Here is a list of government primary schools in Gauteng (2026)
Gauteng is home to a wide range of public educational institutions that serve communities across the province. For parents and guardians seeking quality education for their children, understanding the options among government primary schools in Gauteng is essential. This list highlights key schools, providing an overview of their locations and basic information to help families make informed choices for 2026.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Government primary schools in Gauteng
- List of government schools in Pretoria
- Government schools in Johannesburg
- How many primary schools are in Gauteng?
- How many public schools are there in Gauteng?
- School
- What is a no-fee school?
- Are public boarding schools free?
- Are public schools free in South Africa?
- Can a foreign child go to public school in South Africa?
- What is the number one primary school in Gauteng?
- Which primary school is better?
- How much does public primary school cost in South Africa?
- What is the top-performing school in Gauteng?
Key takeaways
- Government primary schools in Gauteng provide accessible education across urban and suburban areas.
- These schools often follow the national curriculum and offer foundational academic and social development.
- Many schools include extracurricular activities to support holistic learning.
- School choice should consider location, resources, and the child’s individual needs rather than reputation alone.
Government primary schools in Gauteng
Gauteng is one of the most populated provinces in South Africa, with over 16.1 million people. Therefore, there are many government schools in Gauteng to ensure their children get a basic education. According to Stats SA, in 2018, Gauteng recorded the highest attendance at education institutions among 0-6 years olds with 66,3%.
Government primary schools in Gauteng provide accessible, curriculum-based education for children across the province. Many also offer extracurricular activities to support overall development.
List of government schools in Pretoria
Pretoria is one of South Africa's largest cities in the Gauteng Province. According to World Population Review, it is an administrative city with over 3.4 million people.
List of government primary schools in Pretoria
This section provides a comprehensive overview of government primary schools in Gauteng, highlighting those located specifically in Pretoria. Families can use this government primary schools in Gauteng PDF as a reference to identify schools that offer quality education while following the national curriculum.
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- Abbotts College Pretoria East
- Sunnyside Primary School
- Arcadia Primary School
- Glenstantia Primary School
- La Montagne Primary School
- Robert Hicks Primary School
- Lynnwood Ridge Primary School
- Laerskool Meyerspark Primary
- Westpark Primary School
- Capital Park Primary School
- Laerskool Oost-Eind Primary School
- Laerskool Silverton Primary School
- Northridge Primary School
- Rietfontein-Noord Primary
- Rietondale Primary School
- Laerskool Lynnwood
- Laerskool Die Heuwel
- Laerskool Menlopark
- Midrand Montessori - Noordwyk
- Laerskool Eendracht
- Laerskool Anton van Wouw
Government schools in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is also one of the major cities in South Africa and is home to some of the best public schools in Gauteng. The city is an education hub; therefore, here are the top 10 public primary schools in Johannesburg.
- Midrand Montessori Preschool & Primary
- Jackalberry Montessori
- Parktown Public School
- I.H. Harris Primary School
- Melpark Primary School
- Orchards Primary School
- Roseneath Primary School
- Bree Primary School
- Norwood Primary School
- Linksfield Primary School
- Rosebank Primary School
- Malvern Primary School
- Yeoville Community School
- Asteri Primary School
- Mayfair Convent Primary School
- Houghton School
- Fordsburg Primary School
- Emmarentia Primary School
- Kensington Ridge Primary School
- John Mitchell School
- Eastgate Primary School
- Turffontein Primary School
List of government high schools in Gauteng
Here is a current list of government high schools in Gauteng (public secondary schools overseen by the Gauteng Department of Education). You can often find versions of this list of government high schools in Gauteng PDF download on official provincial government and education sites, such as downloadable school directories or reports published by the Gauteng Provincial Government.
