Types of Schools

South Africa has three main school models for learners with disabilities or learning barriers. Understanding each model helps you advocate for the placement that best meets your child's needs.

Mainstream schools

Ordinary public and private schools. Learners with mild to moderate support needs may attend mainstream schools with appropriate accommodations. Under the SIAS policy, all mainstream schools must have an SBST and must provide reasonable support.

• Most appropriate for learners who can access the curriculum with additional support
• The default placement unless the SIAS process determines a more specialised setting is needed
• Must provide accommodations such as classroom support and exam concessions

Full-service / inclusive schools

Designated public schools that have been developed to support a wider range of learning needs, including learners with physical and sensory disabilities. These schools have:

• Additional trained Learning Support Educators (LSEs)
• Adapted facilities (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
• Links to therapists and specialists
• Smaller class sizes in some cases

Special schools

Designed for learners with severe or multiple disabilities who cannot be adequately supported in a mainstream or full-service school. Special schools have:

• Very small class sizes (often 8–12 learners)
• Specialist educators trained in specific disability areas
• On-site therapists (OT, speech, physio)
• Hostel facilities in many cases

Placement in a special school is not automatic — it must follow a Level 3 SIAS process and requires your written consent.

Special schools as resource centres

Under the DBE's White Paper 6 policy, special schools are also meant to serve as resource centres for their surrounding mainstream schools — providing specialist support and outreach. In practice this varies significantly by region.