School fee disputes should not affect your child’s report card

DEAR parents, teachers and school governing bodies

- DR JONATHAN ANNIPEN

As we approach the end of the academic year, many parents and pupils - particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds — find themselves under pressure to settle outstanding school fees before report cards are released.

I want to draw attention to the law and to appeal for fairness, respect and dignity.

Under the South African Schools Act and the national protocol on assessment grades R - 12, no public school may withhold a pupil’s report card or academic results for any reason, including unpaid school fees.