Basic Education

Basic education refers to education from grade R to grade 12. The aim of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is to develop, maintain and support a South African school education system for the 21st century in which all citizens have access to lifelong learning, as well as education and training, which will, in turn, contribute towards improving the quality of life and building a peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Africa.

Basic education is divided into 4 phases, namely:

• Foundation phase: Grade R to 3
• Intermediate phase: Grade 4 to 6
• Senior phase: Grade 7 to 9
• Further Education and Training phase: Grade 10 to 12

 

Contact details of the Department of Basic Education

Address:          222 Struben Street, Pretoria

Call Centre:     0800 202 933

                        callcentre@dbe.gov.za

Switchboard:   012 357 3000