Born in 2021: What Grade in 2027?
In 2027, a child born in 2021 is in Grade 1 if their birthday is on or before 30 June, or is in Grade R if it’s from 1 July.
| Year | Born Jan–Jun | Born Jul–Dec |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Grade R | Not yet in school |
| 2027 | Grade 1 | Grade R |
| 2028 | Grade 2 | Grade 1 |
| 2029 | Grade 3 | Grade 2 |
| 2030 | Grade 4 | Grade 3 |
| 2031 | Grade 5 | Grade 4 |
| 2032 | Grade 6 | Grade 5 |
| 2033 | Grade 7 | Grade 6 |
| 2034 | Grade 8 | Grade 7 |
| 2035 | Grade 9 | Grade 8 |
| 2036 | Grade 10 | Grade 9 |
| 2037 | Grade 11 | Grade 10 |
| 2038 | Grade 12 | Grade 11 |
| 2039 | Finished | Grade 12 |
How it works
Public schools in South Africa admit children to Grade 1 in the year they turn six, as long as they turn six by 30 June. That’s why the table has two columns: a child born from 1 July starts a year later than a child born earlier in the same year.
Independent schools may use different rules, so check with your school. Other birth years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023.
Questions
When does a child born in 2021 start Grade 1?
Birthday on or before 30 June: Grade 1 in 2027, Grade R in 2026. Birthday from 1 July: Grade 1 in 2028, Grade R in 2027.
When does a child born in 2021 write matric?
Birthday on or before 30 June: Grade 12 in 2038. Birthday from 1 July: Grade 12 in 2039. This assumes they don’t repeat or skip a grade.
Why does 30 June matter?
Public schools admit children to Grade 1 if they are five turning six by 30 June of that year, so children born in the second half of the year usually start a year later.