Overview
Centre of Excellence is a independent combined school (Grades R–12) located in Selborne, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,226 learners and is staffed by 44 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 28:1), operating as a fee-charging school. It falls within the Buffalo City education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 84.3% (145 of 172 candidates).
Centre of Excellence Matric Performance
Centre of Excellence's NSC pass rate has declined over the past 3 years, from 92.2% in 2023 to 84.3% in 2025 (172 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 172 | 145 | 84.3% |
| 2024 | 168 | 147 | 87.5% |
| 2023 | 166 | 153 | 92.2% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Centre Of Excellence (4322013).
Subject pass rates
Centre of Excellence offered 9 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 83.7%. Geography performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 52.2%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (Geography). 2 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Accounting).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 69 | 36 |
52.2%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 103 | 91 |
88.3%
|
| Physical Sciences | 51 | 38 |
74.5%
|
| Life Sciences | 84 | 74 |
88.1%
|
| English (FAL) | 91 | 90 |
98.9%
|
| Accounting | 29 | 16 |
55.2%
|
| Business Studies | 103 | 86 |
83.5%
|
| Geography | 37 | 37 |
100.0%
|
| History | 109 | 98 |
89.9%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 83 other combined schools in East London.
Centre of Excellence's 2025 pass rate is 1.1 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Private school fees vary widely. Request the official 2027 fee schedule from Centre of Excellence directly.
Private combined school (Grades R–12); fees set by the school.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Centre of Excellence for 2027?
Centre of Excellence is a fee-charging independent school in the Buffalo City district. Indicative 2027 fees: R20,000 – R250,000+ per year (typical range). Exact fees are confirmed by the School Governing Body before the school year begins. To get the official 2027 fee schedule, phone 043 722 4004.
Is Centre of Excellence a no-fee school?
Centre of Excellence does charge school fees. The amount is reviewed and approved annually by the School Governing Body.
What is the quintile of Centre of Excellence and what does it mean for fees?
As an independent (private) school in the Buffalo City district, Centre of Excellence is not assigned a government quintile. Its fee structure is set by the school's governing body and reflects the facilities, curriculum and programmes offered in Selborne, East London, Eastern Cape.
How to apply
Centre of Excellence accepts applications directly at the Centre of Excellence school office in the Buffalo City education district. The steps and documents required for Grade R, Grade 1 or Grade 8 are detailed below.
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1
Confirm availability with Centre of Excellence
Call 043 722 4004 to confirm whether Centre of Excellence has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 32 Lukin Road, Selborne, East London,5241 or download it from the Eastern Cape Department of Education website.
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3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Centre of Excellence during the school's published admission window.
-
4
Pay any required deposits or fees
If accepted, Centre of Excellence (an SGB-funded school) may require a registration deposit. The exact amount is confirmed by the school.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Centre of Excellence. If declined, you may appeal at the Buffalo City district office under the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
- Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID
- Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens)
- Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months)
- Latest school report
- Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1)
- Most recent end-of-year report from the previous school
- Transfer letter from the previous school (for Grade 8+ transfers)
Admissions questions
How do I apply to Centre of Excellence for the next school year?
Centre of Excellence processes applications at the school office. In the Eastern Cape, applications are made directly at the school office and confirmed by the district. Reach the school directly via phone 043 722 4004 to confirm openings in the Buffalo City district.
What documents do I need to apply at Centre of Excellence?
When applying to Centre of Excellence, you'll typically need: • Certified copy of the learner's birth certificate or ID • Certified copies of both parents'/guardians' South African IDs (or passport/permit for non-citizens) • Proof of residence (utility bill not older than 3 months) • Latest school report • Immunisation card / clinic card (especially for Grade R / Grade 1) Additional items may be requested by Centre of Excellence depending on the grade; confirm via phone 043 722 4004.