Overview
Umtata International School is a public combined school (Grades R–12) located in Umtata, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 901 learners and is staffed by 33 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 27:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q3. It falls within the Or Tambo Inland education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 84.1% (174 of 207 candidates).
Umtata International School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Umtata International School has improved, moving from a 63.3% pass rate to 84.1% in 2025, the most recent year, 207 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 207 | 174 | 84.1% |
| 2024 | 168 | 139 | 82.7% |
| 2023 | 166 | 105 | 63.3% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Umtata International School (4291085).
Subject pass rates
Umtata International School offered 11 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 85.3%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 100.0%, while Economics was the weakest at 56.8%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (English (FAL)). 2 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Economics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 115 | 66 |
57.4%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 92 | 78 |
84.8%
|
| Physical Sciences | 99 | 76 |
76.8%
|
| Life Sciences | 118 | 112 |
94.9%
|
| English (FAL) | 185 | 185 |
100.0%
|
| Accounting | 5 | 4 |
80.0%
|
| Business Studies | 76 | 65 |
85.5%
|
| Economics | 44 | 25 |
56.8%
|
| Geography | 129 | 115 |
89.1%
|
| History | 103 | 95 |
92.2%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 34 | 32 |
94.1%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 44 other combined schools in Umtata.
Umtata International School's 2025 pass rate is 4.6 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Umtata International School charges no tuition fees. Plan instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and outings.
Public combined school (Grades R–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Umtata International School for 2027?
Tuition at Umtata International 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 Or Tambo Inland district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; phone 047 537 5010 for specifics.
Is Umtata International School a no-fee school?
Yes, Umtata International School is officially a no-fee school (Q3), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Or Tambo Inland district. No tuition is charged to any of its 901 learners.
What is the quintile of Umtata International School and what does it mean for fees?
Umtata International School is a Q3 school, the lowest of three quintile bands designated as "no-fee" under the SA Schools Act. Serving the Umtata, Mthatha, Eastern Cape community in the Or Tambo Inland district, it receives full state funding and parents are not charged tuition.
How to apply
Umtata International School accepts applications directly at the Umtata International School school office in the Or Tambo Inland education district. The steps and documents required for Grade R, Grade 1 or Grade 8 are detailed below.
-
1
Confirm availability with Umtata International School
Call 047 537 5010 to confirm whether Umtata International School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 1 School Street,Sidwadwa View,Mthata,5099 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 Umtata International School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Umtata International School is a no-fee school (Q3), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Umtata International 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 Umtata International School for the next school year?
To apply to Umtata International School for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Umtata International School. In the Eastern Cape, applications are made directly at the school office and confirmed by the district. For confirmation of available places, contact Umtata International School via phone 047 537 5010.
What documents do I need to apply at Umtata International School?
Umtata International 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 Umtata International School (phone 047 537 5010) for any school-specific requirements.