Overview
Nanabolela is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Thabong, Welkom, Free State, South Africa. It currently enrols 1,363 learners and is staffed by 41 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 33:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q2. It falls within the Lejweleputswa education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 88.9% (112 of 126 candidates).
Nanabolela Secondary School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Nanabolela has declined, moving from a 100.0% pass rate to 88.9% in 2025, the most recent year, 126 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 126 | 112 | 88.9% |
| 2024 | 135 | 135 | 100.0% |
| 2023 | 140 | 140 | 100.0% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: NANABOLELA SS (3182031).
Subject pass rates
Nanabolela offered 10 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 90.3%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 68.1%. 3 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate (English (FAL), Business Studies, Geography).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 72 | 49 |
68.1%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 61 | 59 |
96.7%
|
| Physical Sciences | 60 | 41 |
68.3%
|
| Life Sciences | 60 | 58 |
96.7%
|
| English (FAL) | 135 | 135 |
100.0%
|
| Accounting | 35 | 27 |
77.1%
|
| Business Studies | 25 | 25 |
100.0%
|
| Economics | 20 | 17 |
85.0%
|
| Geography | 100 | 100 |
100.0%
|
| History | 43 | 41 |
95.3%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 4 other secondary schools in Thabong.
Nanabolela Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 5.2 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Nanabolela charges no tuition fees. Plan instead for uniforms, stationery, transport and outings.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Nanabolela for 2027?
Tuition at Nanabolela for the 2027 academic year is R0; the school is officially classified as no-fee (Q2) by the Department of Basic Education in the Lejweleputswa district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; contact the school office for specifics.
Is Nanabolela a no-fee school?
Yes, Nanabolela is officially a no-fee school (Q2), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Lejweleputswa district. No tuition is charged to any of its 1,363 learners.
What is the quintile of Nanabolela and what does it mean for fees?
As a Q2 public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in the Lejweleputswa district, Nanabolela is funded entirely by the state under the no-fee policy applied to Quintiles 1 through 3.
How to apply
Applications to Nanabolela for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are submitted directly at the Nanabolela school office in the Lejweleputswa education district. Below is the step-by-step process specific to Free State.
-
1
Confirm availability with Nanabolela
Contact Nanabolela directly to confirm whether places are available for the year you're applying.
-
2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 18122 KOTELO STREET, Thabong, Thabong, WELKOM, 9460 or download it from the Free State Department of Education website.
-
3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Nanabolela during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Nanabolela is a no-fee school (Q2), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
-
5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Nanabolela. If declined, you may appeal at the Lejweleputswa district office under the Free State 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 Nanabolela for the next school year?
To apply to Nanabolela for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Nanabolela. Free State applications are submitted directly to the school during the announced admission period. For confirmation of available places, contact Nanabolela via the school office.
What documents do I need to apply at Nanabolela?
Nanabolela 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 Nanabolela (the school office) for any school-specific requirements.