{
  "id": 12801333,
  "title": "Many learners in no-fee schools fall behind by Grade 3, study finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/many-learners-in-no-fee-schools-fall-behind-by-grade-3-study-finds",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-08T05:56:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/2026-10-08-many-learners-in-no-fee-schools-fall-behind-by-grade-3-study-finds/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}