Starting ‘big school’ is a major milestone – and not just for your child. It’s also the start of a long-term financial commitment for parents. With the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announcing that online admissions for Grades 1 and 8 will open from 24 July to 29 August, and some private schools already accepting enrolments for 2026, now’s the time to start preparing financially for your child’s schooling journey.

“With the right planning and the right school, you can give your child a strong educational foundation,” says Natasha Vellieux, Finance Manager at SPARK Schools. “Once you’ve decided where you want to enrol your child, the next step is to work out how you’re going to pay for it. It’s critical to plan ahead.”

Here are five practical steps to help you get financially ready for your child’s first year of school:

1. Start budgeting now: “It’s never too early to start planning,” says Stian de Witt, Executive Head of Financial Planning at advisory firm NMG Benefits.

De Witt also encourages parents to involve their children in the budgeting conversation early on, using a colourful and memorable system: the three piggy banks. Assign each piggy bank a colour and purpose:

• Red Piggy Bank – Save: This is where kids learn the value of saving for emergencies or special items.
• Green Piggy Bank – Spend: Everyday spending money, allowing kids to make small financial decisions.
• Orange Piggy Bank – Give: Money set aside to help others—whether it’s for a charity, someone in need, or their place of worship.

“This system helps children understand the basics of financial discipline, generosity, and delayed gratification - skills that are invaluable in the long term,” says De Witt.

2. Create a school-specific savings plan: De Witt advises parents to include fees, uniforms, aftercare, transport, and stationery in their monthly budgets. “Putting even a small amount of money into a high-interest savings account each month will help when payments are due.”

3. Look for transparency, flexibility, and partnership: Knowing what to expect financially can help you avoid surprises later on, so look for a school that’s open and upfront about its fee structures. Some schools offer monthly payment plans or discounts for paying in full at the start of the year. Another important consideration is a school’s willingness to ‘walk the journey’ with parents and scholars alike.

4. Shop smart for uniforms and supplies: School expenses go way beyond fees. Save by checking second-hand stores and exchanges, and online marketplaces for discounted supplies and ‘gently worn’ uniforms.

5. Prioritise quality, not just price: “A low-fee school may seem cheaper upfront, but you can’t put a price on the quality of the education your children receive,” says Vellieux. “It’s long been perceived that private schools are the only way to go but they can be expensive. Some private school networks now offer this same high-quality education at a more accessible price.”

“In addition, the 21^st century requires scholars to possess a mindset and skills for lifelong learning, empowering them to succeed in all aspects of their lives,” says Vellieux.

Look for a school that offers:

• Data-driven instruction that tracks each scholar’s progress so that teachers can provide personalised and targeted support.
• Young, energetic teachers whose professional development is taken seriously and who are constantly upskilling themselves in education innovations.
• A globally competitive curriculum. Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) is the basis for most South African schools, but some also incorporate international benchmarks, offering data-driven instruction, evidence-based practices and personalised learning, and a focus on real-world workplace and emotional skills.

Getting your child ready for Grade 1 is about more than enrolling at the closest school, or finding the right uniform. It’s about setting up healthy financial habits to help you consistently pay school fees for the next 12 years. By budgeting early and choosing a school that aligns with your financial situation and educational goals, you’re setting your child – and your wallet - up for long-term success,” says Vellieux.

About SPARK Schools

SPARK Schools is a network of private schools offering affordable, globally competitive education. Concerned by the state of South African education and committed to finding a solution, Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison co-founded SPARK Schools in 2012.  They believed that an innovative approach could disrupt the crisis in South African education and dedicated themselves to creating a new model that would provide access to high-quality education for all.  

SPARK Ferndale, the first school in the SPARK Schools network, opened in 2013 in Johannesburg. Since then, the network has expanded to serve more than 17,000 SPARK scholars at 26 schools in Gauteng and the Western Cape. 

SPARK Schools' purpose is to build a nation through high-quality, affordable education. They are society shapers, committed to nurturing scholars who are responsible, persistent, and kind and who positively contribute to South Africa's future.