Key Takeaways: The Elite Public Option
- What are they? Public schools that focus on a specific talent (e.g., Aviation, Coding, Rugby, Drama). They function like “Magnet Schools.”
- The Cost: They are Public Schools. Most are fee-paying (approx. R15,000 – R35,000/year), but much cheaper than private equivalents.
- The 5 Streams: Engineering, Maths/Science/ICT, Performing Arts, Commerce, and Sports.
- Admission Rule: You must apply via the GDE Online System, BUT you must also pass a physical Assessment/Audition at the school.
- Feeder Zones: Talent often overrides location. If you are a math genius in Soweto, you can get into a specialized school in Johannesburg Central.
In the past, if your child was a gifted artist or a brilliant coder, your only option was an expensive private school like Curro or Reddam. If you couldn’t afford R100,000 a year, your talent often went unnurtured.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) changed this by launching Schools of Specialisation (SoS).
These are existing public schools that have been “re-gazetted” and upgraded with industry partnerships. For example, Rhodesfield High isn’t just a high school anymore; it is an Aviation School with a flight simulator on campus, partnered with SAA. John Orr isn’t just a technical school; it is an Engineering School of Specialisation partnered with Sasol.
For the 2026 academic year, competition for these schools is fiercer than for university entry. Thousands of Grade 6 and Grade 7 learners are fighting for a few hundred spots.
To help you navigate this, we have compiled the definitive list of these schools by category, along with the specific “Flavour” (Focus) of each one.
Stream 1: Maths, Science & ICT (The Future Innovators)
These schools are for the “Tech Whizzes.” If your child loves coding, robotics, or conducting experiments, these are the target schools. They often have high-tech labs and partnerships with companies like Microsoft or Telkom.
1. Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation
- Location: Emndeni, Soweto.
- Focus: Engineering, Maths, Science & ICT.
- Unique Factor: This was the flagship pioneer school. It is heavily resourced and focuses on data analysis and software development.
2. UJ Metropolitan Academy
- Location: Crosby, Johannesburg (near UJ).
- Focus: Maths, Science & ICT.
- Unique Factor: It is a feeder school for the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Top learners often get direct access to UJ science faculties.
3. St Barnabas School of Specialisation
- Location: Bosmont, Johannesburg.
- Focus: High Tech & Innovation.
- Unique Factor: Known for its robotics team and strong academic rigor.
4. Edward Phatudi School of Specialisation
- Location: Saulsville, Pretoria (Atteridgeville).
- Focus: Nuclear Science & Technology.
- Unique Factor: Yes, Nuclear Science. It partners with NECSA (Nuclear Energy Corporation of SA) to teach learners about clean energy and radiation sciences.
5. Mohloli School of Specialisation
- Location: Sharpeville, Vanderbijlpark.
- Focus: Maritime Sciences.
- Unique Factor: Focuses on the science of the ocean, boat engineering, and marine biology, despite being inland.
6. Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation
- Location: Soshanguve, Pretoria.
- Focus: Automotive & ICT.
- Unique Factor: Partners with BMW (Rosslyn plant) to train future automotive engineers.
Stream 2: Engineering (The Builders)
These schools are for learners who want to be Engineers, Mechanics, or Architects. They focus on technical drawing, fitting and turning, and heavy machinery.
1. John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation
- Location: Milpark, Johannesburg.
- Focus: Renewable Energy & Alternative Sources.
- Unique Factor: Located near UJ and Wits. It focuses on solar power, wind turbines, and green technology.
2. Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation
- Location: Kempton Park (near OR Tambo Airport).
- Focus: Aviation.
- Unique Factor: The only public school where you can technically start your pilot training. They have flight simulators and teach aircraft mechanics.
3. Bhukulani School of Specialisation
- Location: Zola, Soweto.
- Focus: Science & Engineering.
- Unique Factor: Strong focus on material sciences and civil construction.
4. Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation
- Location: Katlehong.
- Focus: Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics.
- Unique Factor: Focuses on the supply chain and manufacturing systems (factories).
5. Ekangala Engineering School of Specialisation
- Location: Bronkhorstspruit.
- Focus: Mining.
- Unique Factor: Situated near the mines, it focuses on geology, extraction, and mining safety.
Stream 3: Performing & Creative Arts (The Stars)
These schools are for the dancers, actors, musicians, and painters. Admission is strictly by Audition.
