ISASA is a membership association for independent schools in Southern Africa. It supports member schools and applies membership and quality-assurance conditions; membership is not government school registration or statutory accreditation.
ISASA’s website lists more than 870 member schools across South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zambia. Membership totals can change.
Since ISASA member schools are some of the most sought-after independent schools, if you have a private school, joining ISASA could prove vital in setting your school apart.
What Is ISASA?
The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) is a membership association providing services and support to independent schools.
As a non-profit organisation, ISASA doesn’t manage any schools, nor does it act as a governing body for its member schools.
Members pay an annual subscription. Consult the current subscription schedule and obtain a quotation for the school; older pupil-based rates and discount thresholds should not be assumed current.
How To Register For ISASA?
Joining ISASA is voluntary, but if schools do wish to become ISASA members, they will need to meet specific guidelines in addition to completing the application process. You can learn more about the guidelines for prospective schools and the application process below.
Download and Complete The ISASA Application Form
Use the current membership application information at isasa.org and the association’s membership platform. Complete the form specified for your school and supply the required supporting documents.
- Select the Applicable Form
ISASA has two forms: one for primary and high schools and another for early childhood development (ECD) schools. Depending on the grades your school offers, select – and download – the application form.
- Attach Your School’s Mission Statement
To determine what your school’s philosophies are – and whether they align with ISASA – you will need to attach your school’s mission statement to the ISASA application form.
- Attach Founding Document
Before submitting the form, you will also need to attach the school’s founding documents.
Ensure You Meet The Criteria Set Out For Approved Members of ISASA
While completing the ISASA application, you should also begin analysing the criteria ISASA sets out for its approved members.
Sign The ISASA Conditions of Membership
To ensure that you accept and agree to uphold the conditions of membership, ISASA requires all prospective members to sign the conditions of membership. This document is legally binding and states that intend to uphold the ISASA philosophy and mission, but also acts as an agreement that outlines the conditions of your membership, determining what criteria you need to meet to ensure your membership remains valid. You can find the conditions of membership here
Pay The Assessment Fees
Applicants undergo initial quality assurance against ISASA’s conditions. Existing members undergo quality assurance every six years. Since 2022, the independent organisation responsible is the Office of Independent Schools Evaluations, Southern Africa (OISESA), rather than IQAA. Membership remains subject to ISASA’s assessment and approval.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Credit Scores
Why Should Your Private School Join ISASA?
But, what is the purpose of joining ISASA? Why should your independent school join South Africa’s – and Southern Africa’s – most prestigious schools?
Well, ISASA offers its members discounts and benefits in addition to supporting their interests through lobbying.
Receive Worthwhile Discounts and Benefits
Member services can include insurance arrangements, vacancy advertising, guidance and documents. Check the current membership package, limits and eligibility rather than assuming every annual subscription includes three adverts and identical cover.
Access Expert Government Lobbying
To ensure your rights and interests are promoted, being a member of ISASA will be critical. Due to the association’s size, reputation, and credibility, ISASA holds the expertise to effectively lobby for the interests and rights of its members, representing its members on key bodies and influencing policies and practices.
ISASA membership has long been associated with renown.
Although the association is not part of an accredited body, since the schools belonging to ISASA’s network are required to maintain the highest standards, having this membership can prove worthwhile.
