Life doesn't always follow the school calendar. Families relocate, long commutes start taking a toll, bullying situations become unbearable, or a child simply stops coping in their current environment. The question is: Can you move your child to online school in the middle of the year?

The simple answer: yes.

But, it's a decision that requires careful administrative handling to ensure no marks are lost. Teneo specialises in helping students transfer to an online setting, so we built out a simple guide to inform you about what to expect.

How to change to online school mid-year: Transferring Successfully

The "Mark Transfer" Process

The biggest concern that parents often have around changing to an online school is the shifting of academic records as well as the curriculum. Here's the general process around transferring academics:

• SBA (School-Based Assessment): Every term, your child earns marks (tasks, tests) that go towards their final year mark. When transferring, curriculum alignment is vital to ensure a smooth academic transition and compatibility of educational content between schools.

• The transfer: When you leave a school, they must provide a valid report card or transfer card. Online schools like Teneo will then take those marks and import them into our system. When you apply, you will typically need to provide documents such as your child’s birth certificate, immunisation card, and latest school report. In South Africa, schools may refuse admission due to factors such as capacity or incomplete applications.

• The Gap: If your previous school did 3 assessments in Term 1 and we did 4, we will work with you to catch up on the missing task or average the marks accordingly, depending on SACAI regulations. Differences in schedules and assessment timing between schools can also affect the transfer process and may require adjustments to your child’s daily routine.

When considering a change to an online school, it’s important to factor in school fees and whether your family can afford them both now and in the future. Many schools also require a registration or enrolment fee when you join, which may be non-refundable.

When is the Best Time to Switch?

• Ideally: At the start of a new term (April, July, October)

• Doable: Anytime in Grades R-9. Grade R, as the foundational stage of early childhood education, is an ideal time for learners to switch to online school, as it sets the groundwork for future learning and helps ensure a smooth transition into primary education.

• Tricky: Grade 10 and 11 (Subject choices must match).

• Critical: Grade 12. Moving in Grade 12 is administratively very difficult due to exam registration. It is only possible in Term 1 or very early Term 2, and usually only if you are already studying the same CAPS subjects. If a middle-of-the-year switch is not possible, consider application deadlines and plan ahead for the following year to ensure a smooth transition.

Changing Curriculum (e.g., Cambridge to CAPS)

Teneo uses the CAPS curriculum—which is the national curriculum for South African schools, implemented in 2012.

If you are moving from a Cambridge/British curriculum or an American system to Teneo (CAPS) mid-year, there will be a mismatch in the curriculum Choosing the right curriculum is crucial to align with your child's goals and aspirations, ensuring the chosen curriculum supports their future ambitions and long-term objectives.

If your child's curriculum is changing because of the switch to online school, we may recommend a “bridging” period or, in some cases, repeating a grade to ensure the foundation is solid. Our admissions team assesses this on a case-by-case basis.

The Social Adjustment

Switching schools can be a scary experience for a child—especially if it’s shifting from a traditional school format to online learning. Supporting your child emotionally during this transition is vital, as it helps them adapt more smoothly and feel secure in their new environment.

But with online school at Teneo, there are actually a few ways that we make the social transition easier:

• The “new kid” experience: In online school, being the “new kid” is easier. You aren’t walking into a cafeteria alone. You are logging into a chat room where real teachers introduce you warmly and provide live, interactive support.

• Buddy system: We encourage new learners to join a club immediately to find friends. Extracurricular activities play a key role in helping each child build confidence, resilience, and long-term friendships, making the transition smoother.

• No tolerance for bullying: At Teneo, our zero tolerance policy and support staff ensure your child feels safe and supported emotionally during the change to online school.

How to support your child through the transition

Aside from the social adjustment, transitioning from traditional schooling to online schooling can be a challenging experience when it comes to routine. Here are a few key things to consider to help your child transition smoothly:

1. Establish a dedicated, distraction-free workspace for online schooling.

2. Set clear hours for the start and end of the school day to create a routine.

3. Maintain a strict daily routine that mirrors traditional school hours.

4. Regular breaks help reduce screen fatigue during online schooling.

5. Implement gradual adjustment to online education by starting with core subjects.

A supportive school environment and dedicated support staff can significantly impact your child’s well-being and emotional adjustment. Parents should evaluate the new school’s approach to supporting both emotional and academic needs during transitions to ensure the best outcome for their child.

