We, the undersigned parents and guardians of learners at Sion Private Academy, are deeply concerned about the pattern of annual school fee increases of approximately R500 per month per child.

Based on the school fee schedules shared with parents, this fixed Rand increase each year translates into double-digit percentage increases (often 12–17% or more), which are significantly higher than:

• General inflation in South Africa
• Typical school fee increases of around 6–10% per year reported by economists and education analysts for both public and private schools.

At the same time, many families are under severe financial strain, facing rising costs of living, stagnant salaries, and increased debt levels. Above-inflation fee increases of this size, every year, are not sustainable for many households and risk forcing families to move their children or fall into arrears. 

We fully support quality education and we recognise that the school faces cost pressures of its own. Our concern is not with education standards or individual staff members, but with the magnitude and frequency of fee increases and the lack of detailed communication and consultation with parents before such decisions are finalised.

We therefore respectfully request that Sion Private Academy’s management and governing body:

Provide a clear breakdown of the annual fee increases over the last three years, per phase, including the percentage increase each year.

Explain the key cost drivers that make a fixed R500 per month increase necessary each year.

Commit to aligning future increases more closely with inflation and national education trends, unless there is a clearly communicated, exceptional reason (such as a major capital project or crisis).

Introduce a proper consultation process with parents before finalising future fee increases, including an opportunity for parents to ask questions and provide feedback.

Consider transitional or support measures (such as smaller phased increases or financial assistance options) for families who are most affected by the current increases.

Our goal is not to undermine the school, but to ensure that fee decisions are fair, transparent and sustainable, so that children can remain at Sion Private Academy without placing impossible pressure on their families.

We ask the school to acknowledge these concerns and engage with parents in good faith to find a workable solution.