Ages 4 to 6

School options for ages 4 to 6

At CambriLearn, children aged 4 to 6 can start with Early Years, the first national curriculum grades or Kindergarten, depending on the pathway. Compare the starting stages and the help your child will need at home.

Speak to a consultant Explore fees

Ages are a guide. Admissions confirms placement from your child’s readiness, previous learning and the requirements of each pathway.

Teaching and parent support

CambriOS connects the learning experience, curriculum routes, school community and information for parents.

See the school experience

CambriCampus

The school day and learning experience

CambriPathways

Curriculum and qualification routes

CambriCommunity

Belonging and school life

CambriCommand

The parent view and school information

Planning the first school years

Before choosing a curriculum, look at the starting level, the lesson format and who will help your child during the day.

Find the starting level

Tell admissions about your child’s language skills, number work and any learning they have completed. The team can discuss a suitable grade or stage.

Look at the lessons

Ask to see how teachers introduce a topic and what your child will do afterwards. Check the live teaching and feedback included in the package.

Plan adult support

Choose who will help with instructions, materials and the daily routine. Young children need an adult available during learning time.

See how online school works

Compare the relevant curriculum routes

Use these summaries to choose a route to investigate. The curriculum pages hold the full subjects, teaching options and entry details.

Early years and the start of primary

International British

Explore the Early Years pathway and the move into Primary. Placement depends on readiness and current learning.

Explore International British

Grade RR and Grade R to the first grades

CAPS

Explore the Foundation Phase in English, following South Africa’s national curriculum.

Explore CAPS

Starting at Graad 1

KABV

For families seeking schooling in Afrikaans. KABV begins at Graad 1, so this is not an early-years option for every child in this age group.

Explore KABV

Kindergarten and the first grades

US curriculum

Explore the US route from Kindergarten. Admissions can confirm the right entry grade and teaching package.

Explore US curriculum

British stage details

If you are considering the International British route, read the subjects and requirements on the relevant stage page. Admissions confirms placement.

British early years British primary stage 1

Your role in the first school years

You help your child get started, work through instructions and organise the day. Before enrolling, ask how much adult involvement the proposed grade and package will need.

Explore the parent experience

Before choosing a package

Confirm your child’s starting level and language of learning.
Look at a sample week and the lessons included in your package.
Plan who will be available during learning time.

Compare fees and support

School life

Time with other children

Plan time for local activities and other children alongside schoolwork. You can also check CambriLearn events for opportunities that suit your child’s age and location.

CambriCommunity’s online space is for ages 12 and over. Events and activities have their own age, location and fee requirements.

Explore CambriCommunity See upcoming events

Useful next steps

Find detailed guidance on the next decision.

How online school works

See the teaching experience and what learning at home involves.

Online primary school in South Africa

Guidance for families choosing the early and primary years in South Africa.

Parent questions answered

Practical answers to common questions before enrolling.

Questions parents ask

Does my child have to start at a particular level because of their age

No. These age groups help you explore the options. Admissions considers your child’s readiness, previous learning and the entry requirements of the curriculum before recommending a grade or stage.

Can children aged four start every curriculum

No. Entry points differ. International British includes Early Years, CAPS includes Grade RR and Grade R, KABV starts at Graad 1 and the US route starts at Kindergarten. Ask admissions which option fits your child.

Will I need to sit with my child all day

Young learners need an adult available to help with the routine and activities. The amount of help varies by child, grade and package. Ask to see the lesson format and expected parent role before choosing.

Are live lessons included in every package

Teaching and support differ by curriculum, grade and package. Review the current package comparison and confirm the live lessons, recordings and teacher feedback included in your choice.

Talk through the options for your child

Tell admissions which curriculum and grade your child follows. Ask about placement, teaching support and fees before choosing.