Overview
Van Cutsem High School is a public combined school (Grades R–12) located in De Doorns, Outside a Town, Western Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 971 learners and is staffed by 26 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 37:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q1. It falls within the Cape Winelands education district and achieved a moderate 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 78.4% (120 of 153 candidates).
Van Cutsem High School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Van Cutsem High School has improved, moving from a 71.6% pass rate to 78.4% in 2025, the most recent year, 153 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 153 | 120 | 78.4% |
| 2024 | 131 | 93 | 71.0% |
| 2023 | 116 | 83 | 71.6% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: VAN CUTSEM COMBINED SCHOOL (1008851).
Subject pass rates
Van Cutsem High School offered 10 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 82.6%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 100.0%, while Physical Sciences was the weakest at 35.0%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (English (FAL)). 2 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Physical Sciences, Accounting).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 22 | 14 |
63.6%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 135 | 104 |
77.0%
|
| Physical Sciences | 20 | 7 |
35.0%
|
| Life Sciences | 20 | 15 |
75.0%
|
| English (FAL) | 157 | 157 |
100.0%
|
| Accounting | 16 | 9 |
56.3%
|
| Business Studies | 46 | 44 |
95.7%
|
| Economics | 44 | 32 |
72.7%
|
| Geography | 111 | 88 |
79.3%
|
| History | 91 | 77 |
84.6%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 14 other combined schools in Outside a Town.
Van Cutsem High School's 2025 pass rate is 15.7 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Van Cutsem High 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 Van Cutsem High School for 2027?
Tuition at Van Cutsem 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 Cape Winelands district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; phone 021 023 0355 for specifics.
Is Van Cutsem High School a no-fee school?
Yes, Van Cutsem High School is officially a no-fee school (Q1), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Cape Winelands district. No tuition is charged to any of its 971 learners.
What is the quintile of Van Cutsem High School and what does it mean for fees?
As a Q1 public combined school (Grades R–12) in the Cape Winelands district, Van Cutsem High School is funded entirely by the state under the no-fee policy applied to Quintiles 1 through 3.
How to apply
Applications to Van Cutsem High School for Grade R, Grade 1 or Grade 8 are submitted via the WCED Online Admissions online system, with confirmation handled by Van Cutsem High School in the Cape Winelands education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to Western Cape.
-
1
Confirm availability with Van Cutsem High School
Call 021 023 0355 to confirm whether Van Cutsem High School has open places for the year you're applying.
-
2
Start the application
Register on the WCED Online Admissions portal when applications open and select Van Cutsem High School as a preferred school.
-
3
Submit your documents
Upload all required documents to the WCED Online Admissions portal before the published cut-off and keep your reference number.
-
4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Van Cutsem High School is a no-fee school (Q1), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Check your WCED Online Admissions dashboard for the placement outcome. If accepted, complete on-site registration at Van Cutsem High School.
- 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 Van Cutsem High School for the next school year?
To apply to Van Cutsem High School for the next academic year, register on the WCED Online Admissions portal during the official admission window and select Van Cutsem High School as a preferred school. WCED Online Admissions for Grade 1 and Grade 8 typically opens in March/April of the preceding year. For confirmation of available places, contact Van Cutsem High School via phone 021 023 0355.
What documents do I need to apply at Van Cutsem High School?
Van Cutsem 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 Van Cutsem High School (phone 021 023 0355) for any school-specific requirements and to verify what must be uploaded to the WCED Online Admissions.