Overview
Excelsior School is a public combined school (Grades R–12) located in Umtata, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,817 learners and is staffed by 48 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 38:1), operating as a fee-charging school (Q4). It falls within the Or Tambo Inland education district and achieved a moderate 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 76.1% (121 of 159 candidates).
Excelsior School Matric Performance
Excelsior School's NSC pass rate has declined over the past 3 years, from 90.5% in 2023 to 76.1% in 2025 (159 candidates writing in 2025).
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 159 | 121 | 76.1% |
| 2024 | 167 | 149 | 89.2% |
| 2023 | 200 | 181 | 90.5% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Excelsior Senior Secondary School (4291019).
Subject pass rates
Excelsior School offered 11 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 77.1%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 99.4%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 37.4%. 3 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Economics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 91 | 34 |
37.4%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 69 | 60 |
87.0%
|
| Physical Sciences | 91 | 50 |
54.9%
|
| Life Sciences | 123 | 102 |
82.9%
|
| English (FAL) | 160 | 159 |
99.4%
|
| Accounting | 91 | 59 |
64.8%
|
| Business Studies | 37 | 32 |
86.5%
|
| Economics | 37 | 21 |
56.8%
|
| Geography | 123 | 109 |
88.6%
|
| History | 69 | 65 |
94.2%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 69 | 49 |
71.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 44 other combined schools in Umtata.
Excelsior School's 2025 pass rate is 3.7 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Q4 fees in Eastern Cape typically fall within this band; Excelsior School's exact 2027 fee is set by the SGB.
Public combined school (Grades R–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Excelsior School for 2027?
Excelsior School is a fee-charging public school in the Or Tambo Inland district. Indicative 2027 fees: R1,500 – R8,000 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 047 534 1546.
Is Excelsior School a no-fee school?
Excelsior School does charge school fees as a Q4 school. The amount is reviewed and approved annually by the School Governing Body.
What is the quintile of Excelsior School and what does it mean for fees?
Q4 classification places Excelsior School among schools that charge moderate fees in the Or Tambo Inland district. The exact amount is set by the SGB each year based on the school's operational needs.
How to apply
Applications to Excelsior School for Grade R, Grade 1 or Grade 8 are submitted directly at the Excelsior School school office in the Or Tambo Inland education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to Eastern Cape.
-
1
Confirm availability with Excelsior School
Call 047 534 1546 to confirm whether Excelsior School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 50 Sol Mabude Street,Northcrest,Mthatha,5099 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 Excelsior School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
If accepted, Excelsior School (an SGB-funded school) may require a registration deposit. The exact amount is confirmed by the school.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Excelsior School. If declined, you may appeal at the Or Tambo Inland 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 Excelsior School for the next school year?
Excelsior School 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 047 534 1546 to confirm openings in the Or Tambo Inland district.
What documents do I need to apply at Excelsior School?
When applying to Excelsior School, 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 Excelsior School depending on the grade; confirm via phone 047 534 1546.