Senior Phase · Grades 8 and 9
Start strong in Grades 8 and 9
Solid foundations, renewed confidence.
- Nine CAPS subjects, including English, Maths and a First Additional Language
- Gamified lessons and Mastery Bootcamps
- Support Advisors who help build strong study habits
About the Senior Phase
In Grades 8 and 9, the Senior Phase, learners at UCT Online High School take nine CAPS subjects online, including English Home Language, a First Additional Language and Mathematics. Gamified lessons, Mastery Bootcamps and Support Advisors build the habits learners need before they choose their FET subjects. Tuition is from R2,985 per month.
Senior Phase
What Grades 8 and 9 looks like at UCT Online High School
Nine engaging subjects, gamified lessons and gentle Mastery Bootcamps spark curiosity, while Support Advisors keep learners on pace. It builds the self-discipline they need before FET subject choices.
Key information
- Language of instruction
- English
- 2026 term dates
- Term 112 January to 27 March
- Term 27 April to 26 June
- Term 320 July to 18 September
- Term 45 October to 11 December
- School fees
- From R2,985 per month
This is how we do it
Structure that keeps learners on track, with support at every step
Intuitive online learning platform
Our Online Campus is at the centre of it all. Every day, your child logs in and sees their weekly work plan: a live, interactive view of everything they need to complete in a week, for every subject.
Learning pathways
Every subject is designed as a course with a defined learning pathway. Learners work through each week’s module in a series of 45-minute lessons, using a research-backed approach: “I do, we do, you do”.
“I do, we do, you do”
Under “I do”, a subject expert demonstrates. Under “we do”, learners practise. Under “you do”, they put their learning to the test, all towards a weekly deadline for each subject.
Dynamic academic support
Where learners fail their weekly assessments or get stuck, they have weekly live streams with Learning Facilitators and a dedicated academic discussion forum. It’s a very structured approach, with all the flexibility in between.
Caring Support Advisors
The best part? You’re not alone. Every learner deserves a champion, and that’s where our Support Advisors come in. They keep learners accountable through weekly group check-ins and a priority system based on at-risk behaviours.
Gamification and Rewards Programme
We reward good learning habits. Logging in to the Online Campus, opening course materials and attempting assignments all earn points, which learners redeem in a bespoke storefront. Just wait for drop days!
For guardians
ConnectED guardian app and portal
Success comes from the learner, guardian and school working together. The guardian portal is mission control for your child’s learning, and the ConnectED app sends a push notification when something needs your attention.
Fee structure 2026
One clear fee for a strong start
Clear fees with no surprises. Pay monthly over 12 instalments, or pay upfront for the year.
Pay upfront (R30,447) and save R5,373 against 12 instalments (R35,820).
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement (once-off)Non-refundable | R599 | Non-refundable |
| Tuition, paid upfrontSave 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 | R30,447 a year | Save 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 |
| Tuition, 12 instalments12 monthly instalments | R2,985 per month | 12 monthly instalments |
| Extra subject (optional)We advise a maximum of two | R430 per month · R5,160 a year | We advise a maximum of two |
All fees are subject to an annual increase.
9 subjects
Grades 8 and 9 subject choices
Learners in the Senior Phase take nine subjects. Two of them are official languages: one at Home Language level and one at First Additional Language level.
Compulsory subjects 9
- English Home Language
- First Additional Language (Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu or Sesotho)
- Mathematics
- Life Orientation
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
- Economic Management Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Creative Arts
Download our information pack
Subjects, fees, term dates and how online learning works, in one pack you can share with your family.
Grades 8 and 9 stationery and textbooks
The stationery, equipment and textbook lists for every grade, in English (2025 edition).
Results and stories
Hear it from the families who made the switch
Watch Tamara’s storyTamara’s story “I would tell parents who are apprehensive about an online high school that it changed my daughter’s life for the better.”
Guardian interview · video
Watch Trisha’s storyTrisha’s story “UCT Online High School is ⅓ the price of our previous school.”
Guardian interview · video
Watch Malikah’s storyMalikah’s story “I’ve personally engaged with some of the work, the quality is phenomenal.”
Guardian interview · video- matric pass rate in 2025
- 85%
- distinctions in 2025
- 601
- overall average by our top 2025 learner
- 90%
FAQs
Grades 8 and 9 questions from guardians
When and how do I pay tuition fees and which payment options are available?
We offer several payment options that guardians are able to select for their convenience. Please refer to our fees handbook for detailed information about this.
Will universities accept my child’s NSC?
Yes. Learners earn the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the matric qualification recognised by universities and colleges across South Africa. It is examined by SACAI and quality-assured by Umalusi. Each institution still sets its own entry requirements, so check the pass level and subjects your child’s chosen course needs.
How social will the experience be for me/my child?
Good question! Learners* will have the opportunity to build community and make friends from all over the country through their Support Coach Check-in sessions, which will happen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 15 minutes, not to mention our school assemblies and Virtual Clubs
*This is not applicable to Adult Matric learners
What is a Mastery Check?
A Mastery Check is a formative or summative assessment (mainly formative) that assesses learners’ mastery of the content. These Mastery Checks are points where both Learning Facilitators and learners can see where gaps exist and where revision or remediation is needed. Learners who fail the Mastery Check will unlock an instructional video. The learner is allowed another attempt at the Mastery Check after watching the video. If they fail a subsequent time, they will be automatically booked into a Mastery Boot Camp.
How often do Mastery Checks take place?
Mastery Checks take place at the end of each module. Each module represents 1 week’s worth of work to be completed for each subject.
Who will be responsible for registering my child as a homeschooler with the Department of Education?
For learners based in South Africa who are entering Grade 8 or Grade 9 (younger than 15 years), the responsibility will lie with the parents/guardians to apply to the head of their Provincial Education Department to register their child/children for home education or to apply for an exemption from compulsory education. This is not necessary if the learner is over the age of 15.
In order to get this process going, parents may click here to gain more insight into the government homeschooling registration requirements and may visit the website of your Provincial Education Department to gain more insight into exemption applications.
While this is something parents will be required to do, we’ll be here to guide you!
If my child attends UCT Online High School, are they considered ‘homeschoolers’? What does this mean?
Okay, let’s separate substance from legality.
In substance, UCT Online High School is very different to most ‘homeschools’. Your child will be joining a fully-fledged online high school, with a community of friends, teachers and support coaches.
This notwithstanding, we also provide tutorials and other educational support to Grade 8 and 9 learners who are registered with the Department of Basic Education as homeschoolers.
What does this mean for you?
Homeschooling regulations only apply to the compulsory schooling phase (from Grade 1 - Grade 9). At this age, parents are required to register their children as homeschoolers with their Provincial Education Department or apply for an exemption from compulsory education. Please visit the Home Education page for more info or alternatively reach out to our Admissions Team if you need help: admissions@uctohs.valentureonline.com
For Grade 10–12 learners, parents do not have to register their children with their Provincial Education Department.
Can’t find your answer? Browse all FAQs or contact our admissions team.
Accreditation
- Examination body
- South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), accredited by the Umalusi Council
- Qualification awarded
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- School accreditation number
- 89901