Homeschooling in Gauteng
Gauteng is South Africa's smallest province by area but its largest by population — and home to the country's biggest and most active homeschooling community.
Homeschooling across Gauteng
Families across Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane), Ekurhuleni and the Vaal are increasingly choosing home education for the flexibility, safety and personal attention it offers. Because Gauteng is so densely populated, there is a wide network of homeschool co-ops, tutor groups, sports clubs and meet-ups, so socialisation is rarely a problem.
Whether you live in a busy suburb or are juggling long commutes, homeschooling lets your child learn at their own pace without the pressure of large classrooms. Virtus Education provides the CAPS-aligned structure — daily lesson plans, workbooks and assessments — so you have a clear framework while staying in control of your child's education.
Main centres: Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane), Ekurhuleni, Soweto, Vereeniging
Is homeschooling legal in Gauteng?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal throughout South Africa, including Gauteng, under the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996). Parents must register their child for home education with the Gauteng Department of Education.
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, signed into law in September 2024, updates how home education is regulated. Homeschooling remains legal — always confirm the current requirements with the Gauteng Department of Education before you apply.
How to register in Gauteng
In Gauteng, home education applications are processed by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) through its head office and the district offices that serve areas such as Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria) and Ekurhuleni.
See the full step-by-step registration guide.
How Virtus supports Gauteng families
Virtus Education provides complete CAPS-aligned learning materials for Grades R to 9 — daily lesson plans, workbooks and assessments. Explore our grade guides or contact us.
Homeschooling in Gauteng: common questions
- Is homeschooling legal in Gauteng?
- Yes. Homeschooling is legal throughout South Africa, including Gauteng, under the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996). Families in Gauteng must register their child for home education with the Gauteng Department of Education.
- How do I register for homeschooling in Gauteng?
- Contact the Gauteng Department of Education to request the home education application form, complete it for each child, and attach certified copies of the child's birth certificate, the parents' IDs, proof of address and a curriculum outline. In Gauteng, home education applications are processed by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) through its head office and the district offices that serve areas such as Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria) and Ekurhuleni. Always confirm the current requirements with the department before you apply.
- How much does homeschooling cost in Gauteng?
- Homeschooling in Gauteng is usually far more affordable than private school. Virtus Education's CAPS-aligned support starts from R200 per month for Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), R380 for Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) and R480 for Senior Phase (Grades 7-9), plus stationery and basic supplies.
- Can my child follow the CAPS curriculum while homeschooling in Gauteng?
- Yes. Most families in Gauteng follow CAPS, the national curriculum, because it keeps options open and makes moving between home and school easier. Virtus provides CAPS-aligned learning materials, lesson plans and assessments for Grades R to 9.