INLSA
Kamini Padayachee
TOP high schools in KwaZulu-Natal which achieved matric pass rates of more than 90 percent last year are preparing to turn away hundreds of pupils who are expected to show up to register today.
KZN schools open today and, while most completed their 2012 admissions processes in October last year, some parents are still scrambling to enrol their children.
Yesterday, Vryheid High School acting principal Anton le Roux said the school could only accept pupils in Grade 12, as other grades were full. “We have more pupils per class than is required by the education department.”
Le Roux said the school, which achieved a 97.4 percent pass rate in 2011, and had the district’s top pupil, had been turning away prospective pupils since November last year.
“We completed our admissions process in October and then several parents showed up with their children in November, looking for places. Quite a large number turned up on Monday and Tuesday.
“Parents desperately want their children to get in because the school performed well in the matric exams.
“Our hearts bleed for all the parents. If we had the capacity, we would gladly take them in, but unfortunately we do not, so we have to turn them away.”
Menzi High in Umlazi, which in the past 12 years has not achieved a matric pass rate of less than 95 percent, has also turned away pupils this week.
Principal Felix Mshololo said parents knew of the school’s good reputation and tried to get their children in at the last minute.
“We finalised our admissions in October last year and we have no more space. I have been turning away pupils and their parents and I expect some will still turn up. We do not have enough desks for the pupils we have accepted for this year, so (today) will be a challenge for some classes.”
Inanda Seminary, which achieved a 100 percent pass in 2011, said it only had some places left in Grade 8.
Education Department spokeswoman Mbali Thusi warned that parents should not attempt to enrol their children at top-performing schools only.
“It is crucial for parents to keep an open mind when it comes to placing their children. Most parents want to have their children enrolled in schools that are regarded as better performing.
“As a result, these schools end up receiving a large number of applications and it becomes impossible for them to accommodate all applicants. We appeal to parents to work together with the department to seek placement for their children at other schools.”
Thusi said parents should contact their nearest education district or circuit offices for assistance with late placements.
“The department’s district or circuit office will have a list of schools that still have vacancies for pupils.
“The department urges parents to register their children early to avoid the last-minute rush as this disrupts lessons.”
