SPARK Schools
Verified Business
SPARK Schools
Verified Business
100 Reviews (last 12 months)
Responds in 60 hours 15 min
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, SPARK Schools faces significant and persistent criticism across nearly every aspect of its operations. The accounts and billing department is the dominant source of frustration, with parents consistently reporting incorrect statements, unresponsive staff, and disputed charges. Administration, registration, and communication processes are also deeply problematic, particularly around contract termination and transfer letters. Academic support concerns surface repeatedly regarding learners who need additional help.
Top Strengths:
- •Administration, Registration & Communication: While overwhelmingly negative, a few parents specifically praised individual enrolment staff members like George Hoti and Tafadzwa Mhariwa for exceptional service during transfers, showing isolated pockets of professionalism.
Service Quality Ratings
MetricScoreIndustry AvgBest in Class
Performance(last 12 months):
0Trustindex Rating
#12Ranked In Colleges & Universities
60h 15mReply Time
-85 NPSUnlikely
Replied to 74% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 63 hours
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#12
in Colleges & Universities
Avg Reply
60h 15m
NPS Score
-85
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 74% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 63 hours
Review Distribution
1.2|100 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(4.4%)
4(1.1%)
3(1.1%)
2(3.3%)
1(90.1%)
5(4.4%)
4(1.1%)
3(1.1%)
2(3.3%)
1(90.1%)
Recent reviews (100)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceNM
Nandipha M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 12:31
Spark Schools Centurion
Good day, I hope you are well. I would like to raise my concern regarding the documentation requested for my child’s missed Grade 5 assessment. He was genuinely ill and unable to write the exam, and I am worried that he is now being placed at an academic disadvantage due to circumstances beyond his control. According to the Regulations under the South African Schools Act, when a learner is unable to write an exam due to illness or other valid reasons, the school may accept a medical certificate, an affidavit, or any other acceptable proof, countersigned by the Principal, before it is submitted to the assessment body for a decision on promotion. The regulation does not require the affidavit to be issued specifically by a police station, nor does it state that this is the only acceptable form of proof. I have attempted to obtain an affidavit, but nearby police stations indicate they do not issue such affidavits for minors. This inconsistency has made the process difficult, especially as I work full‑time and cannot easily reach distant stations. The regulation also allows for other forms of acceptable proof, not only police‑issued affidavits. Given that my child was genuinely unwell, I kindly request that the school consider a more supportive and learner‑centred approach so that he is not unfairly penalised. The purpose of the assessment process is to evaluate learning, not to disadvantage children when they fall ill unexpectedly. I am committed to providing the required documentation in a form that aligns with the national policy. Please advise on how we can move forward in a way that ensures my child is supported and given the opportunity to complete his assessment without unnecessary delays or barriers. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter fairly. Kind regards, Nandipha Mgijima
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)NM
Nandipha M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 12:31
Spark Schools Centurion
Good day, I hope you are well. I would like to raise my concern regarding the documentation requested for my child’s missed Grade 5 assessment. He was genuinely ill and unable to write the exam, and I am worried that he is now being placed at an academic disadvantage due to circumstances beyond his control. According to the Regulations under the South African Schools Act, when a learner is unable to write an exam due to illness or other valid reasons, the school may accept a medical certificate, an affidavit, or any other acceptable proof, countersigned by the Principal, before it is submitted to the assessment body for a decision on promotion. The regulation does not require the affidavit to be issued specifically by a police station, nor does it state that this is the only acceptable form of proof. I have attempted to obtain an affidavit, but nearby police stations indicate they do not issue such affidavits for minors. This inconsistency has made the process difficult, especially as I work full‑time and cannot easily reach distant stations. The regulation also allows for other forms of acceptable proof, not only police‑issued affidavits. Given that my child was genuinely unwell, I kindly request that the school consider a more supportive and learner‑centred approach so that he is not unfairly penalised. The purpose of the assessment process is to evaluate learning, not to disadvantage children when they fall ill unexpectedly. I am committed to providing the required documentation in a form that aligns with the national policy. Please advise on how we can move forward in a way that ensures my child is supported and given the opportunity to complete his assessment without unnecessary delays or barriers. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter fairly. Kind regards, Nandipha Mgijima
