Overview
Ulwazi Secondary School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Mdantsane, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 2,067 learners and is staffed by 38 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 54:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q3. It falls within the Buffalo City education district and achieved an excellent 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 98.3% (228 of 232 candidates).
Ulwazi Secondary School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Ulwazi Secondary School has remained fairly steady, moving from a 98.7% pass rate to 98.3% in 2025, the most recent year, 232 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 232 | 228 | 98.3% |
| 2024 | 226 | 224 | 99.1% |
| 2023 | 226 | 223 | 98.7% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Ulwazi High School (4321104).
Subject pass rates
Ulwazi Secondary School offered 9 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 97.4%. Business Studies performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 88.3%. 2 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate (Business Studies, History).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 94 | 83 |
88.3%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 138 | 135 |
97.8%
|
| Physical Sciences | 79 | 78 |
98.7%
|
| Life Sciences | 131 | 124 |
94.7%
|
| English (FAL) | 232 | 231 |
99.6%
|
| Accounting | 58 | 54 |
93.1%
|
| Business Studies | 100 | 100 |
100.0%
|
| Geography | 117 | 115 |
98.3%
|
| History | 153 | 153 |
100.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 20 other secondary schools in Mdantsane.
Ulwazi Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 13.7 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Ulwazi 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 Ulwazi Secondary School for 2027?
Tuition at Ulwazi Secondary School for the 2027 academic year is R0; the school is officially classified as no-fee (Q3) by the Department of Basic Education in the Buffalo City district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; phone 043 760 0102 for specifics.
Is Ulwazi Secondary School a no-fee school?
Yes, Ulwazi Secondary School is officially a no-fee school (Q3), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Buffalo City district. No tuition is charged to any of its 2,067 learners.
What is the quintile of Ulwazi Secondary School and what does it mean for fees?
Classified as Q3 by the Department of Basic Education, Ulwazi Secondary School falls within the no-fee category, meaning the 2,067 learners attending here in Mdantsane, East London, Eastern Cape pay no school fees.
How to apply
Applications to Ulwazi Secondary School for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are submitted directly at the Ulwazi Secondary School school office in the Buffalo City education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to Eastern Cape.
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1
Confirm availability with Ulwazi Secondary School
Call 043 760 0102 to confirm whether Ulwazi 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 4388 N U 2,Mdantsane,East London,5219 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 Ulwazi Secondary School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Ulwazi 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 Ulwazi Secondary School. If declined, you may appeal at the Buffalo City 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 Ulwazi Secondary School for the next school year?
To apply to Ulwazi Secondary School for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Ulwazi Secondary School. In the Eastern Cape, applications are made directly at the school office and confirmed by the district. For confirmation of available places, contact Ulwazi Secondary School via phone 043 760 0102.
What documents do I need to apply at Ulwazi Secondary School?
Ulwazi Secondary School requires the following documents for admission: • 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) Contact Ulwazi Secondary School (phone 043 760 0102) for any school-specific requirements.