2024

Parents and students feel pressure as South Africa braces for significant hikes in private school fees in 2025. According to recent reports, private school fees are set to rise dramatically, leaving many families searching for more affordable yet high-quality educational alternatives.

Compounding the issue, government schools are at capacity, making it increasingly difficult for students to secure a spot. South African parents are desperate for a solution to this dire educational problem.

The Financial Strain of Private Traditional Schooling

According to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), general inflation will average 5.1% in 2024. In 2025, parents should brace for further hikes between 6% and 10%, as school fees typically rise 2.6% above inflation annually.

This will raise costs to around R428,280 at Hilton College, the country’s most expensive school. Other private schools are likely to follow suit, surpassing R350,000 annually. Over the past decade, fees have more than doubled at many top institutions, with four schools increasing rates by over 100%.

The anticipated surge in private school fees is a significant concern for many South African families. Private education, known for its superior resources and smaller class sizes, is becoming increasingly unattainable for the average household.

This financial strain forces parents to stretch their budgets or look for alternatives that do not compromise quality.

Overcrowded Government Schools and Long Waiting Lists: A Growing Challenge

Government schools, on the other hand, are experiencing a surge in demand, leading to long waiting lists and overcrowded classrooms. In January of this year, it was reported that thousands of students missed their first week of school due to not being placed.

As of 23 October 2023, a total of 199 primary schools and 125 secondary schools reached full capacity after placing a total just short of 30 000 learners.

The difficulty in securing a spot at these institutions adds to the stress families face seeking quality education for their children.

The need for alternative solutions becomes even more apparent with the public education system struggling to accommodate the growing number of students.

The Rise of Online Schooling and Personalised Learning

Online schools, like CambriLearn, emerge as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

By harnessing the power of technology, online education platforms offer a personalised, flexible, cost-effective, and high-quality alternative to traditional schooling, providing a much-needed relief to parents and students.

Personalised learning is a tailored educational approach to meet each student’s needs, interests, and learning styles.

It emerged as a response to the recognition that traditional, standardised teaching methods often fail to effectively engage and support all students.

It optimises student learning by providing customised instruction, resources, and activities catering to their unique strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

Personalised learning utilises technology, data analytics, and flexible teaching strategies to tailor education to individual students’ needs.

Technology provides adaptive learning platforms and data-driven insights while teachers guide students, set goals, and offer feedback.

This approach allows students to learn independently, explore interests deeply, and receive targeted support, fostering autonomy, self-directed learning, and deeper concept understanding.

The Benefits of Online Schooling

Online schooling provides high-quality education by partnering with certified educators and utilising state-of-the-art technology to deliver a comprehensive curriculum that meets national and/or international education standards, depending on the chosen curriculum.

This reassures parents that their children will receive top-notch education regardless of location, making it accessible and affordable for families.

The personalised learning experience allows students to progress at their own pace, leading to better academic outcomes.

Additionally, the flexibility of online schooling helps students balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and additional interest courses.

Many children excel in their fields of interest thanks to the extra time they can give to achieve their dreams.

Leading the Way in Online Education

One such provider, CambriLearn, is at the forefront of this educational revolution. This Cognia-accredited online school offers a robust online curriculum that caters to a diverse range of students from primary to secondary education.

With a focus on interactive and engaging learning, CambriLearn ensures that students receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically.

At CambriLearn, personalised learning is at the core of the educational experience, facilitated through our online platform.

The process begins with an initial assessment to identify students’ academic strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences.

Based on this assessment, students are placed in the grade or level best suited to them.

Our online platform allows students to access various interactive learning materials, including videos, Q&A sessions, and live lessons.

These resources are tailored to each student’s needs and learning style, allowing them to progress at their own pace and revisit concepts as needed.

Teachers at CambriLearn serve as mentors and guides, providing personalised support and feedback to students throughout their learning journey. They monitor student progress closely, adjusting instruction and offering additional assistance to ensure each student’s success.

The flexibility of CambriLearn’s online format empowers students to take control of their learning journey. They can learn anytime, anywhere, making it ideal for students with diverse schedules or those seeking an alternative to traditional classroom settings.

By leveraging technology and personalised instruction, we empower students to achieve their academic goals effectively and efficiently.

CambriLearn’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and quality makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking an alternative to costly private schools and overcrowded government institutions.

Click here to learn more about CambriLearn

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