Evaluating the current school

Before making the significant decision to switch schools, it’s crucial for parents to take a close look at the current school’s environment and how well it aligns with their child’s academic and personal needs.

1. Start by considering the curriculum on offer—whether it’s the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), or another recognized program in South Africa. Curriculum alignment plays a key role in ensuring your child’s learning isn’t disrupted during a transfer.

2. Next, evaluate the teaching methods. Does the school you're choosing cater to your child’s learning style and support their strengths? Some children thrive in a more structured space with traditional teaching, while others may benefit from more flexible, student-centred methods.

3. Take note of the school’s extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or clubs, as these contribute to your child’s overall development and help build long-term friendships.

4. Finally, assess the overall learning environment and the level of support provided. Are there resources in place for academic support or special needs? By thoroughly evaluating these factors, parents can make an informed decision about whether switching schools is the right step for their child’s education and future goals.

H2: Required documents for transfer

When changing schools, being prepared with the right paperwork is crucial for a smooth and stress-free transfer. In South Africa, families should gather all required documents before starting the process to avoid unnecessary delays. Typically, you’ll need your child’s birth certificate, their latest school report, a transfer certificate from the current school, proof of address, and copies of both parents’ IDs. For younger students, especially those entering primary school, immunisation records may also be requested.

It’s important to check with your new school for any other requirements, as some online schools or private institutions may have their own specific requests. Ask for all necessary documents from your current school as soon as you decide to transfer.

By having all the required documents ready, parents can help their children settle into the new school environment quickly, making the transition as seamless as possible for the whole family.

H2: Current school responsibilities

Understanding your current school’s responsibilities can make switching schools much easier for both you and your child. The current school is responsible for providing essential documents like the transfer certificate and the latest school report, which are needed by the new school to process your child’s enrolment. Ensure they help share information about your child’s academic progress, learning style, and any special needs or support requirements to help the new school tailor their approach.

In addition, the current school should communicate details about any ongoing assessments, exams, or projects your child is involved in, so that nothing important is missed during the transition. Many schools in South Africa—whether traditional or online—are committed to supporting each learner’s future goals by maintaining a structured environment and ensuring continuity in education.

Step-by-step checklist for changing schools

1. Get the documents: Request the latest report card and a transfer letter/certificate from the current school.

2. Check tech: Ensure you have the proper laptop, supplies and internet ready before school begins. For a full equipment list of what's required, reach out to ur team.

3. Resources: Research shows that changing schools can sometimes cause a dip in academic performance, so it’s important to have resources in place to address any gaps or support your child might need. For example, at Teneo, we ensure to offer academic support and extra lessons as needed to ensure a smooth transition and a positive learning experience.

4. Orientation: At Teneo, we host a digital orientation to learn how to use the LMS. Ensure to attend any orientations provided as they help learners adapt to the new environment, ensuring they feel confident navigating the platform.

Why online school?

Online schooling with Teneo offers a mix of live classes and recorded lessons that both provide real-time interaction with teachers and peers. If you’re on the fence as to whether or not you want to shift your child to online learning, here are some benefits of learning online to help you identify if it’s right for your child:

• Flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

• Students can maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, such as sports or arts.

• Reduced anxiety for students who may struggle in traditional school settings, such as those with neurodiverse needs.

• Improved academic outcomes, with many students showing significant progress in their studies.

• Access to a variety of curricula, enabling families to choose the best fit for their child’s educational goals.

Don't wait for "Next Year"

If your child is unhappy or failing, waiting until January does more damage. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of staying at the current one versus switching to a new environment, considering how each option impacts your child's well-being.

Understanding the benefits of changing schools—such as improved academic outcomes, better emotional health, and a more supportive environment—can help you make an informed decision. Because a fresh start in a new environment can turn a bad academic year into a success story.

Enquire about mid-year enrolment.

Find a new love for learning with Teneo

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, .