National Department of Basic Education in South Africa Overview
The South African education system is categorized into three hierarchical levels: the General Education and Training Phase, comprising Reception to Grade 9 (Grades R to 9); the Further Education and Training Phase, comprising Grades 10 to 12, including technical colleges, community youth colleges, and other nonformal, post-general education; and the Higher Education Phase, comprising degree, diploma, and certificate programs up to the doctoral level.
The curriculum divides the General Education and Training Phase into three subphases: Foundation Phase (Reception to Grade 3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6), and Senior Phase (Grades 7 to 9). Grade 9 is the final grade in the compulsory General Education and Training Phase of basic schooling, before transition into the Further Education and Training Phase of schooling that culminates in the national matriculation and school leaving examination. Further Education and Training Phase, comprising Grades 10 to 12, including technical colleges, community youth colleges, and other nonformal, post-general education; and the Higher Education Phase.