0
Replies (0)KS
Keabetswe S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Mar 2026, 19:32
Spark Weltevreden Park
I am extremely disappointed with the way the principal at SPARK Weltevreden Park handled a simple but important concern regarding my niece’s lost school jersey. The jersey went missing on a Tuesday. My sister contacted the school and even went there in person the same week to try to locate it. Instead of receiving assistance, she was told to simply check the lost-and-found and take any jersey that might fit. This approach raises serious concerns because it suggests that another child could easily take someone else’s uniform and be told to “find any jersey that suits,” which is unacceptable. When I escalated the matter to the principal, I expected leadership and problem-solving. A simple step such as sending a message to parents to check whether anyone might have taken the wrong jersey could have helped resolve the issue quickly. Instead, the response I received focused only on policy and ignored the actual concern being raised. What was particularly disappointing was the tone of the response and the decision to copy additional people into the email without first addressing the concern properly. It came across as dismissive rather than supportive. A school’s leadership sets the tone for how parents and learners are treated. As things stand, this experience has left me worried about my niece’s future under the current leadership. I hope the school reflects on how concerns from parents are handled and prioritizes respectful communication and practical solutions.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)KS
Keabetswe S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Mar 2026, 19:32
Spark Weltevreden Park
I am extremely disappointed with the way the principal at SPARK Weltevreden Park handled a simple but important concern regarding my niece’s lost school jersey. The jersey went missing on a Tuesday. My sister contacted the school and even went there in person the same week to try to locate it. Instead of receiving assistance, she was told to simply check the lost-and-found and take any jersey that might fit. This approach raises serious concerns because it suggests that another child could easily take someone else’s uniform and be told to “find any jersey that suits,” which is unacceptable. When I escalated the matter to the principal, I expected leadership and problem-solving. A simple step such as sending a message to parents to check whether anyone might have taken the wrong jersey could have helped resolve the issue quickly. Instead, the response I received focused only on policy and ignored the actual concern being raised. What was particularly disappointing was the tone of the response and the decision to copy additional people into the email without first addressing the concern properly. It came across as dismissive rather than supportive. A school’s leadership sets the tone for how parents and learners are treated. As things stand, this experience has left me worried about my niece’s future under the current leadership. I hope the school reflects on how concerns from parents are handled and prioritizes respectful communication and practical solutions.
0
Replies (0)TR
Tiisetso R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 07:19
INCORRECT BILLING OPTION
Good day ACCOUNTS/NTHABISENG LECHEKO I have repeatedly requested that our billing option be changed, as we did not request the 10‑month billing option. This has still not been actioned. As a result, we continue receiving incorrect statements, despite my ongoing requests over the past few months for the correct updated statements. I am requesting a call back, as the most recent statement is still not updated. It may be more effective to resolve this telephonically so that we can finally receive a properly updated statement. The outstanding balance reflected on your side does not correspond with what we have on record. Could a senior consultant please contact me urgently? Thank you.
Helpful (0)
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Tiisetso R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 07:19
INCORRECT BILLING OPTION
Good day ACCOUNTS/NTHABISENG LECHEKO I have repeatedly requested that our billing option be changed, as we did not request the 10‑month billing option. This has still not been actioned. As a result, we continue receiving incorrect statements, despite my ongoing requests over the past few months for the correct updated statements. I am requesting a call back, as the most recent statement is still not updated. It may be more effective to resolve this telephonically so that we can finally receive a properly updated statement. The outstanding balance reflected on your side does not correspond with what we have on record. Could a senior consultant please contact me urgently? Thank you.
