policiy-and-criteria.pdf

Summary

This official Government Gazette notice outlines the regulatory framework established by Umalusi for the quality assurance and accreditation of independent schools and private assessment bodies in South Africa. The policy defines the legal requirements for these institutions to offer and examine qualifications within the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-framework. It details a rigorous evaluation process involving self-reflection, desktop reviews, and site visits to ensure educational providers meet national standards for leadership, teaching, and internal assessment. Additionally, the document specifies the criteria for private assessment bodies to manage credible external examinations, including a mandatory pilot study phase. The framework also grants Umalusi the authority to monitor compliance and withdraw accreditation from institutions that fail to maintain these required benchmarks. Finally, it provides clear transitional arrangements and definitions to align all private education providers with the National Qualifications Framework.