Overview
Mpumelelo High School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,528 learners and is staffed by 49 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 31:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q1. It falls within the Uthukela education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 82.3% (177 of 215 candidates).
Mpumelelo High School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Mpumelelo High School has improved, moving from a 71.4% pass rate to 82.3% in 2025, the most recent year, 215 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 215 | 177 | 82.3% |
| 2024 | 235 | 220 | 93.6% |
| 2023 | 283 | 202 | 71.4% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: MPUMELELO H (5211222).
Subject pass rates
Mpumelelo High School offered 10 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 81.4%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 99.1%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 42.9%. 2 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Life Sciences).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 84 | 36 |
42.9%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 102 | 89 |
87.3%
|
| Physical Sciences | 41 | 33 |
80.5%
|
| Life Sciences | 127 | 76 |
59.8%
|
| English (FAL) | 215 | 213 |
99.1%
|
| Accounting | 43 | 27 |
62.8%
|
| Business Studies | 43 | 42 |
97.7%
|
| Economics | 43 | 37 |
86.0%
|
| Geography | 57 | 45 |
78.9%
|
| History | 102 | 100 |
98.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 122 other secondary schools in Uthukela.
Mpumelelo High School's 2025 pass rate is 4.0 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Mpumelelo High 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 Mpumelelo High School for 2027?
Tuition at Mpumelelo High School for the 2027 academic year is R0; the school is officially classified as no-fee (Q1) by the Department of Basic Education in the Uthukela district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; phone 072 744 5050 or email MPUMELELO-HS@kznschools.goc.za for specifics.
Is Mpumelelo High School a no-fee school?
Yes, Mpumelelo High School is officially a no-fee school (Q1), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Uthukela district. No tuition is charged to any of its 1,528 learners.
What is the quintile of Mpumelelo High School and what does it mean for fees?
Mpumelelo High School is a Q1 school, the lowest of three quintile bands designated as "no-fee" under the SA Schools Act. Serving the Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal community in the Uthukela district, it receives full state funding and parents are not charged tuition.
How to apply
To enrol your child at Mpumelelo High School, families in KwaZulu-Natal apply directly with Mpumelelo High School and confirmed through the KZN Department of Education. The exact Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) process in the Uthukela education district is summarised below.
-
1
Confirm availability with Mpumelelo High School
Call 072 744 5050 or email MPUMELELO-HS@kznschools.goc.za to confirm whether Mpumelelo High 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 Mpumelelo High School.
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3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Mpumelelo High School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Mpumelelo High School is a no-fee school (Q1), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Mpumelelo High School. If declined, you may appeal at the Uthukela 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 Mpumelelo High School for the next school year?
To apply to Mpumelelo High School for the next academic year, complete the KZN Department of Education pre-registration and submit the school's own form at Mpumelelo High School. In KZN, applications are submitted directly to the school and confirmed via the KZN DoE district office. For confirmation of available places, contact Mpumelelo High School via phone 072 744 5050 or email MPUMELELO-HS@kznschools.goc.za.
What documents do I need to apply at Mpumelelo High School?
Mpumelelo High 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 Mpumelelo High School (phone 072 744 5050 or email MPUMELELO-HS@kznschools.goc.za) for any school-specific requirements.