1. National School of the Arts (NSA)
- Location: Braampark, Johannesburg.
- Focus: Dance, Drama, Music, Art.
- Unique Factor: The most famous arts school in the country. Alumni are all over TV and stage. You attend normal academic classes in the morning and specialized arts conservatories in the afternoon.
2. Pro Arte Alphen Park
- Location: Pretoria East.
- Focus: Performing Arts, Hospitality & Enterprise.
- Unique Factor: A massive campus with professional theatres. It also has a unique “Hospitality” wing for aspiring chefs.
3. East Rand School of the Arts
- Location: Benoni.
- Focus: Design & Performance.
- Unique Factor: Focuses heavily on visual arts and fashion design as well as performance.
4. Khutlo-Tharo School of Specialisation
- Location: Sebokeng.
- Focus: Performing & Creative Arts.
- Unique Factor: Bringing high-level arts education to the Vaal region.
Stream 4: Commerce & Entrepreneurship (The Business Moguls)
For learners who want to start their own businesses, work in finance, or manage hotels.
1. Pace School of Specialisation
- Location: Soweto.
- Focus: Finance, Hospitality & Tourism.
- Unique Factor: Partners with major banks and hotel chains to give learners real-world business experience.
2. Tembisa Commerce & Entrepreneurship School
- Location: Tembisa.
- Focus: Hospitality & Tourism.
- Unique Factor: Located near the airport and Midrand business hubs, focusing on the service economy.
3. Jet Nteo School of Specialisation
- Location: Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark.
- Focus: Tourism & Hospitality.
- Unique Factor: Focuses on the Vaal River tourism economy.
Stream 5: Sports (The Athletes)
For learners whose primary talent is on the field. These schools balance academics with elite sports coaching.
1. Rosina Sedibane-Modiba Sports School
- Location: Laudium, Pretoria.
- Focus: Multi-Sport.
- Unique Factor: This is the dedicated “Sports School” of Gauteng. If you are a provincial-level runner, soccer player, or netballer, this is where you go.
How to Apply for 2026 (The Process)
Applying to a School of Specialisation is harder than a normal school. You have to jump through two hoops.
Step 1: The GDE Online Application
- Dates: Usually opens June/July 2026 (for 2027 intake) or July 2025 (for 2026 intake).
- System: You must apply on the standard GDE Admissions Portal.
- Code: Select the school code carefully.
- Note: The system might say “Waiting List A” (Feeder Zone) or “Waiting List B” (Outside Zone). Do not worry about List B. SoS schools have permission to accept talent from outside their zone.
Step 2: The Assessment / Audition (Crucial)
- Once you apply online, the school will contact you (or you must check their website) for the Assessment Day.
- Maths/Engineering Schools: Your child will write a benchmark test (Maths and Logic).
- Arts Schools: Your child must perform a monologue, play an instrument, or present a drawing portfolio.
- Sports Schools: Physical trials (Beep test, skills drill).
- The Outcome: If your child passes the assessment, the school sends a “Recommendation List” to the Head Office. This overrides the zoning rule.
Step 3: Document Upload
- Upload your documents (ID, Proof of Address, Report) to the GDE system within 7 days of applying.
- Report Card: For SoS, your Grade 6 (for Grade 8 entry) marks are vital. You usually need 60%+ in Maths/English for the Engineering schools.
Why You Might Get Rejected
- Failed the Assessment: Even if you live next door to NSA, if you fail the audition, you won’t get in. Talent is the primary entry requirement.
- Report Card: Applying for St Barnabas (High Tech) with a 40% in Maths will lead to automatic rejection. These schools are academically rigorous.
- Late Application: These schools fill up in the first hour of the system opening. Be online at 08:00 AM on the opening day.
Conclusion: A Private Education for a Public Price
Schools of Specialisation are the “Crown Jewels” of the Gauteng education system. They offer facilities—like flight simulators, wind tunnels, and dance studios—that many private schools cannot afford.
If your child has a specific passion, do not send them to a generic high school. Target an SoS. But remember: Preparation is key. If you want to go to the Art School, start building the portfolio now. If you want the Engineering school, get those Maths marks up to 70% before the June exams.
Disclaimer: School statuses and specialisations are subject to change by the GDE. Always verify directly with the school administration during the open day.