Overview
Urban Academy is a independent combined school (Grades R–12) located in Central, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,116 learners and is staffed by 54 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 21:1), operating as a fee-charging school. It falls within the Nelson Mandela education district and achieved a moderate 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 79.7% (114 of 143 candidates).
Urban Academy Matric Performance
Urban Academy's NSC pass rate has remained fairly steady over the past 3 years, from 78.2% in 2023 to 79.7% in 2025 (143 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 143 | 114 | 79.7% |
| 2024 | 83 | 78 | 94.0% |
| 2023 | 101 | 79 | 78.2% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Urban Academy (4342100).
Subject pass rates
Urban Academy offered 8 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 77.8%. Mathematical Literacy performed strongest at 92.2%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 48.1%. 3 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 54 | 26 |
48.1%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 90 | 83 |
92.2%
|
| Physical Sciences | 37 | 18 |
48.6%
|
| Life Sciences | 67 | 57 |
85.1%
|
| Accounting | 18 | 9 |
50.0%
|
| Business Studies | 77 | 65 |
84.4%
|
| Geography | 53 | 47 |
88.7%
|
| History | 37 | 32 |
86.5%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 6 other combined schools in Central.
Urban Academy's 2025 pass rate is 8.6 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Private school fees vary widely. Request the official 2027 fee schedule from Urban Academy directly.
Private combined school (Grades R–12); fees set by the school.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Urban Academy for 2027?
Urban Academy is a fee-charging independent school in the Nelson Mandela district. Indicative 2027 fees: R20,000 – R250,000+ per year (typical range). Exact fees are confirmed by the School Governing Body before the school year begins. To get the official 2027 fee schedule, phone 041 585 0881.
Is Urban Academy a no-fee school?
Urban Academy does charge school fees. The amount is reviewed and approved annually by the School Governing Body.
What is the quintile of Urban Academy and what does it mean for fees?
As an independent (private) school in the Nelson Mandela district, Urban Academy is not assigned a government quintile. Its fee structure is set by the school's governing body and reflects the facilities, curriculum and programmes offered in Central, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
How to apply
Urban Academy accepts applications directly at the Urban Academy school office in the Nelson Mandela education district. The steps and documents required for Grade R, Grade 1 or Grade 8 are detailed below.
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1
Confirm availability with Urban Academy
Call 041 585 0881 to confirm whether Urban Academy has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 272 Govan Mbeki Drive,Central,Gqeberha,6001 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 Urban Academy during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
If accepted, Urban Academy (an SGB-funded school) may require a registration deposit. The exact amount is confirmed by the school.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Urban Academy. If declined, you may appeal at the Nelson Mandela 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 Urban Academy for the next school year?
Urban Academy 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 041 585 0881 to confirm openings in the Nelson Mandela district.
What documents do I need to apply at Urban Academy?
When applying to Urban Academy, 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 Urban Academy depending on the grade; confirm via phone 041 585 0881.