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Homeschool Hub: Free Resources & Guides

Everything you need to homeschool with confidence in South Africa: how to get started, daily routines, what to teach each grade, and free games and worksheets to make learning fun.

🇿🇦 Homeschooling in South Africa

Yes, home education is legal in South Africa, but your child must be registered. Under section 51 of the South African Schools Act, a parent who chooses to educate a learner of compulsory school age at home must apply to the Head of Department of the provincial education department for registration. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, 2024, which came into force on 24 December 2024, replaced section 51 with a more detailed version.

  • Apply to the Head of Department (HOD) of your provincial education department. The HOD registers the learner if satisfied that home education is in the learner's best interests and the other conditions in section 51 are met.
  • The BELA Act made Grade R compulsory, so the registration duty now starts from Grade R age.
  • Once your child is registered, you must tell the HOD at the end of the Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3), the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6) and the Senior Phase (Grades 7 to 9) whether you plan to continue home education.
  • The amended section 51 provides for home learners' progress to be assessed against a minimum standard by a competent assessor.
  • The Department of Basic Education published guidelines on 12 June 2025 explaining how provinces should apply the 2024 amendments, including home education registration. Check with your provincial department for the current application form.
  • The law and its guidelines can change. Always check the official sources and your provincial education department before you start.

Official sources: South African Government: Basic Education Laws Amendment Act 32 of 2024 · Department of Basic Education: Guidelines for implementing certain of the 2024 amendments to the SA Schools Act (PDF, 12 June 2025). Rules can change, so always check the official source. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 4 October 2026.

Homeschool guides

How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step GuideThinking about homeschooling? Follow these 8 practical steps, from checking the rules where you live to planning your first week, plus free learning games.Homeschool Schedule: Sample Daily Routines by AgeSample homeschool schedules for ages 5 to 12, with a daily routine table, tips for a flexible week and how long each subject really needs at home.Homeschool Maths Curriculum: What to Teach at Each AgeWhat to teach in homeschool maths from ages 5 to 12: a year-by-year outline of key skills, from counting to fractions, with free games for each stage.Homeschool Reading and English: A Simple Plan by AgeHow to teach reading and English at home: phonics, fluency, comprehension, spelling and writing, with a simple plan by age and free literacy games.Free Homeschool Resources: Games, Worksheets and MoreThe best free homeschool resources: learning games, printable worksheets, a daily maths challenge, libraries and public broadcasters, and how to use them.Homeschool Record Keeping and Assessment Made SimpleHow to keep homeschool records without stress: portfolios, simple progress tracking, assessing learning at home and preparing for a registration review.Homeschooling Multiple Ages: How to Teach Siblings TogetherPractical ways to homeschool children of different ages together: shared lessons, independent work, a sample routine and tips for keeping toddlers busy.Homeschool Socialisation and Wellbeing: A Parent GuideHow homeschooled children make friends and stay happy: co-ops, clubs, sport, volunteering, healthy screen-time habits and caring for your own wellbeing.

Your free homeschool toolkit

Daily Maths ChallengeA perfect five-minute warm-up to start each homeschool day. Weekly plannerA free printable lesson grid and reading log for each week. Progress trackerA printable skills checklist for each year, linked to free games. Printable worksheetsTimes tables, addition, subtraction and clocks, with answer keys. CAPS gamesGames matched to the CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement), by grade and subject. BadgesRewards for streaks, stars and milestones keep motivation high. Test prepOriginal practice for the tests children sit in South Africa.

Games by grade

Pick your child’s level to see the games and starting levels that suit them.

Grade RRGrade RGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6

Frequently asked questions

Is homeschooling legal in South Africa?

Yes, home education is legal in South Africa, but your child must be registered. Under section 51 of the South African Schools Act, a parent who chooses to educate a learner of compulsory school age at home must apply to the Head of Department of the provincial education department for registration. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, 2024, which came into force on 24 December 2024, replaced section 51 with a more detailed version.

Can I use these games for homeschooling?

Yes. All 67 games, the printable worksheets and the Daily Maths Challenge are free, with no sign-up. Many homeschool families use them for short daily practice alongside their main lessons.

How many hours a day should we homeschool?

There is no single answer. Younger children often need only 1–3 hours of focused learning a day, because one-on-one teaching is efficient. Older children usually do more.

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