Homeschooling in North West
The North West province, with its mining towns and farming districts, is well suited to the flexibility that homeschooling provides.
Homeschooling across North West
Families in Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Mahikeng and surrounding areas choose home education for the freedom to learn around shift work, farm life and travel. Homeschooling keeps learning consistent even when daily routines are not.
Virtus Education supports North West families with CAPS-aligned learning materials for Grades R to 9 — structured lesson plans, workbooks and assessments that follow the national curriculum at home.
Main centres: Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Brits
Is homeschooling legal in North West?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal throughout South Africa, including North West, under the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996). Parents must register their child for home education with the North West 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 North West Department of Education before you apply.
How to register in North West
In the North West, home education is registered through the North West Department of Education, via its head office in Mahikeng and the district offices serving the province.
See the full step-by-step registration guide.
How Virtus supports North West 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 North West: common questions
- Is homeschooling legal in North West?
- Yes. Homeschooling is legal throughout South Africa, including North West, under the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996). Families in North West must register their child for home education with the North West Department of Education.
- How do I register for homeschooling in North West?
- Contact the North West 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 the North West, home education is registered through the North West Department of Education, via its head office in Mahikeng and the district offices serving the province. Always confirm the current requirements with the department before you apply.
- How much does homeschooling cost in North West?
- Homeschooling in North West 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 North West?
- Yes. Most families in North West 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.