Overview
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Tsolo, Ugie, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 393 learners and is staffed by 13 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 30:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q2. It falls within the Joe Gqabi education district and achieved an excellent 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 95.3% (41 of 43 candidates).
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School Matric Performance
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School's NSC pass rate has improved over the past 3 years, from 86.2% in 2023 to 95.3% in 2025 (43 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 43 | 41 | 95.3% |
| 2024 | 62 | 40 | 64.5% |
| 2023 | 58 | 50 | 86.2% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary Scho (4271036).
Subject pass rates
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School offered 8 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 93.9%. Physical Sciences performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 37.5%. 5 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate. 1 subject fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 8 | 3 |
37.5%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 35 | 31 |
88.6%
|
| Physical Sciences | 8 | 8 |
100.0%
|
| Life Sciences | 19 | 19 |
100.0%
|
| English (FAL) | 43 | 43 |
100.0%
|
| Business Studies | 24 | 22 |
91.7%
|
| History | 35 | 35 |
100.0%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 8 | 8 |
100.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 4 other secondary schools in Tsolo.
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 14.8 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School charges no tuition fees. Plan instead for uniforms, stationery and learner transport.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School for 2027?
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School is a no-fee public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in Tsolo, Ugie, Eastern Cape, so parents pay no tuition fees for 2027. All 393 enrolled learners attend at no charge. Budget instead for uniforms, stationery and transport. For voluntary contributions or admission fees, phone 073 181 4689.
Is Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School a no-fee school?
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School is classified no-fee under Q2 and forms part of the state-funded schools serving Tsolo, Ugie, Eastern Cape. Parents pay no tuition fees.
What is the quintile of Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School and what does it mean for fees?
Classified as Q2 by the Department of Basic Education, Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School falls within the no-fee category, meaning the 393 learners attending here in Tsolo, Ugie, Eastern Cape pay no school fees.
How to apply
Applications to Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are submitted directly at the Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School school office in the Joe Gqabi education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to Eastern Cape.
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1
Confirm availability with Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School
Call 073 181 4689 to confirm whether Samuel Nombewu 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 Gqaqhala A/A,Ugie,Ugie,5470 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 Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School is a no-fee school (Q2), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Samuel Nombewu 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 Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School for the next school year?
Samuel Nombewu 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 073 181 4689 to confirm openings in the Joe Gqabi district.
What documents do I need to apply at Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School?
When applying to Samuel Nombewu 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 Samuel Nombewu Senior Secondary School depending on the grade; confirm via phone 073 181 4689.