Many learners in no-fee schools fall behind by Grade 3, study finds
A four-year Western Cape study found that learners in no-fee and low-fee schools were less likely to remain on track by Grade 3, despite some starting school developmentally ready.
A recent four-year study conducted by Roots & Shoots, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, has revealed significant disparities in learning outcomes among learners in no-fee and low-fee schools compared to their peers in mid-fee schools in the Western Cape. The study, which tracked 557 Grade R learners across 75 public primary schools in five education districts, found that only 49% of no-fee school learners and 36% of low-fee school learners reached the Grade 3 reading benchmark by the end of Grade 3, compared to 92% of mid-fee school learners.
The study's lead researcher, Dr. Heleen Hofmeyr, emphasized that early advantage is not equally sustained and that school context plays a crucial role in whether children remain on track as they progress through the Foundation Phase. The findings highlight the need for improved quality of teaching and learning in no-fee and low-fee schools to address the widening achievement gaps and ensure all learners have equal opportunities for success.
Brief written by urgent.news from IOL's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
