UCT Online High School
Verified Business
UCT Online High School
Verified Business
136 Reviews (last 12 months)
Responds in 27 hours 9 min
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, UCT Online High School presents a sharply polarised customer experience. Positive reviewers praise the flexibility, self-paced learning model, and supportive coaches, while negative reviewers consistently describe systemic technical failures during assessments, unresponsive administration, disputed billing and refund practices, and a lack of human accountability when problems arise. The school scores well on Teaching & Academic Support (3.4) but struggles significantly with Administration (1.8) and Fees (1.5).
Top Strengths:
- •Teaching & Academic Support: Support coaches and teachers are frequently praised for patience, encouragement, and genuine care. Several parents note children thriving academically and developing independence, with named staff like Mr Eric Grimbeek highlighted for reliability and approachability.
Service Quality Ratings
MetricScoreIndustry AvgBest in Class
Performance(last 12 months):
0Trustindex Rating
#13Ranked In Education & Training
27h 9mReply Time
-30 NPSUnlikely
Replied to 75% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 32 hours 51 min
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#13
in Education & Training
Avg Reply
27h 9m
NPS Score
-30
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 75% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 32 hours 51 min
Review Distribution
1.9|136 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(21.3%)
4(4.6%)
3(2.8%)
2(3.7%)
1(67.6%)
5(21.3%)
4(4.6%)
3(2.8%)
2(3.7%)
1(67.6%)
Recent reviews (136)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceSM
Spo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 06:51
UCT Online High School
<div>Whatever you do, don't take your child to this school. There is no support whatsoever and the school refuses to even meet me as a parent because "the school is not setting appointments at this time". Mind you, there is no telephone number you can call. At the same time they place barriers to exiting the school. Basically once you enter you are done for. If I knew this is the level of service I was to receive from this school, I was not never going to move my child from Teneo. They are approx 300 in a class. 300, no wonder they do not have time to see anyone.</div>
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)SM
Spo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 06:51
UCT Online High School
<div>Whatever you do, don't take your child to this school. There is no support whatsoever and the school refuses to even meet me as a parent because "the school is not setting appointments at this time". Mind you, there is no telephone number you can call. At the same time they place barriers to exiting the school. Basically once you enter you are done for. If I knew this is the level of service I was to receive from this school, I was not never going to move my child from Teneo. They are approx 300 in a class. 300, no wonder they do not have time to see anyone.</div>
0
Replies (0)RM
Refentse M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 Mar 2026, 16:35
Invalid Sanctions
I am extremely disappointed with the way UCT Online High School handled a recent situation involving my learner. Sanctions were issued based on what appears to be questionable information from their invigilator app, despite the fact that I personally monitored my learner throughout the assessment and no irregularities took place. It is very concerning that such serious decisions can be made with what seems to be insufficient or unreliable evidence. As a parent, I expect a fair, transparent process where concerns are properly investigated and parents are given a chance to provide context before sanctions are imposed. Technology should support academic integrity, but it should not replace proper review and human judgment especially when it impacts a learner’s academic record. I hope the school reviews its procedures and ensures that evidence from monitoring tools is verified thoroughly before penalising students.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)RM
Refentse M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 Mar 2026, 16:35
Invalid Sanctions
I am extremely disappointed with the way UCT Online High School handled a recent situation involving my learner. Sanctions were issued based on what appears to be questionable information from their invigilator app, despite the fact that I personally monitored my learner throughout the assessment and no irregularities took place. It is very concerning that such serious decisions can be made with what seems to be insufficient or unreliable evidence. As a parent, I expect a fair, transparent process where concerns are properly investigated and parents are given a chance to provide context before sanctions are imposed. Technology should support academic integrity, but it should not replace proper review and human judgment especially when it impacts a learner’s academic record. I hope the school reviews its procedures and ensures that evidence from monitoring tools is verified thoroughly before penalising students.
0
Replies (0)CK
Cass K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 09:59
Horrible experience
Genuinely awful school. No opportunity to rewrite tests. Assignments and tasks are complicated to upload and the methods of such are always changing. No real educational help as my daughter had to basically self teach. Little to no socialization and empty hands to out reach to as some of the emails listed under "Support" do not even work and don't even link to emails. Before your child's grades suffer for foolish reasons please stay away from this organization.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)CK
Cass K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 09:59
Horrible experience
Genuinely awful school. No opportunity to rewrite tests. Assignments and tasks are complicated to upload and the methods of such are always changing. No real educational help as my daughter had to basically self teach. Little to no socialization and empty hands to out reach to as some of the emails listed under "Support" do not even work and don't even link to emails. Before your child's grades suffer for foolish reasons please stay away from this organization.
