Overview
Pearson High School is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,174 learners and is staffed by 75 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 16:1), operating as a fee-charging school (Q5). It falls within the Nelson Mandela education district and achieved an excellent 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 100.0% (212 of 212 candidates).
Pearson High School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Pearson High School has remained fairly steady, moving from a 100.0% pass rate to 100.0% in 2025, the most recent year, 212 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 212 | 212 | 100.0% |
| 2024 | 224 | 224 | 100.0% |
| 2023 | 220 | 220 | 100.0% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: Pearson High School (4341066).
Subject pass rates
Pearson High School offered 9 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 99.0%. Mathematical Literacy performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 95.3%. 8 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate.
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 148 | 141 |
95.3%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 64 | 64 |
100.0%
|
| Physical Sciences | 96 | 96 |
100.0%
|
| Life Sciences | 94 | 94 |
100.0%
|
| English (FAL) | 33 | 33 |
100.0%
|
| Accounting | 74 | 74 |
100.0%
|
| Business Studies | 104 | 104 |
100.0%
|
| Geography | 31 | 31 |
100.0%
|
| History | 81 | 81 |
100.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 7 other secondary schools in Port Elizabeth.
Pearson High School's 2025 pass rate is 13.2 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Q5 fees vary widely. Confirm Pearson High School's 2027 fee schedule directly with the school office.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Pearson High School for 2027?
For 2027, Pearson High School (Q5) falls within a r8,000 – r45,000+ per year (typical range) band and serves 1,174 learners in the Nelson Mandela district. The SGB sets the precise fee annually; phone 041 583 2111 for the published amount.
Is Pearson High School a no-fee school?
No, Pearson High School is a fee-charging school (Q5) in the Nelson Mandela district. Annual fees are set by the SGB and apply to all enrolled learners.
What is the quintile of Pearson High School and what does it mean for fees?
As a Q5 public secondary school (Grades 8–12), Pearson High School receives the smallest per-learner state subsidy and relies on parent-paid fees, set by the SGB, to fund its 75 educators and operations.
How to apply
Pearson High School accepts applications directly at the Pearson High School school office in the Nelson Mandela education district. The steps and documents required for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are detailed below.
-
1
Confirm availability with Pearson High School
Call 041 583 2111 to confirm whether Pearson High School has open places for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from Jenvey Road,Summerstrand,Port Elizabeth,6001 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 Pearson High School during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
If accepted, Pearson High School (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 Pearson High School. If declined, you may appeal at the Nelson Mandela 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 Pearson High School for the next school year?
To apply to Pearson High School for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Pearson High School. In the Eastern Cape, applications are made directly at the school office and confirmed by the district. For confirmation of available places, contact Pearson High School via phone 041 583 2111.
What documents do I need to apply at Pearson High School?
Pearson High School requires the following documents for admission: • 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) Contact Pearson High School (phone 041 583 2111) for any school-specific requirements.