0
Replies (0)FM
Fortunate M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Feb 2026, 10:49
Spark school worst service ever
I made an application for grade 1 2026 last year and I made a application fee and one month school fees of R4220 on the 19 of March 2025 now I am receiving emails every two weeks telling me that I owe this amount. I have sent multiple emails with POP to Lerato Masilo and till this date she still has not updated the account and worse of it all they are charging me interest. This this just a month of my child being at this school and I am already experiencing problems. Spark finance department staff have no respect for parents. What I hate most is that this Lerato lady has ignored all my messages and when I call and ask for management, I am always told that they are unavailable. I wish I had taken my daughter to another school honestly spark schools have no respect for parents
Helpful (0)
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Fortunate M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Feb 2026, 10:49
Spark school worst service ever
I made an application for grade 1 2026 last year and I made a application fee and one month school fees of R4220 on the 19 of March 2025 now I am receiving emails every two weeks telling me that I owe this amount. I have sent multiple emails with POP to Lerato Masilo and till this date she still has not updated the account and worse of it all they are charging me interest. This this just a month of my child being at this school and I am already experiencing problems. Spark finance department staff have no respect for parents. What I hate most is that this Lerato lady has ignored all my messages and when I call and ask for management, I am always told that they are unavailable. I wish I had taken my daughter to another school honestly spark schools have no respect for parents
0
Replies (0)TR
Tiisetso R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 06:25
RAM3551
Good day Accounts/Nthabiseng Lecheko I am extremely dissatisfied with the billing option app**** to my account this year. Throughout the years my son has been with SPARK, we have always been on the full billing option. However, this year the 10‑month billing option was app**** without our consent. If this option was selected on our behalf, it constitutes *****. Your updates and statements are consistently delayed, and now this issue has arisen, which is very frustrating. I request that this matter be rectified immediately today, or escalated to management for urgent resolution. This situation is unacceptable, and I expect prompt action. Kind regards, Tiisetso
Helpful (0)
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Tiisetso R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 06:25
RAM3551
Good day Accounts/Nthabiseng Lecheko I am extremely dissatisfied with the billing option app**** to my account this year. Throughout the years my son has been with SPARK, we have always been on the full billing option. However, this year the 10‑month billing option was app**** without our consent. If this option was selected on our behalf, it constitutes *****. Your updates and statements are consistently delayed, and now this issue has arisen, which is very frustrating. I request that this matter be rectified immediately today, or escalated to management for urgent resolution. This situation is unacceptable, and I expect prompt action. Kind regards, Tiisetso
0
Replies (0)NK
NOZIPHO K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 02:03
Bad bad bad service and communication
The worst school ever, I can't wait for the year to end and take my child to another school, they dont answer to emails, children are complaining about coaches and some teachers who are always shouting at them and when u send comunication no one cares and responds to those emails, yesterday I was invoiced for late pick up but I have never been informed that my child was picked up late and I never received any phone call like before.Their process of picking up kids is a mess because they are disorganized. I really dont know what I was invoiced for....oh I can write a whole book about the bad service that school has...I wonder if our kids are learning or they running a circus...Kids say if u bring food they dont like, You eat alone in the office, like what the hell that is abusive, my daughter came back with flu last year and she was super wet, they let them go to the artificial grass while it is wet since it rained the previous night...yoooh I'm fed up with the school. I've been quite for 3 year now and there are no changes but it gets worse and worse...I dont even wanna mention the accounts department whew that department is a mess, their statement is not user friendly...oh my word. I dont recommend that school until they do things right. Big up to some of the teachers, my daughter says they are the sweetest...
Helpful (0)
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NOZIPHO K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 02:03
Bad bad bad service and communication
The worst school ever, I can't wait for the year to end and take my child to another school, they dont answer to emails, children are complaining about coaches and some teachers who are always shouting at them and when u send comunication no one cares and responds to those emails, yesterday I was invoiced for late pick up but I have never been informed that my child was picked up late and I never received any phone call like before.Their process of picking up kids is a mess because they are disorganized. I really dont know what I was invoiced for....oh I can write a whole book about the bad service that school has...I wonder if our kids are learning or they running a circus...Kids say if u bring food they dont like, You eat alone in the office, like what the hell that is abusive, my daughter came back with flu last year and she was super wet, they let them go to the artificial grass while it is wet since it rained the previous night...yoooh I'm fed up with the school. I've been quite for 3 year now and there are no changes but it gets worse and worse...I dont even wanna mention the accounts department whew that department is a mess, their statement is not user friendly...oh my word. I dont recommend that school until they do things right. Big up to some of the teachers, my daughter says they are the sweetest...
