Overview
Wongalethu is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Bethulie, Free State, South Africa. It currently enrols 668 learners and is staffed by 23 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 29:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q3. It falls within the Xhariep education district and achieved a developing 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 53.6% (52 of 97 candidates).
Wongalethu Secondary School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Wongalethu has declined, moving from a 71.4% pass rate to 53.6% in 2025, the most recent year, 97 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 97 | 52 | 53.6% |
| 2024 | 73 | 59 | 80.8% |
| 2023 | 70 | 50 | 71.4% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: WONGALETHU SS (3161044).
Subject pass rates
Wongalethu offered 8 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 70.5%. English (FAL) performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 32.6%. 1 subject recorded a 100% pass rate (English (FAL)). 3 subjects fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 43 | 14 |
32.6%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 54 | 38 |
70.4%
|
| Physical Sciences | 44 | 15 |
34.1%
|
| Life Sciences | 77 | 44 |
57.1%
|
| English (FAL) | 98 | 98 |
100.0%
|
| Accounting | 23 | 21 |
91.3%
|
| Geography | 54 | 49 |
90.7%
|
| History | 54 | 36 |
66.7%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 13 other secondary schools in Xhariep.
Wongalethu Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 35.5 percentage points below the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Wongalethu 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 Wongalethu for 2027?
Tuition at Wongalethu for the 2027 academic year is R0; the school is officially classified as no-fee (Q3) by the Department of Basic Education in the Xhariep district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; contact the school office for specifics.
Is Wongalethu a no-fee school?
Yes, Wongalethu is officially a no-fee school (Q3), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Xhariep district. No tuition is charged to any of its 668 learners.
What is the quintile of Wongalethu and what does it mean for fees?
As a Q3 public secondary school (Grades 8–12) in the Xhariep district, Wongalethu is funded entirely by the state under the no-fee policy applied to Quintiles 1 through 3.
How to apply
Wongalethu accepts applications directly at the Wongalethu school office in the Xhariep education district. The steps and documents required for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are detailed below.
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1
Confirm availability with Wongalethu
Contact Wongalethu directly to confirm whether places are available for the year you're applying.
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2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from 1047 Jim Fouche', , , BETHULIE, 9992 or download it from the Free State Department of Education website.
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3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Wongalethu during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Wongalethu is a no-fee school (Q3), so no tuition is payable. Budget for uniforms and stationery.
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5
Confirm placement and enrol
Wait for confirmation from Wongalethu. If declined, you may appeal at the Xhariep 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 Wongalethu for the next school year?
To apply to Wongalethu for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Wongalethu. Free State applications are submitted directly to the school during the announced admission period. For confirmation of available places, contact Wongalethu via the school office.
What documents do I need to apply at Wongalethu?
Wongalethu 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 Wongalethu (the school office) for any school-specific requirements.