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- Athlone Boys’ High
- Barnato Park High
- Germiston High
- Hillview High
- Lyttelton Manor High
- Northcliff High
- Pretoria Boys
- Pretoria High School for Girls
- Pretoria Technical High
- Pretoria North High
- Sutherland High (Centurion)
- Rietondale High
- Clapham High
- Hoërskool Silverton
- Elandspoort High
- Sandown High
- DR WF Nkomo High
- Target High
- Flavius Mareka High
- Hoërskool Garsfontein
How many primary schools are in Gauteng?
According to Statista, there were over 24,900 schools in South Africa as of 2021. Twenty-two thousand seven hundred forty were public institutions, making up most of these schools. The two provinces with the most public schools in South Africa were KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with 5,801 and 5,109, respectively.
In contrast, there were only 2,154 independent schools. Most independent educational institutions, 874 and 306 schools, respectively, were located in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
How many public schools are there in Gauteng?
Gauteng has the highest number of learning institutions in SA. It has 2606 schools across 83 cities and towns, and around 365 are independent schools.
School
The South African city of Johannesburg has 269 schools, all in its suburbs and townships.
Johannesburg is home to over 260 schools catering for all ages, from infants to adults seeking to upgrade their skills and further their professions with appropriate degrees or certifications. Every type of educational institution imaginable is available here, including tertiary institutions, specialised programs, and private, public, and government schools.
What is a no-fee school?
No-fee schools were launched in 2007 to serve the poorest 60% of schools and have been expanded over the following few years. Five categories have been used to rank schools. Quintiles 1 and 2 (the bottom 40%) of schools are considered poor and don't charge students to enrol. In exchange, the government pays expenses that were once paid for through fees.
The No-Fee Schools policy eliminates tuition for students in grades R through 9 who attend the lowest 40% of public schools nationwide. Schools that do not charge fees will get more funding from the national budget per student to compensate for the fees that would have been levied. The no-fee policy will not benefit students in high institutions.
List of no-fee schools in Gauteng
Examples from the 2024 list include
- Fatlhogang Primary
- Fine Town Secondary
- Fleurhof Primary No. 1
- Freedom Park Secondary
- Forte Secondary School
Are public boarding schools free?
South Africa doesn't have many free boarding schools. Generally, it takes a lot of effort to get accepted to the free ones. Since the majority are publicly supported, your eligibility depends on where you live. Examples of cheap boarding schools include Northwood School, Parktown Boys' and Wartburg Kirchdorf School.
Are public schools free in South Africa?
In South Africa, most parents must pay for their children's education. Nonetheless, the government pays these costs for many lower-income families.
Can a foreign child go to public school in South Africa?
Without a study visa, children of foreign parents are not permitted to attend school in South Africa. Thus, when you go to South Africa, you must apply for a study visa for your child.
What is the number one primary school in Gauteng?
Bryneven Primary School has been highlighted as a top-tier institution in Gauteng for its excellence in academics, sports, and culture.
Which primary school is better?
The top 20 government primary schools in Gauteng are often identified by strong academic, sporting, and cultural reputations, including independent institutions like St John’s College, St Stithians, and Redhill in Johannesburg, alongside top-tier public schools such as Bryneven Primary (Gauteng), Chelsea Preparatory (Durban), and various Cape Town institutions.
How much does public primary school cost in South Africa?
Public primary school fees in South Africa average around R24,400 to R32,000 annually as of 2023-2024, though many schools are classified as "no-fee" schools.
What is the top-performing school in Gauteng?
The top-performing schools in Gauteng are often listed among the top 10 government primary schools in Gauteng. These schools are known for strong academics, quality teaching, and well-rounded programmes that support both learning and personal development.
- 1st: Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool – Tshwane South District.
- 2nd: Hoërskool Menlopark – Tshwane South District.
- 3rd: Hoërskool Waterkloof – Tshwane South District.
Choosing the right institution is an important step in a child’s educational journey. The government primary schools in Gauteng offer diverse learning environments, extracurricular opportunities, and community engagement. By reviewing this list, parents can identify schools that align with their priorities and support their children’s academic and personal growth.
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