Overview
Mabaso Secondary School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Esidakeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,232 learners and is staffed by 41 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 30:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q1. It falls within the Umzinyathi education district and achieved a moderate 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 78.8% (216 of 274 candidates).
Mabaso Secondary School Matric Performance
Mabaso Secondary School's NSC pass rate has improved over the past 3 years, from 71.1% in 2023 to 78.8% in 2025 (274 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 274 | 216 | 78.8% |
| 2024 | 180 | 157 | 87.2% |
| 2023 | 256 | 182 | 71.1% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: MABASO S (5212242).
Subject pass rates
Mabaso Secondary School offered 10 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 83.2%. Economics performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 46.3%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (Economics). 1 subject fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 134 | 62 |
46.3%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 141 | 115 |
81.6%
|
| Physical Sciences | 111 | 67 |
60.4%
|
| Life Sciences | 150 | 132 |
88.0%
|
| English (FAL) | 274 | 271 |
98.9%
|
| Accounting | 23 | 22 |
95.7%
|
| Business Studies | 125 | 116 |
92.8%
|
| Economics | 23 | 23 |
100.0%
|
| Geography | 140 | 121 |
86.4%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 150 | 128 |
85.3%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 129 other secondary schools in Umzinyathi.
Mabaso Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 9.7 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Mabaso 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 Mabaso Secondary School for 2027?
Mabaso Secondary School is a no-fee public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in Esidakeni, KwaZulu-Natal, so parents pay no tuition fees for 2027. All 1,232 enrolled learners attend at no charge. Budget instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and excursions. For voluntary contributions or admission fees, phone 072 824 6541.
Is Mabaso Secondary School a no-fee school?
Mabaso Secondary School is classified no-fee under Q1 and forms part of the state-funded schools serving Esidakeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Parents pay no tuition fees.
What is the quintile of Mabaso Secondary School and what does it mean for fees?
Mabaso Secondary School is a Q1 school, the lowest of three quintile bands designated as "no-fee" under the SA Schools Act. Serving the Esidakeni, KwaZulu-Natal community in the Umzinyathi district, it receives full state funding and parents are not charged tuition.
How to apply
Applications to Mabaso Secondary School for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are submitted directly with Mabaso Secondary School and confirmed through the KZN Department of Education in the Umzinyathi education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to KwaZulu-Natal.
-
1
Confirm availability with Mabaso Secondary School
Call 072 824 6541 to confirm whether Mabaso Secondary School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Register your details with the KZN Department of Education and submit the application form directly at Mabaso Secondary School.
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3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Mabaso Secondary School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Mabaso Secondary School is a no-fee school (Q1), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Mabaso Secondary School. If declined, you may appeal at the Umzinyathi district office under the KZN 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 Mabaso Secondary School for the next school year?
Mabaso Secondary School processes applications through the KZN Department of Education and at the school. In KZN, applications are submitted directly to the school and confirmed via the KZN DoE district office. Reach the school directly via phone 072 824 6541 to confirm openings in the Umzinyathi district.
What documents do I need to apply at Mabaso Secondary School?
When applying to Mabaso 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 Mabaso Secondary School depending on the grade; confirm via phone 072 824 6541.