Mid-Fee Independent Schools: The Conundrum of Promise and Profit in South Africa’s Education Boom
South Africa’s schooling landscape is evolving fast. For middle-income families squeezed between overstretched public schools and pricey private options, mid-fee independent schools have emerged as the hopeful middle ground, offering smaller classes, better resources, and a values-driven ethos without needing to sell a kidney to pay tuition. At least, that’s the promise. These schools sprouted from noble intentions, make quality education affordable, individualised and human-centred. Initially, many succeeded in doing just that. They focused on experiential learning, emotional development and creating schools where children weren’t just seen but known. But as the popularity of these institutions grew, so too did the allure of expansion. And as we’ve seen before, when education meets corporate investment, things can get a bit... slippery. Picture a school that started out like a charming artisanal bakery and now resembles a discount chain store selling pre-packaged loaves that all...