0
Replies (0)MM
Michelle M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 06:45
Please read this before joining the school
Coming from someone that's been with the school for 4 years, joining this school was the worst decision I've ever made. it's advertised as an online school but you teach yourself EVERYTHING, sessions with teachers are once a week for one hour so what exactly are students being taught in such a short amount of time? Please only come to this school if you're already a top student (your chances of succeeding with this school are better) and not an average student like me because this school isn't made for the average student, you teach yourself EVERYTHING and I don't think a lot of people realize how difficult this actually is. I can't even count how many times the school has changed the way modules are done, how soon they can be done, how to submit cycle test/exams, support coaches, what you can and cannot appeal, you always have to adjust to something new every couple of months, the school just seems unsure in the way they provide students with learning materials and the technical errors are endless here and absolutely no remorse is shown when its something that was absolutely out of your control, invigilator app glitches and doesn't let you write a test/exam ? you'll still get a zero even though there's proof (screenshots/videos), missing out on marks (unfairly) at this school is something you just have to get used to unfortunately... The lack of interaction here is out of this world, I used to be a social person and now I'm anxious whenever I leave the house. Parents if you cannot create an environment where your child actually has days or some sort of activity where they interact with their own peers on a regular basis DO NOT enroll them with this school. I missed out on so much that I should have experienced during my teenage years and unfortunately I'll never get that period of my life back. This school put me through so much stress... so I write this in hopes that a parent or child will see this and think twice before enrolling with the school. the chances of failure literally QUADRUPLE at this school.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MM
Michelle M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 06:45
Please read this before joining the school
Coming from someone that's been with the school for 4 years, joining this school was the worst decision I've ever made. it's advertised as an online school but you teach yourself EVERYTHING, sessions with teachers are once a week for one hour so what exactly are students being taught in such a short amount of time? Please only come to this school if you're already a top student (your chances of succeeding with this school are better) and not an average student like me because this school isn't made for the average student, you teach yourself EVERYTHING and I don't think a lot of people realize how difficult this actually is. I can't even count how many times the school has changed the way modules are done, how soon they can be done, how to submit cycle test/exams, support coaches, what you can and cannot appeal, you always have to adjust to something new every couple of months, the school just seems unsure in the way they provide students with learning materials and the technical errors are endless here and absolutely no remorse is shown when its something that was absolutely out of your control, invigilator app glitches and doesn't let you write a test/exam ? you'll still get a zero even though there's proof (screenshots/videos), missing out on marks (unfairly) at this school is something you just have to get used to unfortunately... The lack of interaction here is out of this world, I used to be a social person and now I'm anxious whenever I leave the house. Parents if you cannot create an environment where your child actually has days or some sort of activity where they interact with their own peers on a regular basis DO NOT enroll them with this school. I missed out on so much that I should have experienced during my teenage years and unfortunately I'll never get that period of my life back. This school put me through so much stress... so I write this in hopes that a parent or child will see this and think twice before enrolling with the school. the chances of failure literally QUADRUPLE at this school.
0
Replies (0)FE
Farahnaaz E
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 06:12
Urgent: Deregistration Confirmation and Debit Order Cancellation
Dear UCT Online High School Support Team, I am writing to request urgent assistance regarding my son's deregistration and the continued billing on my account. On 12 January, the first day of the academic year, my son attended one online class and immediately felt that the program was not suitable for him. On the same day, I began the process of deregistering him from the school. After taking some time to locate the correct process, I submitted the deregistration request on 12 January and followed up with additional emails to ensure the request was received. I understand that I may reasonably be liable for one month’s fee, and I am willing to accept responsibility for that if required. However, I do not understand why I am being held responsible for three months of payments, despite having submitted the deregistration request on the very first day. I have also attempted to resolve this matter through WhatsApp support, but unfortunately there appears to be no direct contact number, and my emails have not received a response. It has been very difficult to get assistance or speak to someone directly regarding this issue. I kindly request the following: Confirmation that my son has been deregistered from the school A review and correction of the billing on my account Immediate cancellation of the debit order linked to my account to prevent any further deductions Please note that I do not authorize any further debit orders from my account, as I formally requested deregistration on 12 January. Your urgent assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I am currently in a difficult financial position and cannot afford to be held liable for charges beyond the initial month. Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to your prompt response. Kind regards, Farahnaaz Emeran
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)FE
Farahnaaz E
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 06:12
Urgent: Deregistration Confirmation and Debit Order Cancellation
Dear UCT Online High School Support Team, I am writing to request urgent assistance regarding my son's deregistration and the continued billing on my account. On 12 January, the first day of the academic year, my son attended one online class and immediately felt that the program was not suitable for him. On the same day, I began the process of deregistering him from the school. After taking some time to locate the correct process, I submitted the deregistration request on 12 January and followed up with additional emails to ensure the request was received. I understand that I may reasonably be liable for one month’s fee, and I am willing to accept responsibility for that if required. However, I do not understand why I am being held responsible for three months of payments, despite having submitted the deregistration request on the very first day. I have also attempted to resolve this matter through WhatsApp support, but unfortunately there appears to be no direct contact number, and my emails have not received a response. It has been very difficult to get assistance or speak to someone directly regarding this issue. I kindly request the following: Confirmation that my son has been deregistered from the school A review and correction of the billing on my account Immediate cancellation of the debit order linked to my account to prevent any further deductions Please note that I do not authorize any further debit orders from my account, as I formally requested deregistration on 12 January. Your urgent assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I am currently in a difficult financial position and cannot afford to be held liable for charges beyond the initial month. Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to your prompt response. Kind regards, Farahnaaz Emeran
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Replies (0)M
Matsatsane
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 13:27
Overall experience
I had no problems. Whenever there was anything I didn't understand or like, there was always someone to explain and expand. I was not the best in technology and help was always at hand. I enjoyed the fact that vernacular was not a problem or a by-the-way-subject. In my experience it is impossible in South Africa to find a good school that takes vernacular serious. The coaches were always patient and engaging every time we needed them.thanks.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)M
Matsatsane
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Feb 2026, 13:27
Overall experience
I had no problems. Whenever there was anything I didn't understand or like, there was always someone to explain and expand. I was not the best in technology and help was always at hand. I enjoyed the fact that vernacular was not a problem or a by-the-way-subject. In my experience it is impossible in South Africa to find a good school that takes vernacular serious. The coaches were always patient and engaging every time we needed them.thanks.
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Replies (0)CB
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