Overview
Tshifhena is a public secondary school (Grades 8–12) located in Nzhelele, Nzhelele, Limpopo, South Africa. It currently enrols 256 learners and is staffed by 9 educators (a learner-to-educator ratio of approximately 28:1), and is officially classified as a no-fee school under Q2. It falls within the Vhembe West education district and achieved a strong 2025 NSC matric pass rate of 88.9% (32 of 36 candidates).
Tshifhena Secondary School Matric Performance
Since 2023, Tshifhena has improved, moving from a 79.3% pass rate to 88.9% in 2025, the most recent year, 36 learners sat the exam.
| Year | Wrote | Achieved | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36 | 32 | 88.9% |
| 2024 | 45 | 26 | 57.8% |
| 2023 | 29 | 23 | 79.3% |
Source: 2025 NSC School Performance Report (DBE). Centre: TSHIFHENA SECONDARY (7051105).
Subject pass rates
Tshifhena offered 8 subjects at NSC level in 2025, achieving an overall subject pass rate of 86.1%. Physical Sciences performed strongest at 100.0%, while Mathematics was the weakest at 14.3%. 2 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate (Physical Sciences, English (FAL)). 1 subject fell below a 60% pass rate (Mathematics).
| Subject | Wrote | Achieved | 2025 pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 7 | 1 |
14.3%
|
| Mathematical Literacy | 29 | 23 |
79.3%
|
| Physical Sciences | 3 | 3 |
100.0%
|
| Life Sciences | 36 | 31 |
86.1%
|
| English (FAL) | 36 | 36 |
100.0%
|
| Geography | 36 | 31 |
86.1%
|
| History | 25 | 24 |
96.0%
|
| Agricultural Sciences | 8 | 6 |
75.0%
|
Benchmark against nearby schools
Compared with 11 other secondary schools in Nzhelele.
Tshifhena Secondary School's 2025 pass rate is 6.5 percentage points above the average for comparable schools in the area.
School fees
Tshifhena charges no tuition fees. Plan instead for uniforms, stationery and learner transport.
Public secondary school (Grades 8–12); fees regulated by the SA Schools Act.
Fee questions
How much are school fees at Tshifhena for 2027?
Tuition at Tshifhena for the 2027 academic year is R0; the school is officially classified as no-fee (Q2) by the Department of Basic Education in the Vhembe West district. Parents may still need to cover uniform and stationery costs; phone 082 214 6931 for specifics.
Is Tshifhena a no-fee school?
Yes, Tshifhena is officially a no-fee school (Q2), recognised as such by the Department of Basic Education in the Vhembe West district. No tuition is charged to any of its 256 learners.
What is the quintile of Tshifhena and what does it mean for fees?
Tshifhena is a Q2 school, the lowest of three quintile bands designated as "no-fee" under the SA Schools Act. Serving the Nzhelele, Nzhelele, Limpopo community in the Vhembe West district, it receives full state funding and parents are not charged tuition.
How to apply
Tshifhena accepts applications directly at the Tshifhena school office in the Vhembe West education district. The steps and documents required for Grade 8 (and other grade transfers) are detailed below.
-
1
Confirm availability with Tshifhena
Call 082 214 6931 to confirm whether Tshifhena has open places for the year you're applying.
-
2
Start the application
Collect the official application form from Tshifhena; Village; or download it from the Limpopo Department of Education website.
-
3
Submit your documents
Submit the completed form and certified copies of all supporting documents to Tshifhena during the school's published admission window.
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4
Pay any required deposits or fees
Tshifhena 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 Tshifhena. If declined, you may appeal at the Vhembe West district office under the Limpopo 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 Tshifhena for the next school year?
To apply to Tshifhena for the next academic year, collect and submit the application form directly at Tshifhena. In Limpopo, applications are completed at the school and processed via the circuit office. For confirmation of available places, contact Tshifhena via phone 082 214 6931.
What documents do I need to apply at Tshifhena?
Tshifhena 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 Tshifhena (phone 082 214 6931) for any school-specific requirements.