1 August 2025

Why More Parents Are Exploring Home and Online Education

By Impaq Optimi

As the Department of Basic Education’s online admissions window opens for Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications for the 2026 academic year (24 July to 29 August 2025), South African parents are entering a critical period of decision-making. While traditional schools remain the default option, a growing number of families are exploring home and online education as viable, structured, and accredited alternatives.

This shift comes as many families encounter challenges linked to oversubscribed schools, long waiting lists, and uncertainty about placement timelines - particularly in fast-growing metropolitan areas where public and independent schools are operating at full capacity.

“More and more parents are doing their homework, so to speak,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director of Optimi Schooling, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “They’re asking: what are the other options? Is it possible to offer our children a quality education from home? And the answer is a resounding yes! With structure, support, and accreditation in place, it is entirely possible.”

Understanding the Distance Education Model

In South Africa, school attendance is compulsory up until Grade 9 (or the age of 15). After this point, learners have several options for continuing their education. For families who choose not to pursue traditional mainstream schooling, a distance education provider such as Impaq offers an accredited alternative.

Learners who register with Impaq can complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), one of three assessment bodies accredited by Umalusi for the Further Education and Training (FET) phase (Grades 10 to 12). The other two are the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).

For the younger grades (Grade R to Grade 9) Impaq offers structured, CAPS-aligned lesson material and comprehensive learning support to help parents and guardians create a strong academic foundation at home. These early years are critical for literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development, and distance education allows families to foster these skills in a safe, familiar environment. “Our offering includes everything from workbooks to digital learning tools, as well as access to online classes and tutor guidance,” explains Schoonwinkel. “It’s about making sure families are empowered from the very start of the learning journey.”

“The curriculum followed by Impaq learners is CAPS-aligned and quality assured,” says Schoonwinkel. “This ensures that they receive the same standard of education and recognition as their peers in mainstream schools.”

Support and Flexibility That Work for Families

Impaq provides a full offering that includes structured lesson material, access to live online classes, subject specialists, assessment guidance, and digital learning tools. For many families, the flexibility and personalisation this model offers are key advantages.

“We support over 30,000 learners every year, and what we hear time and again is that families value the ability to adapt education around their circumstances,” says Schoonwinkel. “Whether it’s due to health reasons, travel, or a desire for a more focused learning environment, the flexibility of distance education meets the needs of modern families.”

A Solution, Not a Compromise

One of the biggest misconceptions is that home or online education is a last resort. Schoonwinkel challenges that narrative, “This is not a compromise. It’s a conscious choice made by thousands of families who are looking for quality, flexibility, and a more hands-on approach to their child’s learning journey.”

The growing popularity of distance education is also reflected in the increasing number of early enquiries received by Impaq each year, particularly during the placement season.

“We encourage parents to plan ahead,” Schoonwinkel advises. “The earlier you explore your options, the better prepared you’ll be. Whether you stay with traditional schooling or shift to an alternative model.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the admissions period unfolds, Schoonwinkel says the most important factor is ensuring that every child has access to a learning environment that suits their needs. “Every learner deserves an education model that helps them thrive,” she says. “For some, that’s the classroom. For others, it’s the home. What matters is making informed decisions.”

Registrations for the 2026 academic year with Impaq open in September 2025. Parents can find more information about curriculum options, assessment support, and online learning tools at www.impaq.co.za.