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UCT Online High School
A parent and daughter smiling over a workbook at the kitchen table

About us

About UCT Online High School

Our mission is to accelerate access to world-class high school education, so that we can unleash South Africa’s potential.

UCT Online High School is a fully online school, established in 2021 as a partnership between the University of Cape Town and Valenture Institute. It teaches the CAPS curriculum for Grades 8 to 12 and prepares adults for the Amended Senior Certificate. It is registered with SACAI, accreditation number 89901.

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Who we are

A school built by people who want the best for their children, too

We’re a team of parents, dreamers, innovators and believers. Just like you, we want the best for our children.

We don’t just believe in a brighter future. We believe in doing everything we can to make it happen.

Founded by the University of Cape Town and Valenture Institute

University of Cape Town

UCT Online High School was established in 2021 as a partnership between the University of Cape Town and Valenture Institute.

The school is part of UCT’s Vision 2030, the university’s commitment to expanding access to innovative, high-quality education for all South African teens.

Read about the school on uct.ac.za (opens in a new tab)

Valenture Institute

Valenture Institute’s learning technology, analytics and learner support model are at the forefront of online education. By equipping teachers and parents with this technology, it helps learners build the skills they need to flourish in an increasingly digital world.

The outcome is an online high school that prepares learners well for tertiary education, with an engaging, social and personalised learning experience at an affordable price.

Visit valentureinstitute.com (opens in a new tab)

Our qualifications aren’t issued by UCT. High School learners write SACAI’s exams for the National Senior Certificate, and Adult Matric learners write the Department of Basic Education’s exams for the Amended Senior Certificate. See how accreditation works.

Our people

The team around every learner

  • Learning Facilitators

    Run weekly live streams for learners who get stuck, so no one has to work it out alone.

  • Support Advisors

    Every learner has one. They check in regularly, keep learners accountable and step in when something looks off.

  • Learner Success Specialists

    Look after learners’ wellbeing alongside their Support Advisors.

  • Wellbeing and Engagement team

    A School Counsellor and an Academic Support Lead, for counselling, concessions and learning differences.

    See how we support learners

Partners

We partner for impact

We believe in the power of collaboration as we work to offer high-quality education for all. These partners help us turn physical limitations into digital opportunities.

  • Michael & Susan Dell Foundation logo

    Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

    The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of children living in urban poverty through better education, health and family economic stability. Thanks to the foundation, our online curriculum is free for any learner, teacher or parent in South Africa.

    Explore the free curriculum
  • Deloitte and the World Economic Forum logo

    Deloitte and the World Economic Forum

    The World Economic Forum launched the WorldClass Education Challenge, in partnership with Deloitte, to recognise and support scalable models of education. In 2021, UCT Online High School was selected as a Top Global Innovator, winning a sizeable grant and access to international Deloitte consultants who support us as we scale.

  • South African Human Rights Commission logo

    South African Human Rights Commission

    The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is the national human rights institution, mandated to promote, protect, monitor and assess human rights in South Africa. Together we launched the SAHRC UCT Online High School Rural Girl-Child Initiative, which aims to widen access to online learning for girls in rural areas.

  • Sanlam logo

    Sanlam

    Sanlam is committed to investing in the next generation so they can live with confidence. Together we launched the UCT Online High School Scholarship Programme, which has offered 100 learners scholarships covering 100% of their CAPS tuition fees for as long as they study with us.

  • Western Cape Education Department logo

    Western Cape Education Department

    The Western Cape Education Department partnered with us to set up our pilot microschool in Mitchell’s Plain, as it looks for innovative blended learning solutions that improve the quality, efficiency and cost of education in public schools.

  • iBhodi Trust logo

    iBhodi Trust

    The iBhodi Trust works to solve South Africa’s education crisis by creating, identifying and funding scalable, technology-enabled education blueprints that could change millions of lives. iBhodi partnered with us to launch our pilot microschool in Mitchell’s Plain.

FAQs

Questions about who we are

Is UCT Online High School part of the University of Cape Town?

What is Valenture Institute’s role at UCT Online High School?

Is UCT Online High School accredited?

Can’t find your answer? Browse all FAQs or contact our admissions team.

Accreditation

SACAI: South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute
Examination body
South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), accredited by the Umalusi Council
Qualification awarded
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
School accreditation number
89901

Ready to join us?

Apply online. Our admissions team is here if you have questions first.

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Download our info pack

Fees, subjects, term dates and how online school works, in one download.

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