Overview
Shawbury Senior Secondary School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,294 learners and is staffed by 32 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 40:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q2. It falls within the Or Tambo Inland education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 86.6% (214 of 247 candidates).
Shawbury Senior Secondary School Matric Performance
Shawbury Senior Secondary School's NSC pass rate has improved over the past 3 years, from 79.9% in 2023 to 86.6% in 2025 (247 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 247 | 214 | 86.6% |
| 2024 | 250 | 232 | 92.8% |
| 2023 | 204 | 163 | 79.9% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Shawbury Senior Secondary School (4291067).
Subject pass rates
Shawbury Senior Secondary School offered 11 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 87.9%. Business Studies performed strongest at 100.0%, while Life Sciences was the weakest at 73.1%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (Business Studies).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 109 | 91 |
83.5%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 138 | 118 |
85.5%
|
| Physical Sciences | 89 | 72 |
80.9%
|
| Life Sciences | 227 | 166 |
73.1%
|
| English (FAL) | 247 | 244 |
98.8%
|
| Accounting | 20 | 18 |
90.0%
|
| Business Studies | 20 | 20 |
100.0%
|
| Economics | 20 | 18 |
90.0%
|
| Geography | 87 | 84 |
96.6%
|
| History | 138 | 133 |
96.4%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 41 | 35 |
85.4%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 12 other secondary schools in Qumbu.
Shawbury Senior Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 13.9 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Shawbury 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 Shawbury Senior Secondary School for 2027?
Shawbury Senior Secondary School is a no-fee public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, so parents pay no tuition fees for 2027. All 1,294 enrolled learners attend at no charge. Budget instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and excursions. For voluntary contributions or admission fees, phone 072 453 0372.
Is Shawbury Senior Secondary School a no-fee school?
Shawbury Senior Secondary School is classified no-fee under Q2 and forms part of the state-funded schools serving Qumbu, Eastern Cape. Parents pay no tuition fees.
What is the quintile of Shawbury Senior Secondary School and what does it mean for fees?
As a Q2 public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in the Or Tambo Inland district, Shawbury Senior Secondary School is funded entirely by the state under the no-fee policy applied to Quintiles 1 through 3.
How to apply
To enrol your child at Shawbury Senior Secondary School, families in Eastern Cape apply directly at the Shawbury Senior Secondary School school office. The exact Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) process in the Or Tambo Inland education district is summarised below.
-
1
Confirm availability with Shawbury Senior Secondary School
Call 072 453 0372 to confirm whether Shawbury Senior Secondary School has open places for the year you're applying.
-
2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from Bhencuthi A/A,Shawbury,Qumbu,5187 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 Shawbury Senior Secondary School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Shawbury Senior Secondary School is a no-fee school (Q2), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Shawbury Senior Secondary School. If declined, you may appeal at the Or Tambo Inland 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 Shawbury Senior Secondary School for the next school year?
Shawbury 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 072 453 0372 to confirm openings in the Or Tambo Inland district.
What documents do I need to apply at Shawbury Senior Secondary School?
When applying to Shawbury 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 Shawbury Senior Secondary School depending on the grade; confirm via phone 072 453 0372.