0
Replies (0)MN
Mvelo N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 20:43
Horrible Customer Experience with Spark School
They do not even deserve one star. Spark School is a very horrible institution in all aspects, poor academic support for children who require additional assistance, terrible communication, and inconsiderate staff. If you truly care about your child’s future, do not take them to this school. I deeply regret enrolling my son there. My son was in Grade 11 at Spark Randburg High. Last year, he experienced academic challenges, and one of the teachers recommended that we take him to an educational psychologist to determine whether he had any learning barriers. I took him for the assessment as suggested, and he was diagnosed with a few learning barriers. However, the psychologist recommended that he remain in mainstream schooling and simply be provided with additional support. I emailed the school the psychologist’s report, but they did not even acknowledge receipt. During the exams, they failed to grant my son the additional support recommended by the psychologist, and as a result, he failed Grade 11. My son’s mother went to the school to find out why he was not provided with the recommended support and to request that he be condoned to the next grade. The first thing Mr X, who is part of the school’s decision‑making structure, said that we should deregister our son from Spark and look for a school that could support him. We then reached out to their head office via email, addressed to their Network Operations Manager. She ignored our emails, so we went to the head office in person. When we eventually spoke to her, she showed no real interest in assisting. She simply said they would provide my son with the support he needs and that she would communicate with the school, but she provided no plan, no timelines, and no actionable steps. The school itself was not even aware of any supposed plan. It became clear that the school had no interest in supporting my son. Mr X insisted again that he should leave and find a school that could cater for his needs. We eventually followed his advice because we did not want to cause further stress for our child. We deregistered him from Spark Randburg High as suggested. Now Spark is telling me that I must pay three months’ school fees because, according to the contract, I had to give three months’ notice. They failed my son, pushed him out, and now they want me to pay for it. How does paying for a service that was not delivered make any sense?
Helpful (0)
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Mvelo N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 20:43
Horrible Customer Experience with Spark School
They do not even deserve one star. Spark School is a very horrible institution in all aspects, poor academic support for children who require additional assistance, terrible communication, and inconsiderate staff. If you truly care about your child’s future, do not take them to this school. I deeply regret enrolling my son there. My son was in Grade 11 at Spark Randburg High. Last year, he experienced academic challenges, and one of the teachers recommended that we take him to an educational psychologist to determine whether he had any learning barriers. I took him for the assessment as suggested, and he was diagnosed with a few learning barriers. However, the psychologist recommended that he remain in mainstream schooling and simply be provided with additional support. I emailed the school the psychologist’s report, but they did not even acknowledge receipt. During the exams, they failed to grant my son the additional support recommended by the psychologist, and as a result, he failed Grade 11. My son’s mother went to the school to find out why he was not provided with the recommended support and to request that he be condoned to the next grade. The first thing Mr X, who is part of the school’s decision‑making structure, said that we should deregister our son from Spark and look for a school that could support him. We then reached out to their head office via email, addressed to their Network Operations Manager. She ignored our emails, so we went to the head office in person. When we eventually spoke to her, she showed no real interest in assisting. She simply said they would provide my son with the support he needs and that she would communicate with the school, but she provided no plan, no timelines, and no actionable steps. The school itself was not even aware of any supposed plan. It became clear that the school had no interest in supporting my son. Mr X insisted again that he should leave and find a school that could cater for his needs. We eventually followed his advice because we did not want to cause further stress for our child. We deregistered him from Spark Randburg High as suggested. Now Spark is telling me that I must pay three months’ school fees because, according to the contract, I had to give three months’ notice. They failed my son, pushed him out, and now they want me to pay for it. How does paying for a service that was not delivered make any sense?
0
Replies (0)SS
Simelane S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:05
Horrible Service
My experience with Spark Kempton Park and Midrand has been the worst. In Kempton Park my car was jammed and I alerted them only to be told send email to head office which I did and there was no reply since August last year. This past Monday my son lost his tablet in High school in after care class in the presence of the teacher and I have been told there is nothing they can do. There are no lockers to protect tablets at school mind you tablet is R6000 and no one saw anything. Their response was so cold and they even said its not their problem. All they know is billing us incorrectly yet they cant even control traffic at school.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)SS
Simelane S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:05
Horrible Service
My experience with Spark Kempton Park and Midrand has been the worst. In Kempton Park my car was jammed and I alerted them only to be told send email to head office which I did and there was no reply since August last year. This past Monday my son lost his tablet in High school in after care class in the presence of the teacher and I have been told there is nothing they can do. There are no lockers to protect tablets at school mind you tablet is R6000 and no one saw anything. Their response was so cold and they even said its not their problem. All they know is billing us incorrectly yet they cant even control traffic at school.
0
Replies (0)