Overview
Malcomess Senior Secondary School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,198 learners and is staffed by 36 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 33:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q3. It falls within the Joe Gqabi education district and achieved an excellent 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 92.7% (152 of 164 candidates).
Malcomess Senior Secondary School Matric Performance
Malcomess Senior Secondary School's NSC pass rate has improved over the past 3 years, from 69.6% in 2023 to 92.7% in 2025 (164 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 164 | 152 | 92.7% |
| 2024 | 102 | 95 | 93.1% |
| 2023 | 204 | 142 | 69.6% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Malcomess Secodary School (4271024).
Subject pass rates
Malcomess Senior Secondary School offered 10 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 89.5%. Physical Sciences performed strongest at 100.0%, while Economics was the weakest at 48.3%. 2 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate (Physical Sciences, English (FAL)). 1 subject fell below a 60% pass rate (Economics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 17 | 12 |
70.6%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 148 | 140 |
94.6%
|
| Physical Sciences | 16 | 16 |
100.0%
|
| Life Sciences | 76 | 51 |
67.1%
|
| English (FAL) | 165 | 165 |
100.0%
|
| Business Studies | 65 | 49 |
75.4%
|
| Economics | 29 | 14 |
48.3%
|
| Geography | 84 | 79 |
94.0%
|
| History | 60 | 59 |
98.3%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 74 | 72 |
97.3%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 4 other secondary schools in Aliwal North.
Malcomess Senior Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 0.8 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Malcomess Senior Secondary School charges no tuition fees. Plan instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and outings.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Malcomess Senior Secondary School for 2027?
Malcomess Senior Secondary School is a no-fee public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, so parents pay no tuition fees for 2027. All 1,198 enrolled learners attend at no charge. Budget instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and excursions. For voluntary contributions or admission fees, phone 051 633 2828.
Is Malcomess Senior Secondary School a no-fee school?
Malcomess Senior Secondary School is classified no-fee under Q3 and forms part of the state-funded schools serving Aliwal North, Eastern Cape. Parents pay no tuition fees.
What is the quintile of Malcomess Senior Secondary School and what does it mean for fees?
Classified as Q3 by the Department of Basic Education, Malcomess Senior Secondary School falls within the no-fee category, meaning the 1,198 learners attending here in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape pay no school fees.
How to apply
Malcomess Senior Secondary School accepts applications directly at the Malcomess Senior Secondary School school office in the Joe Gqabi education district. The steps and documents required for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are detailed below.
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1
Confirm availability with Malcomess Senior Secondary School
Call 051 633 2828 to confirm whether Malcomess Senior Secondary School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from Matini Street,Aliwal North,9750 or download it from the Eastern Cape Department of Education website.
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3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Malcomess Senior Secondary School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Malcomess Senior Secondary School is a no-fee school (Q3), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Malcomess Senior Secondary School. If declined, you may appeal at the Joe Gqabi district office under the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
- Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID
- Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens)
- Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months)
- Latest school report
- Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1)
- Most recent end-of-year report from the previous school
- Transfer letter from the previous school (for Grade 8+ transfers)
Admissions questions
How do I apply to Malcomess Senior Secondary School for the next school year?
Malcomess Senior Secondary School processes applications at the school office. In the Eastern Cape, applications are made directly at the school office and confirmed by the district. Reach the school directly via phone 051 633 2828 to confirm openings in the Joe Gqabi district.
What documents do I need to apply at Malcomess Senior Secondary School?
When applying to Malcomess Senior Secondary School, you'll typically need: • Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID • Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens) • Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months) • Latest school report • Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1) Additional items may be requested by Malcomess Senior Secondary School depending on the grade; confirm via phone 051 633 2828.